Success Stories

What some of our alumni up to, where they're working, their thoughts and their experiences at Kohler Academy

Back to all Success Stories...

Ling Yang, Cosmetology Program alumnus

When did you graduate?
January 08

Where are you working?
Aura Salon & Day Spa

How did you get your current job?
Christy, the owner, came in and did an education course when I was at Kohler and I really enjoyed it and her. I decided to go into the salon and get a receptionist position to see if I would like the culture at the salon. To no surprise...I loved it there and when I finished school I applied for an apprenticeship position at Aura and was on my way to being a stylist.

What is your favorite memory of Kohler?
Graduation day...the staff, the students, the laughs, the tears, the guest speakers and everything in between made that day especially memorable for me. My experience at Kohler was rollercoaster, but at the end of the ride...everything came to a slow stop and I was able to get in line for the next adventure.

Were there any technical or life skills that you learned at Kohler that have helped you in your career?
Diversity training and communication skills! I have been in all types of sales and customer service jobs, but never in an industry where you were allowed to physically connect with people.

We are one of the few that are able to comfort while providing a service where non-verbal communication radiates through our fingertips and we are constantly watched and scored. Kohler taught me that the qualities I thought I had mastered...were only the beginning of understanding people. How different it becomes when you are able to "touch" someone physically and emotionally and to make them feel beautiful through your creation.

What do you like most about being in the beauty industry?
Now that I am in the industry...I love the opportunity to be me and be appreciated for my talents. Not only for the technical parts of being a great stylist but also for the conversational aspect. I have met some amazing people and have made some great friends.

What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future have changed. I thought initially that I wanted to own my own salon but I am enjoying way too much being an employee at this point. I have, although, started taking some initiative on taking more education classes. These classes are outside the mandatory ones and I am interested in furthering my knowledge on color and also am trying out to be the salon educator for our new line of products called "Oribe".