Former student discusses success in cosmetology

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
As a child, Lizbeth Pena was obsessed with hair. She yearned to
style her mom’s or aunt’s hair. In her teens, Pena didn’t change her
aspirations.
“It always caught my attention,” Pena says. “I would see people
with different colored hair. I thought that would be amazing.
“As I grew older, I wanted to give people the change they want. I
want to be able to learn how to do it.”
She’s doing just that as a student at Career Success Schools’ free
cosmetology program. At the end of the program, students receive a
certificate of completion, and they can use that to apply for the state
exam.
The school offers a full-service salon, which is generally open to
the public.
In the program, the teens learn everything an adult cosmetology
student would master — highlights, relaxing, cutting, braiding, lash
applications, waxing, acrylic nails and pedicures. The students charge $6
for haircuts; color starts at $20; acrylic nails are $10 per set; $6
pedicures; $5 eyebrow waxing and $10 face waxing.
Student Sonora Ray considers herself a “girly girl.” She’s always
been interested in the creativity behind hair color and nails. At Career
Success Schools, she’s focusing on hair color. Her goal is to own a
salon.
“I always wanted to do cosmetology,” she says. “I finished my
English credits and went into cosmetology. The students are nice, and
the teachers are great.”
Pena says the teachers inspire her creativity, and challenge her to
do better.
“When we have rough days, she pushes us and I really like that she
pushes us to get the best out of us,” Pena says. “I am 20. After
cosmetology, I want to go into education. Cosmetology will be a side

job. I want to be a teacher. I’ll probably go to Phoenix College and then
transfer.”
Career Success Schools is located at 2816 N. 27th Avenue,
Phoenix. For more information, visit csschools.com or call 602-285-
5525.