Kosmetae Academy of Aesthetics

I recently attended for a haircut and full head highlights. I was very impressed with the results and I am receiving constant compliments. The student staff were very professional and took the time to have a proper consultation before beginning their work. I highly recommend for great value and terrific results.

Do not recommend this school to anyone! Please do your research and don't fall for Kristina's fake kindness it only last the first day she gives you a tour/registration.. Completely disorganized, never know what you will be doing for the day or are told last minute.. No set schedule. New teachers constantly or never a teacher at all on some days. All Kristina cares about is money.. You are lucky if you receive all of your supplies that you paid for. Try's to charge you 45$ for every missed day even when you make up the time! Talk about money grab. Do not go to this school! Completely waste of time & awful experience. Ignore the good reviews and trust the bad ones!!

I agree with the other reviews about krstina she is sooooo nice until u start she gets her money and doesn't have time for you at all, the hair school is amazing only because of Sharon she is the most kindest knowledge teacher! she will make sure u understand with a open heart, other hair teachers don't really care to show u a second time, a few students would not be here if it wasn't for sharon! If you would like to come here make sure sharon is the teacher and be aware for a gong show, krstina plans field trips and tells u the day before and u have to figure out a way to pay for gas and other expences ! We have had 5 teachers and sharon is by far the most amazing teacher

This school is great. I am having an amazing time and learning alot. The instructors i have are really helpfull and i would recomend any buddy thinking about getting into spa, makeup or hairdesign to check them out.

Kosmetae Academy, like any organization, can and did encounter a short period of time, approximately one year, where bye several instructors, although interviewing well, lacked some of the criteria that we were requiring. A few instructors unfortunately, left due to bona fide health and others reasons, some of whom have subsequently have returned to their previous positions at Kosmetae Academy. Teaching is a challenging occupation at best, but most of the instructors have had a genuine concern and focus for the educational process. Disrespecting their work and performance is unacceptable and is based on ignorance. Trade schools are not only academically based but also include “learning by doing”. Clients that attend the Academy are not always able to schedule long in advance which can sometimes create a “flurry” of last minute activity. Other than the instructors for whom integrity was negotiable, we have had and continue to have some of the finest instructors available. The participation of the learning process is dependant upon the student, their willingness to study and to accept the directives given to them in student clinics and workshops.

I, the owner, am not partial and continually ask of all the instructors that they be mindful of the fact that many students today do not always have ideal living circumstances and to be supportive of these students as much as possible. Naturally, our mandate includes giving instructions in all areas specific to spas and salons operations including the folding and stacking of towels and sheets. This is part of industry standards in all occupations. Animated expressions do not denote displeasure. Many of our students can attest to the kindness extended to them by the instructors as well as by myself. In several cases I have procured groceries for students, on one occasion from my own freezer and have been by their side in personal times of need.

In support of student aid BC, who recommend that students be hired for jobs if they have the skills required for the job in question, we have been pleased to hire several students for specific job tasks who performed outstandingly. Naturally, these jobs were performed after classes, in the evening or even on weekends, not secretly as alleged. We appreciate that those students needed to earn additional monies for living expenses.

Additionally, in cooperation with Student aid BC, it is our responsibility to be instructive to our students regarding student loan practices and procedures as well as repayment options. Therefore, letters are sent to students concerning their progress in this matter.

It is preposterous to think that our isopropyl alcohol is “watered down”. Our disinfection procedure, which is based on Health Canada requirements, have always been excellent. Utensils such as stainless steel and glass bowls are always wiped with alcohol prior to the implementation of product such as facial masks or facial compresses. We are regulated and have a yearly government inspection for which we continually receive upstanding commentaries.

Costs for the program, paid by student loans, are in some cases disbursed by grant monies. Some students qualify for grants based on a low income. A grant is simply an amount of money for which a student qualifies, which they do not have to repay. These monies can of course be directed towards tuition costs. It is not to be expected that the institution sponsors the student’s education.

On one occasion, all of the students were dismayed by a slanderous comment made by a student and yes, I did say that “slander is liable in a court of law, one day a school will take a student to court” That student may have be been privy of my son’s vocation, but in no way did I say that I would proceed with slanderous comments in a court of law or that having family members in said vocation would result in any legal action.

The Alumni of Kosmetae have always been recognised as being work ready by leading Spas in the Fraser Valley. A very prestigious Spa recently stated to an applicant that “We only hire Kosmetae graduates.”
We have one of the highest student placement ratios, and continued employment for our hard working students.

In conclusion, the staff and I work hard and fast, always with the best interest of every student in mind. We try to understand everyone’s needs and happily provide education for all of the wonderful students that have graduated from Kosmetae Academy. When we opened our doors in 1989, there were virtually no spas in existence within the Fraser valley. The many successful spas currently in existence attest to the calibre of education that we provide.

I had an overall great experience at Kosmetae. My instructors were very skilled and knowledgeable, they each taught me various things about the field (Aside from service protocols) that had I not known, I never would have never been able to work in the field and retain such great clients. Like anything in life, taking a program here will become what you make of it. Can't handle stress, a hard boss, the public or criticism? Then quit while you're ahead, because the world world is the exact same. The things you learn, the experience you get and the opportunities you will have are very rewarding. IF you have the drive and will to be an aesthetician, hair dresser or makeup artist. Focus on your studies and goals, if you have a legitimate concern, speak up. And you will do just fine.

