La James International College (LJIC), one of the largest beauty school groups in the mid west, held it ‘s annual student conference last week called "Trend Vision". I was there and was impressed by the excitement and enthusiasm shared by the more than 700 gathered at the Palace Theater in the Adventure Land Park in Des Moines, Iowa. This event was eye opening and inspiring and I was honored to be a guest.
LJIC has seven campuses in three different states: Cedar Falls, Des Moines, Iowa City, Fort Dodge and Davenport in Iowa; East Moline in Illinois and Fremont in Nebraska. Known for the success of its graduates, president Cynthia Becher told me it is "our dedication to offering ‘distinctively different' education that allows our graduates to hit the ground running after earning their degrees."
The event was incredibly entertaining and inspiring, starting off with a key note speech from Brooke Carlson, Vice President of Business Development for the Conair Professional Brands. You could hear a pin drop as Carlson offered her own personal journey from high school to earning her doctorate of Science in Management Systems…expressing the importance of education and dedication. "Think of yourself as a sponge," she told the audience. "You will succeed if you have the will and guts…and are willing to work hard and sacrifice." Carlson shared all the wonderful opportunities available in the beauty industry, from salon work to platform education and manufacturer research and development.
Famed up – do artist Martin Parsons picked up the reigns of inspiration in the afternoon. Parsons transformed 5 students from the school, offering more than 8 great holiday looks (and the techniques to achieve each) for the clients of these future professionals.
One of the most important elements of the event was finding the winner of the TREND VISION contest. The students presented models and were judged on the total look, from hair and make up to nails and costuming. Grand Champion Jessica Mart from the Des Moines campus won several prizes including a trip to New York City to participate in a Rusk photo session.
 From left: Ashlea Aldrich, Kristy Rodriguez, Alyssa Doll, Sarah Knox, Blake Hicks, Aubry Noe, Breianna Smith, Klana Elacqua  Finished looks by Martin Parsons.  Martin Parson models look great coming and going.  Winners of the La James "Trend Vision" competition From left to right Model: Cally Mills (1st place Utopia) Model: Cassie Mathies (2nd Place De-Lush) Stylist: Jessica Mart (Grand Champion) Model: Amanda Parker (1st Place Virtual Life) Model: Timberly Kirkpatrick (2nd Place Intersexion)  Jessica Mart (Grand Champion) created this look on model Timberly Kirkpatrick. |
 Finished look by Stormy Young, Lix Knox and Thuy Le from the Des Moines Campus on model Anita Thompson  Finished look by Kacy Arduser of the Iowa City Campus on model Jessie Mann  Rusk's Brooke Carlson as the Key Note speaker kicking off the La James "Trend Vision" celebration.  Finished look by Myessa Nagi from the Des Moines Campus on model Shari De Jong.  Martin Parsons creates an up-do on student Jamie West |
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