Meet Rob Noriega, a Cosmetology School Alumnus Meet Rob Noriega, a Cosmetology School Alumnus
Eric Fisher Academy Continues to Prepare Him for a Rewarding Career
When you earn your cosmetology certificate from Eric Fisher Academy, your training and growth don’t stop there. The Assistant Program in Eric Fisher Salon and continuing advanced education events at the Academy bring current students and alumni back to our cosmetology school in Wichita, Kansas, to master new techniques and see demonstrations from professional guest artists from cities like New York and Los Angeles.
Rob Noriega is one of those students who have returned to the Eric Fisher family to keep learning. We sat down with him to learn why he chose to pursue a career in the beauty industry and how EFA is helping him achieve his goals.
Why did you choose Eric Fisher Academy for your education?
I have been interested in hair for as long as I can remember. I finally decided to pursue my career with one of the best in the industry. I had always heard about Eric’s salons, the level of work they did, and Eric’s passion for teaching. It was such an inspiration to me that I knew Eric Fisher Academy was where I needed to be.
What inspired you to become a cosmetologist?
Oddly, art and music got me into doing hair. I see a synchronicity in the way an artist paints and creates an image in their mind; it is the same way a stylist uses the hair as their canvas.
Music has always been a passion of mine, so naturally I drew ideas from fashion and hair of past and current generations. I wanted to be a stylist that could cater to these artistic people, but deliver something edgy enough to feel like their unique selves.
What are you doing now that you’ve graduated?
I am currently working at the Eric Fisher Salon in the Assistant Program. I work alongside the Eric Fisher Salon family, learning new things from each stylist while getting hands-on training from Eric and Trish, the Creative Director. They are helping me to fine-tune what I learned in school, allowing me to advance my skills to the next level. I am honored to be a part of this program.
What surprised you the most about attending cosmetology school?
I was surprised to learn how often the beauty industry changes and evolves. It’s also baffling how you can learn forever and still find something new to improve your skill set.
What advice would you give an incoming student at Eric Fisher Academy?
Take your time learning, and don’t try to rush everything. It’s not a race — learn at your own pace so that you can truly absorb everything. Stay focused on school rather than outside distractions. Most importantly, respect and listen to your teachers. The teachers are there to help you and mold you. Respect and absorb the methods and the ways they teach you — it can take you far!
What was your favorite lesson you learned at Eric Fisher Academy?
I loved color class and the extra classes with Jen Okpara from L’Oréal Professionnel. I think it was there when I realized how much I loved coloring hair, formulating, and the endless possibilities you can create with dimension and illusion on the hair. You might find yourself loving things you never saw yourself enjoying and mastering that. It’s a pleasant surprise.
Can you describe what it was like to attend classes at Eric Fisher Academy on a daily basis?
We would study different aspects of the hair in segments and would take what we learned and practice on mannequins or other students. Some days we would be on the student salon floor a majority of the day, catering to clients doing different services with an instructor in proximity observing and giving tips.
I always enjoyed learning new texturing methods and advanced color tips from my instructors on the floor. You get to mix your own color, which I loved! Some days you get to help assist in the color bar, learning hands-on cosmetology skills!
What did you do before pursuing a career in cosmetology?
I was a lead cook at Bonefish Grill and had other other cooking jobs. My intended field was always between cosmetology and some other art form, but I’m very happy with my decision.
What do you like about being a cosmetologist?
My favorite thing is helping people feel beautiful and express themselves as they truly are. I love helping people embrace their uniqueness and love themselves in their own skin. If I can help achieve that even a little before they leave my chair, it means the world to me to see them happy.
What was your favorite service you learned to perform while in school?
Any chemical service I absolutely loved. From balayage, perms, Brazilian blowouts, color melts — you name it, I loved every one of them. I think what I love the most about those services is they provide the best before-and-after results and instant gratification for you and your client when you see what you created.
It’s Time to Attend Cosmetology School Near You!
If you are interested in pursuing a creative, artistic career like Rob, then you should be enrolling in cosmetology school at Eric Fisher Academy. With multiple part-time and full-time sessions starting this fall, you can start this next important chapter of your life soon.
Contact our admissions office to take a tour and learn more about attending school at EFA. Our knowledgeable admissions staff can help you navigate financial aid, schedules, scholarships, and more.
Request more information about upcoming classes, or start the enrollment process today. We can’t wait for you to join us in Wichita!
