Dream of Business Ownership Comes True for EVIT Alum

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Guest Post by CeCe Todd, East Valley Institute of Technology

Beka Hussong’s journey into the skin care industry began in high school when she enrolled in the East Valley Institute of Technology’s Aesthetics program. Now today at age 28, she is the creator, owner and operator of 3BWaxing, a salon in Orange County, Calif., with a skin care line being sold all over the United States and internationally.

“I always wanted to have my own business because I always wanted to be my own boss and live on my terms,” said Hussong, who completed her EVIT training and graduated from Mesa’s Heritage Academy charter school in 2010. “I own a salon where I do waxing, facials and chemical peels. My business also sells skin care and my signature 3BWaxing exfoliating pads all over the U.S., U.K., Canada, U.A.E., and recently, the Netherlands. I also train and teach other estheticians.”

Hussong’s dream to own her own business is a common one among EVIT students. Some start out learning skills and a trade at EVIT so they can take over their family’s business one day, while others, like Hussong, learn skills at EVIT and then go on to college to earn a business degree.

“I have a trade that has turned into a lucrative career and I was able to start young which sets me apart,” Hussong said.

 EVIT offers over 40 career training programs tuition-free for high school students – public, charter, private or home-schooled – who reside in 11 East Valley school districts. Tuition-based programs for adults are also offered, with financial aid available in some programs for those who qualify.

The Aesthetics program is a one-year program offered through the EVIT Academy of Cosmetic Arts. After completing the program, students are eligible to take the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology exam to earn an Aesthetics license.

“I heard about the program through a friend who did it,” Hussong said. “A year before I applied for the program, I started working on my high school credits to make sure I could fit EVIT into my high school schedule.”

Hussong’s EVIT instructor from 2010, Karen Ortiz, still teaches the Aesthetics program. “She gave me so much insight on what it would be like owning a salon and being in the industry,” Hussong said.

That’s because EVIT teachers typically have experience in an industry and have chosen to teach the next generation of that industry’s workforce. Hussong also is training and teaching others.

“I have courses for estheticians, cosmetologists, massage therapists, and nail techs on how to attract clients to their salon, increase their income easily, improve their waxing technique, and create their own products,” she said. “I have had the pleasure to be able to help so many salon professionals achieve their own product line and increase their revenue.”

To high school students thinking about attending EVIT, Hussong recommends: “Go for it. It will be one of the best things you do for your future. You will leave with a skill that will always make you money.”

EVIT students have a 98% high school graduation rate and 2 out of 3 go on to college. Within a year of completing their training, 94% are in jobs related to their training, college or the military. Enroll: www.evit.com/enroll.

Beka’s Career Path:

  • Graduated from Heritage Academy & completed EVIT Aesthetics program in 2010
  • Earned Aesthetician license from Arizona State Board of Cosmetology
  • Earned Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, at the University of Arizona
  • Worked as business operations associate at Aerotek, regional trainer and wax specialist at European Wax Center and lead esthetician and pro waxer at Equinox
  • Today: Owns and operates 3BWaxing salon in Orange County, Calif.
This blog post is a sponsored post written by East Valley Moms contributors on behalf of some of the brands featured in the post, but all opinions are 100% ours. Thank you for allowing us to partner with brands we believe in to continue to bring you free content!

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