Interview with John Amico

Interview with John Amico and Media Hair Artist Blog

Media Question: John, now you have been in beauty business for over 50 years, what are some of the changes that you’ve seen for the beauty profession?

John’s Answer: Well, at the beginning when I went to beauty school it seems that it wasn’t really a profession, people looked at you like you were a failure at something else and had to go to beauty school. They did not think it was much of a career or business.
Today, it’s a profession and I have seen stylists with just a high school education become wealthy.

Media Question: How does the business community look at the Beauty Industry?

I know that bankers look at salon owner bank accounts and marvel at how successful they are. We carry no receivables and people pay when their service is done. We can raise our prices as we become busier and we are recession-resistant. Many have been able to invest their money into real estate and other investments and have been able to retire completely in their 60’s. The key has been to work hard to get their careers on track and then establish a great lifestyle. So, over the years we have gained the respect of the business community.

Media Question: John, you have been in the school category since the mid 60s. How has it changed?

John’s Answer: I used to think that it was all about styling hair and we taught mostly about the technical side of the business. Today, it’s far more competitive and we teach the students people skills on how to build a clientele. We also teach the business skills of how to be a good business professional. We even hold a Success Rally weekly so students can learn the big picture of the beauty industry. It is now a $60 billion industry and there are salons in every community that are thriving. We can’t be outsourced! They can’t ship our jobs to China, you can’t buy our hairstyles on Facebook or Amazon and clients need us. We are never affected by recessions so everyone has a secure position so long as we take care of clients. I don’t like when students say, “I am going to John Amico Hair School. It downgrades their self esteem and vision. They are going to the John Amico Career College that teaches life lessons, business opportunities and client services.

Media Question: John, we have seen the tuition escalate in every type of University, College or Career school. Some Cosmetology tuition is upwards of $25,000. How has inflation affected your school?

John’s Answer: Well, because we have owned our own school’s properties and facilities for many years and have selected high visibility locations, we have no debt. Even though we have upgraded our curriculum and equipment every year, we have had thousands of graduates that are active alumni, referring students. We are now on 3rd generations, we taught grandma in the 60’s-70, daughters in the 80’s – 90’s and now granddaughters. Soon, it will be the 4th generation. They have been very supportive and we’ve been able to attract a good quality student and a great clientele. Therefore, we have been able to keep our tuition far below most other schools.

Media Question: Since your tuition is lower, do you offer programs provided by financial assistance by the federal government?

John’s Answer: Yes, we make Pell grants and student loans available. There are also a number of students who have prepared to go to school and have saved up funds to help cover the cost of their education.

John’s Question: So I’ll ask you a question, what do you think is the most expensive education?

Media Answer: Well… I suppose becoming a doctor or lawyer is the most costly and it depends whether it’s one of the top universities or a local college. Some educations I’ve heard cost as much as $200,000 to $300,000.

John’s Answer: That’s a good answer… however, the most expensive education is the one that you don’t have because you’re subject to making minimum-wage $8 to $10 an hour pretty much for the rest of your life waiting for the government laws to raise minimum wage standards. People cannot get high paying careers without an education.
In our school, a student will take out a small student loan. It is generally a low monthly payment and students have 6 months after graduation to start their repayments. By that time, they are working and can start making their repayments. There are some students that come to us with a college education and they already have $50,000 or more in student loans. The reason they’re coming to our school is they can’t find a job or they hate what they have their degree in. It’s not fulfilling and they have no passion. In many cases, they’ll never be able to pay off their student loans because they either don’t have a job or a job that pays them too little to pay it off. They end up having a 10 year repayment and then get a lower payment changed to a 25 year repayment, and ultimately are paying two to three times the amount that they originally borrowed from the government.

Media Question: What do you think is the driving reasons to become a Cosmetologist?

John’s Answer: There are several. What I experience is making others happy, being creative, making money, going into business for themselves, security, recognition by friends and looking at their future. By getting a degree in cosmetology with the passion to make their clients look great while enjoying their creativity, their income is based on their work ethics with an unlimited opportunity. Plus, they can open a business, salon, spas, product companies and even schools. I recommend to all of them to Live Your Dream! I want them to go into business for themselves so they will make far more and be able to pay not only the small student loan they needed for our school but the entire student loan that they got when they went to the university. Now, I’m not saying that their degree is not a benefit because when they apply the skills that they learned in college into cosmetology and into business of beauty they technically can make a great living. I really wish every student had a college degree… they would take this industry to the moon.

