Cosmetology Alum, Vance Onsurez, Now Manager at Local Salon
Cosmetology Alum, Vance Onsurez, Now Manager at Local Salon
Âé¶¹´«Ã½ alumnus, Vance Onsurez, now manages local Smart Style salon after obtaining his cosmetology certificate with the help of Âé¶¹´«Ã½ Foundation scholarships.
Onsurez graduated from Âé¶¹´«Ã½ in May 2017 with his certificate in cosmetology. After attempting the cosmetology program at another institution, Onsurez was introduced to Âé¶¹´«Ã½â€™s program by his sister, Valerie Onsurez Gauna.
He noted big differences between Âé¶¹´«Ã½ and the other school’s cosmetology programs. “Most other schools don’t have the business part of cosmetology. At the junior college, you learn a lot about how to run a business and product sales. It really prepared me for the business environment.â€
Onsurez, originally from Loving, NM, dealt with a lot of separation anxiety when he first attended Âé¶¹´«Ã½. “Being away from home, even though it was just an hour and a half away, was hard.â€
He recalled one of his favorite moments at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ as being the cosmetology pinning ceremony. “It was a moment that I will never forget. It made it all worth it, all the emotions of being away from home were justified and I realized that I was never actually alone. All the professors here were not just my mentors but friends and my family away from family.â€
Onsurez has big dreams of owning his own salon and becoming a platform artist for aspiring stylists. He wants to attend shows around the nation and continue to learn more about cosmetology.
He states about Âé¶¹´«Ã½: “It was so welcoming and hands-on. Everyone was caring and made sure I had what I needed to succeed and the scholarship I received saved me from having to take out student loans.
Âé¶¹´«Ã½ is a great place to put your foot in the door. It’s a place to have the perfect college experience without having all the pressure of a big school.â€


