What's Happening?
Alani Thompson, a Brooklyn-based makeup artist, has become an official vendor for the New York City Department of Education, offering beauty services to public school students. Thompson, who started her career doing makeup for high school talent shows, plans to provide makeup services for special events like proms, aiming to enhance students' confidence. Her announcement has already generated interest from several schools, with requests for workshops and talks. Thompson's services are priced based on the number of students and duration, although she is not yet state-licensed as an esthetician, which is required for charging fees for makeup application.
Why It's Important?
Thompson's initiative highlights the growing recognition of beauty services as a means to boost self-esteem and confidence among students, particularly during significant events like proms. By offering these services, Thompson aims to encourage students to explore cosmetology as a career path, potentially opening new opportunities for those interested in the beauty industry. Her efforts also underscore the importance of providing enrichment activities that can positively impact students' social and emotional development.
What's Next?
Thompson plans to enroll in a local cosmetology school to obtain the necessary state license, which will allow her to expand her services within schools legally. As she continues to offer workshops and talks, she may collaborate with educators to integrate beauty services into career and professional development programs. The Department of Education will likely monitor the educational value of these programs to ensure they align with school objectives.
