Hello

My name is Lizzie.  I graduated December 2009 with a BA in Textiles and Apparel (fashion design).  I scored a sweet freelance job straight out of college designing childrenswear.  After completing an entire season for girl/boy/layette, I was sent $1000 in post-dated hot checks as payment over a month after our contracted payment dates.  I refused to continue work until payment was rendered and was promptly threatened with lawsuits.  Things have settled down now (and no, I was never paid for my work), and the thought of taking on another fashion job...is just too much.  My sense of trust just isn't what it used to be.  Luckily, it wasn't my only job at the time.  I am also a graphic designer and embroiderer for a screen printing company.  It pays well for the area, but I don't have enough hours during slow times of the year. 

After doing some research, I began cosmetology school on November 16, 2010.  It's a 2100 hour program that takes 60 weeks to complete.  The total cost, including our kits, is $18,000.  The first 7wk session is called Basics.  There are approximately 20 of us and we are together from 8:30am - 5pm,  Tue - Fri.  Once we are in the clinic, we'll also have to attend on Saturdays.  I work my graphic art job in the evenings and on weekends.  I see cosmetology as a possibly lucrative way to continue my creative relationship with fashion, fibers, and illustration.  I don't expect to get rich, but even $300/wk with no benefits is a respectable living in my area.