Testimonials: Truth Be Told Alums talk about the advantages of their education La' James International College is known for producing exceptionally superior students. Our grads not only work in their chosen field but also have branched out to other areas of the industry that have taken them as far as New York and L.A. These grads where once in your shoes with the ever present lingering question…what are you going to do with your future? Hear from Cindy, one of the original three instructors to open the Des Moines location. Jarrod, a grad who started out behind the chair and has worked his way up to Senior Manger of Education and Training with Graham Webb International. Take it from the experts. Hear their advice, learn where the industry has taken them and what makes them loyal to La' James. Q: Why was it a good choice for you? C: I had role models in the industry. The way my aunt and cousin looked and projected themselves rally made and impression on me. J: Cosmetology has allowed me to fulfill all of my goals I've had since I was a kid—I'm able to travel internationally for work, I wanted to be involved with business and marketing, and, I've wanted to be able to share experiences and knowledge with other people. Amazingly, it has allowed me to all of that. Q: Did LJIC prepare you for your career? C: A lot has changed in 23 years, career was not a term used. La' James at the young age of 17 made me proud of what I chose to do. Q: What aspects of your training set you apart from other graduates? C: The knowledge of how to make myself successful. Q: What values did LJIC instill in you that helped you throughout your career? J: Treat everyone with respect – clients, instructors, and peers. C: Most of all…that learning can be fun! I was taught that I have much power in my hands and to share the power. Q: What makes LJIC grads appealing to employers? J: They are so technically sound. Q: What are the financial possibilities in the industry? J: They are limited by how hard you work, your creativity and your own vision. Q: What have been some of the highlights of your career? C: Progressing through the company as a 17 year old student and now a 40-year-old mother of 3 with a daughter graduating from the massage program. Going from student instructor to manager to director of education. Traveling and training all around the world. J: International traveling and meeting celebrities such as Michael Stipe, Carmen Electra, Cindy Crawford, to name drop a few, at different functions. I am also heavily involved with company photo shoots…those are great fun! I really get a rush out of pulling off a great training for educators and stylists. Q: Why would you recommend LJIC? C: Our focus on the Seven Standards of Success creates a foundation to go as far as you want in the industry! J: Because of the foundation of the information that La James provides. The haircutting methods are wonderful, make sense, and are immediately useful. The information that La James graduates leave with, makes you instantly hire-able. Q: What advice would you give a student starting in the industry? C: Smile and be proud of what you chose to do! J: This industry will give back to you what you give it. It can be a job, or it can be a completely fulfilling career. These are just two LJIC success stories. You too can be one of our stories. All you have to do is take the next step and you will achieve success with a career that is in high demand and limitless with possibilities.