Kat Perkins: On a Mission to Improve Lives
Just a day away from graduation, Katherine “Kat” Perkins is reflecting on her time at Empire Beauty School in Portage, Michigan.
“I can’t believe it’s almost been a year since my first day.” Kat says. “The teachers, the staff, and all the students here have been so incredibly supportive.”
She’s always had an interest in makeup, but it wasn’t until a high school mission trip took her to a rural area of Missouri, that her decision to go to cosmetology school was solidified.
“We visited with children and their families, and noticed haircuts were a luxury they simply could not afford.”
She asked her mission leaders if she could give the children haircuts, but without a cosmetology license, it wasn’t allowed. It was that experience that led her to enroll in beauty school after high school graduation. Empire was her first choice.
“When I walked in the door everyone was happy and smiling and friendly,” says Kat. “I felt very at home and welcome and I knew this was the right place for me.”
Like most students, Kat faced a few personal challenges during her time at Empire. She needed an unexpected surgery part way through the program. “I was out of school for a couple of weeks while I recovered from foot surgery. I was so worried about being able to catch up and function properly when I returned to school. My educators and my fellow classmates were incredibly supportive of me. I was on crutches for a while and everyone helped me to get to and from classes and made sure I had all my supplies.”
As she inched closer to graduation, Kat’s mom came to her with an idea. “She knows how much I love makeup and seeing the transformation and confidence it gives people. She suggested we visit the Vancouver Film School, where I could continue my education and learn even more about makeup for TV and film.”
With her mom, Kat hopped on a plane and flew out to Vancouver to tour the campus. She fell in love with the area and the curriculum and decided to apply for the 1-year program.
She just found out she’s been accepted and will start in the next few months.
As for where she will go and what she will do after film school, Kat says she is still deciding.
“I am a huge fan of YouTube star and makeup artist Jacklyn Hill. She really inspired me to do what I am doing today. I would love to be an inspiration like that to other young girls.”
In the meantime, Kat has some advice for those considering a future as a beauty professional.
“Go for it. You don’t need to have all the answers right now. If you have a calling for it, get your education and see where the future takes you.”
If you are interested in learning more about a future in cosmetology, please fill out the online form on this page or call us at 1 (800) 964-1328.
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