Sincerely, a successful former student.

Last time I was there a student was in charge. Not acceptable at a hairdressing school.

I attended the hair program. Where I had over 15 teachers in 7 months. Somedays no teacher! Days where students would be teaching. Theory is a joke! Hand outs if your lucky. The owner Kristina is completely crazy. She only cares about your money. In the 10 months I had 1 good teacher. Which only worked 1 day a week. If you are researching schools do not go here! The teachers are not educated to be teaching (if your lucky to have a teacher). After entering into work. I realize it was worse then I thought there. The education is awful. DO not go here. Take your money and get a education elsewhere

Kristina is the nicest person until you start school and after you've paid her with your student loans, you'll see the real side of her. She favors some students and mean to others. There's lot of discrimination. She hires some students to work for her secretly at nights and weekends to clean to help them pay off their tuition. Never come here for your pedicure as the alcohol is watered down to save money. PCTIA should be made aware of this unsanitary. When it comes time to collect your student loan grant money, Kristina refused to pay and many students who had disability and were single parents could not get the grant money which was closed to $2000. Kristina threatens to sue for defamation because she said her son is a lawyer. If only he knew she was that unscrupulous cheating low income students of their student loans. She doesn't have a heart as all she cares about is money going into her school. There is a high ratio of graduates that cannot find jobs to pay off their student loans and she sends letters to remind them to pay for their student loans so that Kosmetae continues qualification for BCSL. When Kristina refused to pay me my grant money, she said I didn't have to pay back the grant money so she took it. I withdrew my program within time limits but Kristina refused to refund the rest of my money. She said that I didn't qualify even though I counted enough days to qualify a cancellation. She even told me that I was lucky enough not to pay a penalty fee. NEVER GO TO THIS SCHOOL... YOU WILL REGRET IT LIKE I DID AND A LOT OF OTHER STUDENTS WHO GOT RIPPED OFF TOO.

Wonderful, friendly service

Good job girls
It was my first time, and I certainly will come again.

Thank You Gina Esche

MagnetiteJewelry.ca

I don't have a lot of experience with post secondary education, but everyone I have asked and explained the school to have said that they can't believe what this school is about.
Yes the instructors are knowledgeable. But the disorganization here is incredible. Your first month you do manicures and nothing but. You gradually get into other procedures, and you start seeing Kristina's real side acouple months in. The side that favours certain students, will make you feel bad about the way you do a certain procedure or if you do something as simple as fold a blanket wrong, she will get annoyed and be mad at you. I have gotten both sides of the fakeness where she is nice and the side where she ignores you. I would not recommend this school to anyone. You feel put down, the disorganization of the programs is crazy. The calendar they have to show you is never accurate, the attention you get from instructers are minimal, because you get completely different instructers through out the year. All of them not knowing what you're capable of and what you're not capable. You spend a lot of money for this program and you should get good education, the best. But this school is not doing that. One of the biggest mistakes I've made was come to this school.

Let's be honest, nothing good comes easy. If you are prepared to learn and work hard then you will find great success in whichever program you are in, as well as a rewarding career upon graduation. The instruction is like any university, it is all presented orally and every service demonstrated. If you attend school like it is your JOB you will be more than equipped to perform in a place of employment. Of course school comes first! Did you not pay good money to attend? Do you want to feel confident in your skills? Is your reputation in the aesthetic industry important to you? It is up to you to get everything you can out of your time at school.

When I left school I already had a good job in a spa. The staff at Kosmetae were extremely helpful in the process of me finding and getting that job. During my entire one year full time program I found the instructors extremely knowledgeable, always available for questions or a bit of extra help, and were fair. We are adult learners. The staff at Kosmetae understand that as adults "life happens" and are willing to work with you during those moments when you feel like you can't quite juggle the home/school/work balance. Just like any situation in life communication is everything.

Yes, there are paying clients that come to the school to allow students to practice what they have learned. You are never thrown into a situation if the instructors think you are not ready. To work on clients is essential practice for the real world. You will feel more confident at your first job when you have already had plenty of practice. Clients know you are a student and will often give generous tips, these are yours to keep.

All in all, my experience as a student at Kosmetae Academy was very rewarding in so many ways.

I am also a past student who did not feel comfortable in the environment when the owner was around. The mood swings commented on in the last review are not acceptable.The school is well maintained but the programs and teachers are a joke-I had 3 different teachers in 10 months and everyone tells us all something different. The hair program seems to be a little more organized, but it is not worth the terrible atmosphere. I believe this is a truthful review

Edit of Original Review Posting.

The Pros of going to this school.
You learn Esthetics.
Some of the students are wonderful.
Decent theory work

The Cons of this school.
Constantly changing proceedures
Constantly going through teachers
The 'treatment rooms' they show you, You use to work on the Schools clients to make the school money.Every Day you do this. Make the school money.
The makeup and medical program are a joke.
Most of the teachers are power tripping.
The owner will reteach you the same things repeatedly, different times every time. She also has heavy mood swings and can be very hard on you.
They think school comes first and everything else is second, regardless of any circumstance.
Dress code constantly changes

As an review of the school, I would not recommend it to anyone. There are plenty of other good, highly educated schools around where you can get the same training and not feel put down by it.

There is no other review of the school anywhere and I am sure it's because every one who graduates is too afraid to stand up and say something.

Your money is better off somewhere else.

-Sincere Advice from a Past Student.