Farouk Systems celebrated the grand opening of the CHI Lone Star College-North Harris School of Cosmetology, the new state-of-the-art facility located on Richie Rd. in Houston, TX.
The CHI Lone Star College-North Harris School of Cosmetology offers Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations approved cosmetology, esthetics and cosmetology instructor programs. The facility will welcome its first students beginning in January of 2014. Students in each of these certificate programs may also be awarded an associate degree by completing a selection of core academic classes available at Lone Star College-North Harris.
The event kicked-off with a ribbon cutting ceremony and speeches delivered by Mr. Farouk Shami, founder and chairman of Farouk Systems; Basim Shami, CEO of Farouk Systems; Dr. Steve Head, president of LSC-North Harris; Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Houston Mayor Tem Ed Gonzalez. Attendees included a number of public officials, Miss USA 2013 Erin Brady, the Houston Texans cheerleaders, executives from both Farouk Systems and LSC-North Harris, and local salon owners and stylists.
Previously, students in the cosmetology program, which launched this past January, have attended classes in specially-designed instructional space at the CHI manufacturing plant, adjacent to the site of the newly-constructed building. This class of students, who will be graduating this month, showcased their talent in a runway show featuring creative up-styles that captivated the crowd. Over the past year these students were given the opportunity to style backstage for multiple beauty industry trade shows mentored by Farouk Systems educators. They styled for Fashion Houston and were mentored by Dennis Clendennen, as well as for local beauty competitions mentored by CHI Creative Artist Anna Cantu. For this event, Farouk Systems Global Board Members, Patrick Kalle and Maurice Den Exter, flew in from Holland to help prepare the young artists for their final student showcase.
“Education is the heart of our company and by partnering with Lone Star we are uniting with one of the largest institutions of academics to create a new generation of schools”, said Basim Shami.
“Cosmetology is a huge industry, but finding success requires more than just knowing the latest styles and trends. It requires being a professional and understanding business”, said Dr. Steve Head, president of LSC-North Harris. “Partnering with CHI gives our students the advantage of learning these skills directly from a global leader.”
The new venture will capitalize on the world-renowned products and methods of Farouk Systems, along with the college expertise in education and training. Graduates will be prepared to work in the most sought-after industry positions, and have an invaluable understanding of both client service and the manufacturing process. It will also have a strong emphasis on student career placement assistance, drawing on Farouk Systems’ large network of affiliated salons and industry contacts.
The CHI LSC-North Harris School of Cosmetology offers programs leading to certificates in cosmetology, esthetics, and instruction, with both part-time and full-time options available. Prospective students can request additional information by calling 281.618.1169, or by visiting LoneStar.edu/CHIschool.
