The Glowing Melon

The International Institute of Cosmetology is a Pivot Point Member School and the ONLY Pivot Point Member School in the state of Connecticut. So what, exactly, is Pivot Point? Below is some information about the international education system and what makes it stand apart from the others!



Pivot Point International, Inc. is a network of designers from around the world establishing tomorrow's top talent.

Pivot Point's international team of seasoned teachers, educators and artistic directors provide students with the exposure they wouldn't have otherwise. The methods are engaging. The techniques are one-of-a-kind. The success stories are inspirational.

Whether you're looking to pursue a career in cosmetology or aesthetics, Pivot Point's comprehensive materials provide you with the knowledge and expertise to take your skills to a higher level.

With a global network of designers, Pivot Point is the only hair and beauty education system that offers:

* Education in 13 languages in more than 70 countries
* The largest network of schools in North America
* 50 years of experience educating designers
* Advanced education to support a lifetime of learning

The ability to create, compose and design is a result of education that explains why, not just how. This is the Pivot Point Difference.

Wherever you go, whatever you want to do, a Pivot Point education opens many doors and follows you throughout your career.

Pivot Point is the learning system that thinks like a student.


[ All information presented here is the property of Pivot Point International, Inc. For more information, please visit www.pivot-point.com ]

There are so many fun and interesting facts floating around the Internet about the beauty industry these days! We thought it would be a cool idea to compile a large list of some of the best ones for you to enjoy!

* "The Cosmetology industry is steadily growing: So much so that the number of professional salon employees, 1.7 million, greatly outnumbers the number of lawyers across the U.S." (beautyschools.edu)

* "The skin care industry is a multi-billion dollar business, estimated to be worth 43 billion per year." (skincareindustrynews.com)

* "Connecticut's salon industry is a vibrant and growing industry, generating over $598 million in annual sales and providing employment opportunities for more than 8,800 individuals [in 2011]. Growth in Connecticut's salon industry outperformed the state's overall private sector in recent years in the crucial area of job creation." (probeauty.org)

* "The U.S. and Europe are the biggest markets of the [skin care] industry, accounting for over 50% of global skin care sales." (skincareindustrynews.com)

* "Of the 770,000 hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists, 267,00 (35%) are self-employed." (probeauty.org)

* "The nation's salon and spa industry provides first jobs and career possibilities for individuals of all backgrounds and has a broader representation of women and minorities than the overall U.S. workforce." (probeauty.org)

* In a recent AACS Commissions National Survey, people were asked what draws them to a career in beauty and wellness. "Respondents who expressed interest in a beauty and wellness career valued the career path for its entrepreneurial qualities, the creative expression opportunities is presents, as well as the opportunity it provides to help others." They also noted "there will always be a need for beauty and wellness professionals." (probeauty.org)

* "Regardless of the tough economic times, there are still many Americans who consider beauty treatments - such as highlights, manicures and facials - absolute necessities. People would obviously prefer to to cut costs somewhere else." (jobs.aol.com)

Here at the International Institute of Cosmetology located in both Wethersfield and Plainville, Connecticut, our students become members of the Professional Beauty Association/National Comsetology Association (PBA/NCA) as soon as they become enrolled! That is because the owners of IIC graciously pay for students' membership while they are actively enrolled as students. As student members of the PBA/NCA, there are so many benefits that each student enjoys! After a student graduates, students are given the option to keep up with their memberships for a monthly fee, and can even get medical benefits and health insurance through them once they become licensed cosmetologists and certified aestheticians.

Here is a breakdown of just some of the benefits associated with a PBA/NCA membership. All information provided below is the copyrighted property of probeauty.org.

Why Be A Member?

PBA Professionals (NCA Section)

PBA is committed to supporting beauty professionals as they progress in their careers while striking a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives. Any beauty professional, whether working for a salon/spa or as an independent contractor, is eligible to join PBA's Beauty Professional Section. Currently enrolled cosmetology students are also welcome to join this section.

Beauty professional members benefit from:

* Access to resources to enhance their careers, including discounts at many of the best-known advanced academies; scholarships; access to internationally recognized CIDESCO certification and educational programs; and opportunities to compete in the international Organisation Mondiale Coiffure bi-annual competition.

* Some benefits include complimentary subscriptions to American Salon Magazine, NCA Now, PBA Progress and The Washington Update and discounts to other industry and consumer publications; discounts at Sally Beauty Supply; 10% discount on T-Mobile service charges; savings at FedEx Kinkos; major medical and liability insurance through Abbey Insurance Services; and quality dental coverage thourhg DentalPlans.com.

PBA works hard to represent the interests of salon and spa professionals. Members are encouraged to get involved in PBA's efforts to make a difference for the entire industry.

PBA produces and partners with events and educational opportunities throughout the year. Members receive free admission to the International Salon and Spa Expo Long Beach and Midwest, IBS New York and Las Vegas, IECSC New York and Las Vegas, and INsalon St. Paul. Discounted member pricing is offered for tuition to PBA Symposium, entrance fees and tickets to the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) and the Legends & Icons Gala.