Courtney Kinch's Lakeland College education was more than haircuts and manicures.

Courtney Kinch holds her diploma following graduation at the Lloydminster campus.

The hairstyling student and esthetician alumna, Class of 2019, is already on track to start a business thanks to the programs' business courses.

“I didn't expect to learn the business side of esthetics and hairstyling. I thought I was going to learn how to cut hair, do manicures, and facials and waxing, but in both programs I completed a business plan for a spa and salon. I demonstrated how to start my business, from pitching for loans and making a budget,” Kinch explains.

She says she was thrilled about the projects because they reinforced her vision of opening her own business - a 10-year goal of hers. Kinch, who is from Heinsburg, Alta., hopes to establish her own business in the Lloydminster area.

Courtney Kinch develops her eyebrow sculpting skills during a lab in the student-run Day Spa.

Lakeland's student-run spa and salon also teach students like Kinch about the business side of health and wellness, including working with real clients and advancing their communication skills. Witnessing these program features at Open House in 2017 and as a client herself, is what confirmed Kinch's enrolment at Lakeland.

“The best thing about these programs is the public clinics and getting to work with real people, gaining real experiences. It's an opportunity to learn how to serve different people. I learn more from doing and I think the public clinics are a big selling point for these two programs. My instructors are also awesome, helpful and have experience to share,” Kinch says.

Before Kinch enrolled at Lakeland, her instructors were already guiding her. At Open House, Kinch says she shared her intention to take both Lakeland's esthetician and hairstyling programs. Her plan was answered with advice to earn her esthetician certificate and then hairstyling so she wouldn't waste time making her apprenticeship hours.

Another highlight of her Lakeland experience, Kinch shares, was receiving the Centennial Health and Wellness Achievement award in both of her years of study. These two awards made a financial difference in her education. “This award was one of the first big awards that I've ever received that recognized my hard work. It's something I'll never forget.”

Photos: Top - Courtney Kinch holds her diploma following graduation at the Lloydminster campus. Bottom - Courtney Kinch develops her eyebrow sculpting skill during a lab in the student-led spa.