Even the political scene likes to get a little makeover once in a while. Last week marked the 10th annual Welcome To Our World event, hosted by the Professional Beauty Federation (PBF) on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. And while members of Congress get to be pampered on this evening, some of the most important political issues facing the beauty industry are also brought to light. Let’s just say, it’s like ironing two birds with one flat iron.

According to the PBF, the beauty industry is a $60 billion industry that has limited qualified individuals to meet the demand they face. In fact, the shortage is about 3:1 — the demand is three times greater than the supply of qualified individuals. For this reason, it is paramount that the beauty industry have representation and fairness in taxation and other issues so that more individuals will feel confident in entering the beauty workforce.

Facing the beauty industry this year are important issues, such as inclusion in H.R. 3724 — the Small Business Tax Equalization and Compliance Act. With this, salon owners could claim a tax credit for FICA taxes they pay on the tips of their employees (similar to what restaurants already have). Another big issue is access to beauty education and giving students the option to choose the programs that meet their own needs and career goals.

Beauty volunteers that included hair stylists, nail technicians, massage therapists, makeup artists, and others were on hand to give over 600 members of Congress (plus their key staffers) a little beauty treatment. This was the perfect way to engage Capitol Hill in an industry that dedicates itself to helping other people and have them see what their supporters do on a daily basis.

-Amanda Fornecker

October is breast cancer awareness month. And as the daughter of someone who has recovered from the disease (thank goodness!), I love to hear all the great efforts of those who try to eradicate this disease from the radar. And the beauty industry is just one of the many that are getting involved.

Companies like Bare Escentuals, DuWop, Decleor, Shiseido, and others will be donating part of their proceeds from particularly designated products purchased by consumers to Cancer and Careers, a resource for working women with cancer. This is great news for the organization that was founded in 2001 that helps women who have been diagnosed with cancer to deal with how to tell their places of employment and what to expect.

Additionally, the State College of Beauty Culture (Wausau, WI) plans to hold its annual Cuts for Cancer fundraiser to donate money to local charities. Pink merchandise will be sold by the faculty and students of the beauty school and a cut-a-thon on October 29 will bring clients, who have at least 10 inches of hair to donate to Locks for Love, for free cuts and styles.

It’s so nice to see the beauty industry coming together to do something for a good cause. Keep up the amazing work!!

-Amanda Fornecker

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been interested in the beauty industry, but I never actually thought to make it my career. After researching a little bit more about the beauty industry, I was able to find out a few different things. I have various options when it comes to the beauty industry, and it just might be time to pursue those dreams.

Upon researching beauty school, I have realized that it is an attainable goal. In just a short period of time (less than a year for most programs!) I can earn a certificate, meet a network of beauty professionals, and get my license to work with real clients. And while I thought a cosmetology license was the way to go, after doing the research, I now realize that I would be better-suited to get my esthetician license. There is a difference.

Cosmetologists learn a variety of techniques at beauty school. It’s more than just makeup applications. You also work with hair, nails, and skin. This is not where I want my focus to be because I really want to focus on skin. An esthetician, on the other hand, learns about the skin and its disorders, as well as how to apply makeup successfully. (If only I could figure out how to have flawless skin – my life would be complete!) Not to mention I really want to help others feel good about themselves.

The point here is that maybe it’s time for me to take my love for all things beauty and turn it into a lucrative and fun career. And even if it’s not a full-time thing (I do love writing, after all!), maybe I can pursue this passion and make some extra income. The main thing about beauty school is that most provide beauty school students with flexibility and an efficient curriculum that will ensure the student’s success upon graduation. Beauty schools prepare students for their licensing exams (don’t forget that requirements vary by state), and the best ones have their accreditation so you know that you’re getting the most up-to-date curriculum.

What I ultimately end up doing is a mystery at this crossroads in my life. I’m left wondering if this down economy is really the best time to pursue my dream, but I hear that many would rather forego other frivolous purchases than anything pertaining to beauty. Hopefully I will be able to make my dream a reality one day soon and start helping others feel beautiful in their skin.

-Amanda Fornecker