Ever since Marion Morris opened her eponymous salon in Salt Point in 1999, she has always provided opportunities to students who graduated from the cosmetology program at Dutchess BOCES’ Career & Technical Institute.
“I needed help right away, I had one staff member when we first started,” Morris recalled. “I love the girls that come from BOCES.”
Morris appreciates the exceptional students CTI produces because they come to work on time with enthusiasm and basic skills and are always willing to learn new tasks, a must if they want to grow in their careers.
How the hairdressers look is just as important as the services they provide.
“They’re all put together … that’s really important in the beauty business,” Morris explained. “You want clients to feel like, ‘Oh, she’s really going to make me look great, because she does.’”
CTI graduates make up a good portion of the employees who work at the bustling salon and sometimes Morris has begged her good friend Sharon Myers, CTI’s job placement specialist, for students when she has needed employees.
“I’m probably a thorn in Sharon’s side,” Morris said jokingly. “They’re so supportive.”
Everyone becomes friends at the salon and Morris noted that when she takes on new apprentices they assist the older hairdressers with different tasks and in return learn new skills from them.
“There’s so much to learn from each person,” Morris said. “We’re always looking for new talent and we’ll grow you in your career.”
Aspiring hairdressers at CTI should treat their role seriously and remember that while there will be challenges, the environment is never boring and learning opportunities are endless.
“Stick with it, take it seriously and give it your all, because it’s worth it,” Morris said. “It’s a beautiful business.”