Our Founder’s Journey+ the Start of Electrolysis Beauty Lounge
I had no idea I’d have to live on the other side of the country for 10-weeks when I committed to getting my electrologist license. But, after researching programs in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Massachusetts, it became clear rather quickly that despite their benefits, they each had one major disadvantage. If I was going to complete an electrolysis program in less than six months while continuing to work my full-time corporate job, I needed more hours in the day. So true to form as a project management professional, I did that the best way I knew how. I enrolled at an accredited school in Tustin, California called The American Institute of Education (AIE) and, just like that, I added 3 hours to my day.
I started classes on Oct 8, 2018 and, for four uninterrupted weeks, I worked my corporate job for a half-day Eastern time (6am-10am PT) Monday-Thursday and rushed over to school by 10:30am PT where I learned all about hair epilations until 7:30 or 8:30pm depending on the day. I also went to class on Saturday’s from 9:30am -7:30pm to round out a solid five-day week.
The way it worked out, working half-days on the west coast Monday-Thursday meant I only had to take two vacation days a week but I still got a full day at school. Had I followed suit on the east coast, I would not have been able to log as many hours as quickly as I did. Another huge benefit to choosing AIE is the theory portion of the curriculum is offered online, so I was able to do all my reading, studying and work assignments at home since the only in-person theory requirement was to take my exams. This saved me over 200 in-person hours. During this time, I also built my brand and developed my online presence for Electrolysis Beauty Lounge and our blog, @ the Root of it.
I returned home on November 9th, after a five-day layover in Phoenix, AZ to drop-in on my corporate colleagues. I took the time to dance the usual holiday hustle, but I also took advantage of the time to complete the balance of my outstanding written assignments for school. On February, 2 2019, I headed to the airport for another five-weeks for what would be the final leg of the electrolysis school journey.
I feel the need to tell you a little about all the amazingly fun things I did while in California so it doesn’t sound like my time there was super regimented, so be sure to check out the photo gallery and the end of this post to get a glimpse into the laughs I shared, the friends I made and the memories I will cherish forever….
PART II - July 2019
Well I’m back to update this post and so much has happened.
Click image to enlarge
On February 27th, I graduated from The American Institute of Education. Not only did I get my 600 hours of completion certificate, but I also got my Barbicide certification. #bonus
I had a tremendous experience while in California including meeting even more new friends from across the country studying to become electrologists. I continued to work with the fantastic teachers and professional electrologists, and I even found time to hang out with Mickey Mouse, Woody, and Tarzan. My experience was far more impactful and memorable than I ever imagined and though it took me away from everything I was familiar with and was filled more challenges than expected, I would NOT change a thing.
Since returning home, I passed my New Jersey State Jurisprudence exam on Jun 12th and am studying in preparation for the IBEC exam. This is NJ’s state examination provided by the American Electrology Association. I am planning on taking the exam in August or early September so wish me luck…
Click image to enlarge
Click image to enlarge
PART III - August 2019
I DID IT! I am proud to say that I passed the state exam on August 27th and am finally a Licensed Electrologist. It was a long journey but worth every ounce of effort. My next step is to open my business doors and take my Certified Electrologist Exam. Be sure to follow EBL on social media for regular updates.
Thank you to everyone who supported me along the way. I am grateful and incredibly humbled.
Read my thank you and dedication post on Instagram
Follow + Like
Click on image to enlarge
Part IV - All the Cool, Fun Stuff I Did While in California
I rented a car each trip and chose to stay at an Airbnb instead of the partner housing provided by AIE. The combination of the two gave me the freedom and space to do more than work in California. I had lots of fun too and since you’ve probably read enough words in this post, check out my photo gallery to get a glimpse into my time in Cali.
p.s. I got addicted to three things while in Cali: Ritz Salt-n-Vinegar Crisp & Thins, Spaghettios with a glass of a good red-blend wine, and homemade Ramen with Maggi Jugo sauce; all continued favorites since returning home…. I know I know but hey what can I say… It’s my life and I’m living it on my own terms!!
May you find the journey that makes you as happy as this one has made me.
Cheers xoxo
Danielle D. Penn, Licensed Electrologist and an even better daughter, sister, friend and partner.
Part V - Electrolysis Beauty Lounge, LLC is officially in business!!
I am proud to announce that I finally received my office premise license on Nov 12, 2019; the last mountain I needed to climb on this journey. I am truly grateful to everyone who supported me along the way. Really …. THANK YOU!
WOO HOO! Time to get to it!
Electrolysis and be done with it.
Related Link: