Empire Beauty School opens third suburban teaching salon
One of the oldest and largest cosmetology schools continues to expand in this area.
Empire Beauty School opened at the former Hanover Park School of Cosmetology, 1166 W. Lake St. About 100 students are enrolled at the new school.
An Empire school opened in Arlington Heights at 264 W. Rand Road about a year ago where about 145 students are enrolled. In October, a Lisle location was launched at 2709 Maple Ave. where about 75 students attend.
Empire Beauty School features facilities with open enrollment for people wanting to become licensed cosmetologists or licensed teachers, said Carlos Flores, executive director of the Hanover Park location.
"We're just entering this market, but we have experience and the knowledge behind us," Flores said of the 70-year old company. He added that there are 88 locations in 18 states.
The company recently merged with Regis Corp., adding 51 accredited cosmetology schools to its footprint. The company expects to educate about 20,000 students this year.
The front of the schools serve as a salon and a place for students of all levels to practice. Open to the public, the salons offer discounted prices for an array of services. Haircuts are about $7 and a color is between $45 and $60. Manicure and pedicure services are also provided for about $18 each, Flores said.
Student's tuition cost is $11.50 an hour. It takes 1,530 hours to graduate, said Flores, a resident of Grayslake.
The Hanover Park location celebrated a grand opening last week.
Students learn all aspects of the industry, including the business facets and how to market yourself. The company also assists with job placement.
For more information, call (630) 830-6560 or check out www.empire.edu.
Building for two decades: Bradford & Kent Custom Builders in Downers Grove celebrates its 20th anniversary on Sept. 21 and 22.
A grand re-opening and open house takes place at the newly expanded and renovated design center, 807 Ogden Ave., on those days.
The event is open to the public and will feature exhibits and demos from leading home building suppliers, live entertainment, refreshments, kid's contests and a grand prize raffle featuring a professional chef's outdoor grill.
The company is also launching the Veterans Re-Build Program. B&K is identifying a local veteran who has been injured in the Middle East and requires special renovations to his or her home. The company will donate the design, building materials and labor to rebuild the home and make it more comfortable and functional to meet the veteran's special needs.
The company is accepting submissions for the Veterans Re-Build Program. For more, call (630) 969-8585.