Bio Jouvance International, a Glendale-based manufacturer and wholesaler of spa products and equipment, is expanding its facility to accommodate growth in its education program. The company launched the International College of Beauty, Arts and Sciences (ICBAS) in 2008 in an effort to share its industry expertise and knowledge with those seeking a career in beauty. It is slated to move into the 11,000-square-foot space in May and is investing about $200,000 in the space. Additionally, the company will hire an additional 10 employees for instruction and administrative positions. Sonia Boghosian, CEO and education director of Bio Jouvance, said the new space is a component to the company’s plan to expand the school over the next five years. It is also a response to the demand for its programs. “We’ve had a 25 percent increase in enrollment every year,” Boghosian said, adding that the school currently has about 60 students. Enrollment is expected to increase even more with the U.S. Department of Education’s recent approval of ICBAS to participate in financial assistance programs. Tuition costs for the programs range from $3,000 to $17,000. The school caters to those seeking a license in cosmetology as well as post-graduate students looking to brush up on the latest innovations and products. Programs include cosmetology, esthetician and manicuring. It also includes advanced classes for current professionals looking to raise their level of expertise in the industry. Brad Masterson, communications manager for Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Professional Beauty Association, said brand-specific schools allow beauty companies to teach the necessary skills with their products and philosophies so that students will always have a basis for the brand going forward. “They also provide excellent continuing education,” Masterson said. Current students, as well as recent graduates of the ICBAS, have sounded off on their experiences with the school in testimonials posted on the school’s website. “One big thing I have learned while attending ICBAS is that everyone is there to support you — the staff, students and clients,” said former cosmetology student Stella Rosa. “The backbone of my training was ‘state board preparation’ classes, which put me at ease knowing that I will pass the state board test, since I am practicing it on a daily basis.” People often are surprised at the diversity of jobs available and the earning potential the beauty industry offers, Masterson said. “Even more importantly, beauty professionals truly touch people’s lives in many ways with their work and that can’t be said for most professions,” he said. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the number of skin care specialists to grow by more than 50 percent between 2008 and 2018, while the number of hairdresser, hairstylist and cosmetologist positions at employment-based establishments is expected to grow by 31 percent. While growing the school is a top priority for Bio Jouvance, the company has not lost sight of its original mission to develop innovative skin care products and solutions. Boghosian said the company recently launched a line which caters to a booming trend in skin care anti-aging solutions. Serving as a no-needle alternative to Botox, Bio Choice, provides an effective and visible cosmetic lift, she said. The skin care industry is holding its own despite the economic downturn, which has prompted consumers to rein in their spending. According to website Skin Care Industry News, the skin care business is estimated to be worth $43 billion annually and is expected to grow nearly 7 percent this year. Europe and the U.S. are the biggest markets of the industry, accounting for more than half of global skin care sales. Despite the mass consumer demand, Bio Jouvance will not stray from its niche market of high-end salons and spas. Catering to department stores and big-box retailers would mean “diluting” Bio Jouvance’s products, Boghosian said. “We don’t want to decrease the quality of our product,” she said.
Expansion a Thing of Beauty for Cosmetology School
