For Tianna Todd - a hairstyling program student - Lakeland College is exceeding her expectations.

Prior to enrolling, Todd saw herself going to college closer to her home in the Edmonton area. But after discovering Lakeland's 10-month hairstyling program at a career fair and touring the student-led salon during Open House at the Lloydminster campus, there was no turning back for Todd. 

“I loved the atmosphere so I decided to enrol, and it's been everything I hoped it would be and more,” says the 19-year-old. “Lakeland's program offers so much more than other hairstyling programs. It goes more in depth with things like colour techniques, extensions and makeup. Plus, the class sizes are so much more intimate than other schools.”

Living in residence has also enhanced Todd's Lakeland experience. Along with six other students from the program, Todd says they're like family now. “I always wanted to live on campus to get the full college experience and I'd encourage other students to go for it.”

With one semester completed and one more to go, Todd is looking forward to building on the knowledge she's learned to date and growing her skill set, especially in hair colouring.

“I really enjoy how the instructors teach different techniques. We can learn one haircut or one style five different ways,” says Todd. “We're encouraged to be individuals as stylists - they always tell us that they don't want us to be cookie-cutter hairstylists.”

Prior to opening the campus' salon doors to the public, Todd and her classmates completed two months of comprehensive course work and training. From personal safety to hygiene and infection control, to hair anatomy and scalp conditions, treatments and more, the class of 10 immersed themselves in their studies to prepare for their clients. 

Their education also included tours of local salons, including several that now employ hairstyling alumni. “It was really cool to see students from this program working and confident in what they were doing, building their portfolio and client base. It's really inspiring,” says Todd, whose goal is to specialize in hair colour and have her own business.

In November, Lakeland's salon opened to the community. Todd and her classmates not only have the opportunity to work with real clients, but also manage salon operations, including appointment bookings and greeting clients. 

“Being able to build our confidence first and get more techniques under our belt is a huge benefit and I really like that about this program,” she says. “It can be nerve-wracking to work on new clients, but overall it's been really good. I love being able to meet new people and help them to look their best.”