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It is the end of an era.
As of Friday, Hair Tech School of Cosmetology in Creston is closing its doors after 37 years.
“It’s weird. It would be 37 years in September,” said Jim Sissel, co-owner of Hair Tech School of Cosmetology. “When you do something like that that you’ve done that long it’s just kind of ingrained. I know it’s going to be a tremendous adjustment for Mary Lee and me.”
Since its opening in 1979 by Glen Tull, Mary Lee Foltz and Sissel, Hair Tech has shaped the careers of more than 600 students from Creston, Des Moines, Chariton, Maryville, Clarinda, Red Oak and more. Students have sought out an education at Hair Tech over the years for its competitive tuition and small class sizes.
“I decided (to attend Hair Tech) for the cost of tuition down here in comparison to Des Moines and the student-to-teacher ratio,” said MaKenzi Vonk, co-owner of Reflections Beauty and Tanning in Creston.
Vonk, 24, of Creston, said she graduated early from high school in Dec. 2009 at 17 years old and made a last minute decision to attend Hair Tech, where she enrolled March 2010.
“I had a good experience,” Vonk said. “I felt like I got an actual education. I’ve worked with girls that couldn’t do half of the stuff I do. They knew the modern stuff. I learned the basics. That is one thing they pride themselves on.”
Vonk said having a complete understanding of the fundamentals of a hair style allows her to adapt and explore more creative styles.
“They taught us how to do finger waves, pin curls, things you don’t necessarily get taught when you go to bigger schools,” Vonk said. “They (other cosmetology schools) focus on what’s trending right now.”
Sissel said Hair Tech’s philosophy is that each student needs to know the basics.
“It changes,” Sissel said. “If you’re in it more than five years, fashion changes. So, it doesn’t take you long to adapt.”
Brenda Mahan, 37, of Creston was appreciative of having a cosmetology school so close to home. Like many Hair Tech students, Mahan was a non-traditional student.
“I didn’t go right out of high school,” Mahan said. “I was married and had a kid, so, it was convenient and I didn’t have to travel.”
Mahan and Vonk said they are sad to see the school go.
“It’s sad,” Vonk said. “But, they’ve been doing it for so long. I am sure they are ready for different avenues in their lives.”
“I am happy for them,” Mahan said. “They have been there for so long, so, so I am also sad to see it go, especially since there isn’t any hair schools close by.”
Moving forward
Sissel said one of the reasons Hair Tech is closing is because he and fellow co-owner Mary Lee Foltz are nearing retirement. But, one of the main reasons is declining enrollment.
“We’ve been private pay for a long time,” Sissle said.
What this means is that students who attend Hair Tech do not receive Federal pell grants to attend school and typically are cash-paying or take out private loans to fund their education.
“That has made it difficult for them (students),” Sissel said.
Sissel said they did not attempt to find a new owner, other than approaching Southwestern Community College (SWCC) about adding it to their offerings. According to Sissel, SWCC was not interested in offering cosmetology courses at this time.
Sissel said the closure is bittersweet, and looking forward to working less. But, will miss clients and friends.
“You are in this for so long, you grow old together,” Sissel said. “I will definitely miss the people.”
You can find Sissel, Foltz and Tull cutting and styling hair at Hair House, 110 N. Oak St., and will offer continuing education opportunities for license renewal for interested participants.