Natural Hair Styling, 2023 Graduate
“The EOC provides the foundation that can become your big success in the future.”
When Saeda saw a Facebook friend post a flyer advertising the CDEOC, she knew it was the perfect opportunity to lay the groundwork for a creative career and decided to enroll in the Natural Hair program.
“Going to the hair salon is the time to relax and refresh - it’s almost like a therapy session. I know I’m not the only person that feels that way, so I wanted to become the person behind the chair,” Saeda said.
As the first student to complete the Natural Hair Program, the CDEOC equipped her with both practical skills and customer service experience through clinic days, where community members can utilize the services provided by natural hair and cosmetology students. In addition to the lessons, Saeda found value in learning about and communicating with others as a hair stylist.
“Meeting new people from different walks of life and hearing their stories all while caring for their crown is a joy for me,” said Saeda.
However, Saeda’s journey was not easy. She had to balance completing the required 300 hours of natural hair instruction while raising two young children. Still, she was determined to complete the program and credits her instructor Ms. Foy and counselor Ms. Hunter for providing her with the support she needed to push through.
“Once I set my mind to do something, especially something that I enjoy, I want to complete it. I want to be proud of myself,” Saeda said.
Since graduating from the CDEOC, Saeda has been working at Love’s Barbershop in Albany while also working part-time at the Department of Veteran Affairs as a medical support assistant. She aspires to one day own a hair salon exclusively providing natural products, filling a need in her community.
Saeda credits the support of the CDEOC in being instrumental to this new journey and encourages others to apply.
“The EOC provides the foundation that can become your big success in the future,” said Saeda. “Call the EOC or pull up the website, see what programs that are available and appeal to you and find out more information. There is no loss in learning a skilled trade and gaining free knowledge.”