Media Answer: What do you mean by more education?
Any education is a positive. Remember, the higher the level of education that cosmetologists have the higher the image, the professionalism and the income that we all make cumulatively as an industry. So my answer is; get the education that’s going to give you the best opportunity for success and a student loan is not an expense it isn’t an investment into your future. Use it wisely! Don’t over borrow! Plus, when going to school you must invest your time wisely and not spend it or waste it. Every student must get the maximum amount of education that they can get in the short amount of time it’s going to take you to complete cosmetology.

Media Question: Aside from the business aspect, how about the fashion side of the industry- what’s changed?

John’s Answer: When I first got in the industry we were using rollers, having standing appointments every week and creating hairstyles that clients sometimes almost had to bend down to get out the door. Today, it’s all about healthy hair and clients being ‘natural’. Beautiful, well conditioned hair is a premium and clients will do anything to get the results that they’re looking for. We are even creating fantasy colors that are going mainstream. I think fashion makes our industry change and grow. What’s more fun than doing a makeover on a client and watch them light up, and have more self esteem and self confidence!

Media Question: I see that you have a very extensive line of hair care products. Tell us more about that.

John’s Answer: Well, it is important that I use the right products on my clients, but I’m only seeing them periodically. Some clients every couple weeks, other clients every month or so. Therefore, I need to have the right hair color, chemicals, and products that are going to give me the best, most gentle result on their hair while at our schools and salons. However, they need to take care of their scalp and hair at home. Ultimately, it is my responsibility to recommend and prescribe the right hair care products so they will get the same result that I get.

When a client is done with services, I will give them a prescription for four or five products that they should use at home- even if they don’t wash and style at home. Example: She should use dry shampoo to take off the buildup, a dry conditioner, a non-damaging hairspray, a hot iron spray for protection, and light shine sprays for gloss.
All of these add up to a client having great looking hair whether he or she just walked out of my salons or schools or when returning after a 6 week visit.

Media Question: Now as we’re looking, we see you have a massive amount of products. Are all these necessary?

John’s Answer: The products themselves are designed so they can treat all different types of hair and scalp conditions. We have something for everyone. Not just for color-treated hair or those that have psoriasis or eczema, but for every kind of condition. We have even developed vitamin- enriched nutrients that a client will take mornings and evenings for hair retention, restoration and growth. Plus, we include a 3-step system for topical application, like; shampoo, nutritional conditioner and nutritional leave-in scalp treatment. In addition, a weekly deep shampoo called, ‘Comeback’ for scalp cleaning, follicle dilation, blood supply and hair regrowth.

I know this all sounds very complicated, however, when we get involved in creating hair color that does not have any ammonia, PPD, or harmful carcinogenic ingredients, along with hundreds of different colorations and so many conditions- then we’re talking about complicated formulas. We are very proud of our entire formulating team who has promised to help us create over 700 different John Amico Different products.

Media Question: So what does the future hold for you and your companies?

John’s Answer: That’s a good one. I rarely look back, because I don’t like to live in ancient history. I like to make history. I am fortunate that my son and my other children are involved in one way or another. My son, John has been involved in the business since he was a little boy, through college and when he was getting his master degree. Today, he is the president and his wife, Julia is now playing a part in our school division. We have some great things planned to continue to grow in a number of areas all in the Beauty Industry. We are totally dedicated to helping the professionals. I am looking forward to the time I can reduce my daily activities and enjoy more personal time with my wife, 5 children and 18 grandchildren. I will always be involved in one way or another but father time is coming and I will be passing the torch.

Media: John, thank you for spending time with us. Providing your candid answers and 50 years of overview of the Beauty Industry is much appreciated. It is not surprising that you have lasted the test of time. Your perseverance is evident, plus your enthusiasm for your students and staff- giving them great opportunities and making America Beautiful. We can also see that your family will carry on the tradition of the John Amico Brands for another 50 Years.