Raymond home to new unique cosmetology school

By Karlene Skretting
Westwind Weekly News
reporter.karlene@gmail.com

A small class size and qualified talented instructors are the two key corner stones to the Bella Elite Beauty Academy that will commence classes June 1 in Raymond.
“I wanted to keep everything small and simple but give the best quality education possible so we called it Elite,” explained Kayla Reyes, owner and director of Bella Elite Beauty Academy.
The Beauty Academy can proudly say they are Alberta’s newest cosmetology program and unique in the fact that after 9 months students will not only receive their cosmetology diploma but also aesthetics certificates in advanced makeup, facials, pedicures, manicures, waxing, extensions and UV gel nails.
“We have created a curriculum that is really unique to our Academy that is added into the nine month program which no one else in Alberta has,” explained Reyes acknowledging that most hair schools spend nine months working solely on hair certification.
With small class sizes of around six students, Reyes is confident that all the one-on-one instruction time will give the students the help they need to meet and fulfill all the necessary requirements to confidently complete their Government Apprenticeship program, an additional 1400 hour practicum, and become a fully licensed Beautician in an efficient manner.
Reyes chose to open up her new business in Raymond because she loves the small town atmosphere and wants to give locals a chance to learn closer to home so they can save money while still receiving a quality education.
She also has a 17-year-old daughter who is strongly considering going into cosmetology after graduating from high school next year, so Reyes saw it as a fitting time to establish a quality and affordable local program that she would be comfortable and confident sending her own daughter to.
One of the main mandates of the program is to maintain a small school atmosphere that is true to its small town setting.
“I want the girls to feel close and comfortable like a family,” shared Reyes about her goal for the program.
The Bella Elite Beauty Academy staff includes Shane Carroll (advanced make up), Lorna Piraux (lead educator, beginner program and theory) and Vicky Scott (intermediate class, aesthetics, American Crew). Students will also benefit from hands on learning opportunities with Antonio Reyes an expert barber and American Crew stylist.
“The people I have found to help establish the Academy are amazing, they have such a tremendous background that I can’t see anything but full potential and success from the students when they leave.”
The course costs just over $14,000 which includes tuition, books, kits and travel expenses. Reyes pointed out that the government of Alberta Apprenticeship has an incentive program, that upon successful completion of your 1400 hour apprenticeship you will receive a $4,000 reimbursement to apply to your outstanding student loans.
Intake is every six weeks beginning June 1st, July 13, August 24, and so on.
Having a new Academy opening in Raymond is definitely sparking interest which has lead to many successful applications, said Reyes. “We are looking forward to all future applications.”
Reyes interviews and gets to know each applicant personally, as her number one priority is the students.
Other highlights for Bella Elite students will be taking part in an annual educational trip and enjoying a full cap and gown graduation ceremony.
Bella Elite Beauty Academy, located at 53 Broadway North, will be holding a grand opening celebration on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend. Educators will be onsite to meet locals, answer questions and provide tours of the facility.
There will also be an inflatable bouncy castle for the kids. Free hot dogs, pizza and pop will be available to enjoy.
For more information about Raymond’s new cosmetology school visit http://www.bellaelitebeauty.com, email info@bellaelitebeauty.com or call 587-271-2717.