Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Andry.
Hi Christopher, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story did not begin in the usual way. Actually, it is opposite of how most success stories begin. I originally did not want to be in either of these professions, Education or Cosmetology. My mother has been in Education since 1973, and I knew the life of a teacher. So that was a big “No” for me. I wanted to be a Barber not a Cosmetologist. Unfortunately, the Barber College, that I wanted to attend in Dallas was full and they tricked me into enrolling in the Cosmetology Program, under the impression that I would switch enrollments as soon as there was an opening in the Barber School. I knew nothing about women’s hair, and they never told me that only 75 hours would transfer. I was lost from the 1st day of class and at 500 hours I decided that I had made a horrible choice. I now had wasted, in my mind 500 hours of my time, of which only 75 hours where available to utilize in Barber College. So, I quit and started my bright future elsewhere.
Years later my mother was teaching Microbiology and Anatomy at this little community college in Cleburne, TX, called Hill College. She knew that I wasn’t happy where I was in life and convinced me that starting a business would be a great idea for me to pursue. Since I had College credit from a 4-year school I attended and Cosmetology hours, we both agreed that the business I should open should be a salon.
I moved from the city to this small town. I felt like Alice in a strange Wonderland. I never knew that this college would change my life forever. I fell in love with Cosmetology. They took me to my very first hair show, The Armstrong & McCall Hair Show in Austin. My eyes were opened to avenues that I never knew this field could offer. I was in love and I found my tribe. I eventually became an Educator, specializing in Chemicals and Color.
Since then, I have educated for Companies like Artec, Biolustre, and L’Oreal through Artec, and CHI Farouk Systems. I have been blessed to have clients from all over the country. One of my clients, who would fly to Dallas for me to color her hair had several hit r&b songs. I was also blessed to color the hair of a client who held a peach on the Real Housewives of Atlanta.
None of those accolades means as much as, I am now teaching for the same College that changed my life. As I mentioned I never wanted to teach. I knew from growing up with a very hard-working mother, that teachers were both underpaid and underappreciated. My former instructor, Jennifer Adler was very proud of me, and she would always ask me year after year to join her as an instructor at the college. My answer would always be “NO”. In the beginning I felt I had nothing to offer. As my career blossomed, I did not wish to be my mother and deal with what I saw her deal with. I never understood what she saw in teaching. One day Mrs. Addler asked me to come and teach a color class to her Cosmetology students. I saw no harm in that. This is when my life changed. This is when I understood why my mother taught. I saw that magnificent mysterious “Lightbulb” that teachers seem to only see and also get so excited about when they do. That lightbulb, I found out is when a student gets it. When that student immediately learns what you are teaching. Wow! I actually saw it and I immediately became addicted to seeing it. It made me so joyful to know that I changed someone’s life in that instance! I was hooked. She got me! Ms. J, that I lovingly called Jenny Adler, had me hook line and sinker.
I again found my tribe and my destiny. I have now been at Hill College for 18 years. When Jennifer Adler (Ms. J) retired, I replace her, as the Program Coordinator. I have been the Program Coordinator for 8 years. Over my career in education, I have won the N.I.S.O.D. Award for teaching excellence 5 times and have represented Hill College in Austin amongst other winners from Community Colleges throughout the state and country. I was able to connect CHI Farouk Systems with Hill College to make Hill College into a Flagship and Partner School. Most importantly and above everything, I have educated hundreds of licensed professionals, who have gone on to become successful salon stylists. The Lightbulbs continue to shine brightly, and I never want them to stop!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I am excited to say that the Cosmetology industry is still growing. It is one Industry which though AI can be used to enhance our work, it will not replace our jobs like with so many other professions today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hillcollege.edu
Image Credits
It said that my image was blocked due to your company policies. Can I email you my picture instead?
