We have a lot of amazing students at our beauty school, but sometimes we meet a student who is so passionate about this industry we know from the get-go that that student will be great. Konstantin is one of those students. His guests love him. He’s always got a smile on his face, and he has so much talent that any salon would be lucky to have him when he graduates. Plus, he’s overcome language barriers and moved here from Russia, ready to start a whole new career! That’s dedication and perseverance we admire.
VICI Beauty School: Why got you interested in cosmetology?
Konstantin: I was always interested in all of this. My mom is a fashion designer and my whole family always sowed something – dresses, coats, etc. I was interested in all of that, so I became a fashion designer. When I came to the United States, this vocation didn’t work. I didn’t have a degree, and I felt incomplete. I decided to go to cosmetology school because I was always interested in hair. I had been interested in hair since I was nine. When I moved to the United States I thought, “What if my childhood dream could come true?” When I toured here, Jen gave me a big hug, and that’s when I knew I would have the best opportunities here.
VICI Beauty School: Why did you choose VICI for your education?
Konstantin: One of my friends graduated from here, and she told me about this school when I was back in Russia. When I moved here, I didn’t know where to go, and she urged me to come here.
VICI Beauty School: What do you like about VICI now that you’ve been here for a while?
Konstantin: Everyone is open and smiling. I like the owners, and I like my teachers. They give me the basics I need and the knowledge to open some doors in this industry. I like everyone.
VICI Beauty School: What has been the hardest part of beauty school? How have you overcome that?
Konstantin: When you’re bilingual, it’s studying. It can be hard, but if you go through it, everything is easier. You pick more information up throughout the program, and students can help study with you. The hardest part for me was just making the decision to go to VICI. I didn’t know if cosmetology was the right choice. I needed someone to push me. And I’m glad I did it.
VICI Beauty School: What would you like to do after you graduate?
Konstantin: I would like to open a hair salon or a makeup salon or an art studio. I want to make a lot of friends in the beauty industry. I want to work on runways with models and in the fashion scene. I want to combine all my passions.
VICI Beauty School: What advice would you give to a student just entering this program?
Konstantin: Be patient. Be focused. Focus on your future. Look at celebrities like Vidal Sassoon or Madonna. Madonna went to New York with a dream that pushed her forward. Have a dream. Be confident. Be sure of yourself, and always say yes to new opportunities. You have to start somewhere. Don’t be ashamed of some of the work you have to do like cleaning or working on mannequins. If you like people, this is a great industry for you. You’re making people feel better.
During our conversation, Konstantin also said “Everyone is perfect in a different way. You can find something amazing in every person.” That attitude and positivity is what will take him far. We are so excited to see how he grows his career.
Check out some of Konstantin’s work below. We know he’s going to be successful no matter where he goes!
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