National Latino Cosmetology Association
For many of us, the “American Dream" involves finding a career path that not only pays the bills but also speaks to our passion in life. For most Americans, the “America Dream" is most easily obtained through entrepreneurship and like most Americans, Latino Americans have been busy making the “American Dream" work for them... on their own terms. According to data published in the 2008 U.S. Census Bureau report on entrepreneurship, the number of Hispanic-owned or Latino-owned businesses operating in the United States increased by 44% between 2002 and 2007. While many of these businesses spanned several industries and business sectors, Latino business owners have especially made a profound mark on the beauty industry.
If you are a hairstylist or makeup artist of Latin decent who is looking to network with other professionals in the beauty industry, you may want to become a member of the National Latino Cosmetology Association (NLCA). This non-profit organization was established to help bring together salon owners, beauty school students, product distributors and barbers who are looking to increase opportunities for Latinos working in the beauty business. Using their vast network of industry professionals, the NLCA provides professional development opportunities through workshops, trade shows and educational panel discussions.
The NLCA is open to a variety of individuals of Latino and non-Latino decent, who work in the beauty business. The organization is open to professional salon/spa owners, barbers, estheticians and massage therapists as well as cosmetologists. In addition to professionals, the organization also recruits beauty school students. Student membership dues for the NLCA are discounted at $75 a year, while membership dues for professionals cost $115 a year.
Members of the NLCA enjoy a host of benefits. Not only do members gain access to a large database of business professionals and distributors, they are also invited to professional development events and share marketing resources especially designed for the beauty industry.
In addition to providing access to a worldwide network of beauty industry professionals and fostering professional development opportunities for beauty school students, the NLCA is also committed to positively impacting the environment through the use of eco-friendly beauty products and packaging. As one of the few professional beauty organizations committed to eco-friendly solutions, the organization has lead the way in showing how small-to-large networks of professionals can impact positive change in the environment and beauty industry.