Xenon International Academy is more than 7,000 graduates strong and has six locations throughout the Midwest, including a campus in Wichita. For 23 years, the academy has been helping its students gain the education and training necessary to pursue careers as cosmetologists, estheticians and nail technicians. But, as Kim McIntosh, the academy’s executive director points out, Xenon offers much more to its students than meets the eye.
The academy employs a large team of licensed educators with areas of specific expertise, ranging from hair color to skin and nail care.
Students learn the intricacies of sculpting women’s hair, perfect the art of trendy male hairstyles and are offered advanced skin care training that uses leading edge equipment and techniques. And, to make sure students are prepared for success, they’re coached on successful business skills.
“You can do the best hair care in world, but if you don’t know how to build a business, market yourself and fine-tune your people skills, it will be difficult to succeed,” says McIntosh. “We make sure our students learn the importance of the client experience.”
Students at Xenon International Academy use the latest tools and salon products. Plus, the academy’s educational partners are some of the best in the industry, including Peel’s Salon Services — one of the largest distributors of professional beauty products in the Midwest — the American Association of Cosmetology Schools and more. The academy uses a curriculum known as Pivot Point International, which is the world leader in hair and beauty education, says McIntosh.
“We’re the only Pivot Point International school [in Wichita], which means we offer an advanced international curriculum for educating new and licensed professionals,” says McIntosh, who is a director of the National Board of American Association of Cosmetology Schools.
Armed with skills founded in this global curriculum and aided by instructors with a wealth of industry contacts in Europe, Asia and Africa, Xenon graduates embark on careers that can take them anywhere in the world.
“We teach you to see, think and create as a designer — not just to duplicate the latest fashion trends,” says McIntosh. “We teach our students how to be the innovators behind these trends.”
Recent graduates, says McIntosh, have worked with the likes of Oprah and have become notable figures in salons like Dallas-based Toni and Guy. After her graduation from Xenon in 1988, McIntosh gained salon experience and eventually became an educator for Matrix Essentials before turning her sights to a full-time career at Xenon. Today, as the academy’s executive director overseeing its six campuses, McIntosh’s favorite moments occur when students succeed.
“I feel a great sense of gratification when I can empower my students with the skills to be successful and see it happen,” she says. “It’s amazing, and it’s why I do what I do.”
xenonintl.com • 3804 W. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67203 • 316.943.5516 • 800.554.5817
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