By Allie Bluhm

Summer Perry of Kinston knew she wanted to be a nurse, but she also had a desire to become a cosmetologist.

Lenoir Community College was the answer to both of her dreams. 

“I always felt pulled to follow my passion of being a cosmetologist,” Perry said. She completed LCC’s associate degree nursing program and worked as a registered nurse for two years. Though she loved her career as a nurse, she knew her true calling was in cosmetology.

 “I spent most of my summers in high school working in my grandmother’s salon,” Perry said. “My grandmother was my hero and I wanted to be just like her.” 

After deciding to pursue her passion, Perry returned to LCC in August 2017 to enroll in the cosmetology program and she didn’t look back.

“On the first day walking into the cosmetology department, I felt like I was at home,” she said

The LCC cosmetology program offers an associate degree, diploma and certificates. Students learn skills such as hair design, skin care and nail care. Students train in a simulated salon environment to give them a chance to practice their skills. The salon offers cosmetic services to the public and welcomes patron walk-ins. 

Program Chair Christy Riley explained the process of getting a cosmetology license.

“Students can leave here after 1,500 salon hours and then take their state board exam and get their license,” she said.

However, there is another option.

“After completing 1,200 salon hours, students can take their state board exam and then work with a salon to finish their remaining 300 hours to get their license,” Riley said.

This is what Perry did to complete the program.

“It was important for me to have flexible salon hours while completing the cosmetology program,” she said.

Not only was she working to complete her degree, but she continued to work part-time as a nurse while also expecting her first child.

“The cosmetology program is able to accommodate anybody’s schedule,” Perry said. “I was not the typical college student and LCC made my goals achievable.” 

Riley strives to make the cosmetology program accessible to all students.

“The hours are from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays,” she said. “We are aware that our students may have jobs or children they need to take care of, so our hours are set to fit those needs.” 

Riley said she loves to see how her program has helped students.

“It’s so rewarding to see them grow and find what they love,” she said.

She also has recommendations to incoming cosmetology students.

“Be dedicated to the program, it’s not always easy,” Riley said. “You are on your feet most of the day — you really have to want to succeed.”

Perry has now completed the program and has a nursing degree and a cosmetology certificate from LCC. Her experience shows that it is never too late to pursue your passion. Today, she still works at UNC Lenoir hospital while also working at Glamorous Salon in Kinston.

“It brings me so much joy to help others see the beauty in themselves every day,” she said.