Press Release - International Institute of Cosmetology

International Institute of Cosmetology, a PIVOT-POINT member school sponsors hair challenge to choose newest student

Wethersfield, CT, April 24, 2009—Kristin Kuszaj, an 18-year-old from Bristol CT, was the last would-be stylist standing when the International Institute of Cosmetology (IIC) in Wethersfield today announced on the Fox 61 morning news the winner of the recent hair challenge contest they sponsored in conjunction with the news program.

Kuszaj was chosen by the IIC to be one of five finalists to compete in the hair challenge from a group of about 40 applicants all seeking the grand prize of a full scholarship to IIC a Pivot Point Member school, valued at approximately $18,500. Applicants had all written essays explaining why they needed a scholarship to IIC, why they wanted to be a hairstylist, and why they chose IIC for their training. Martin Gugliotti, IIC’s dean of students, notes, “We were very pleased with the response we got to the contest. We see a lot of people who really want to do hairdressing but just don’t have the means to pay for the training. We saw this as a way to give someone a chance who might not normally get one.”

The finalists competed in four videotaped challenges over a five-week period. Each Wednesday they received two hours of training from an IIC student under an IIC instructor’s supervision. On Friday of that week, contestants then used that training in a progressively more difficult hair challenge: week one, curl and style; week two, updo and style; week three, blowdry and style; week four, haircut and style. The results of the challenges were then broadcast on the Fox 61 morning news.

Contestants were judged each week by newscaster Joy Lim Nakrin of Fox 61 morning news; IIC’s director of education, Marie Bobair; two IIC students; and one guest judge. The contestant with the lowest score each week was eliminated. Ms. Bobair noted that IIC students were very excited to participate in the challenge and to train the contestants. “It was so much fun; it’s kind of a letdown for us all now that it’s over,” she laments. Ms. Nakrin adds, “It was such a delight to be part of the IIC challenge. In this time of economic recession, this gift from the Gugliotti family [IIC’s owners] is a particularly special opportunity—the chance to see a lifelong dream finally come true.”

Kuszaj heard about the contest from friends who knew how badly she wanted to become a hair stylist. Kuszaj, who has no prior training in hair styling, said the experience was “exciting but nerve-racking” and that she found the challenge involving the updo to be the most difficult. She added that learning tips and tricks from IIC students was fun, and meeting them and the teachers has reinforced the positive feedback she has received from others about the school. “I know a couple of graduates who loved the school,” she states. She is excited to start her studies in September, after she gets a driver’s license and a car.

The International Institute of Cosmetology, a Pivot-Point Member School, is a family owned business located in Wethersfield, Connecticut. Started in June 2002 by Carmelo Gugliotti and his sons, Leonardo and Martin, its Cosmetology Educators of America–certified instructors have more than 100 years of professional experience amongst them and work in a state-of-the-art facility offering training in the areas of cosmetology, aesthetics, and nails. The institute’s international focus brings the styles and education methods being used throughout the world to stylists in the Northeast. For more information visit www.studyhair.com.

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