On Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) and members of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) came together to celebrate October 25 as National Beauty and Wellness Education Day. The Congressman, along with graduates, students, and faculty from schools that are part of AACS, stood outside of Yandy Blendz Barber Salon in Kissimmee. Collectively they celebrated the contributions and importance of beauty and wellness professionals to the economy of Central Florida.
“It was an honor to announce my resolution to designate October 25 as National Beauty and Wellness Education Day at Yandy Blendz Barber Salon in Kissimmee,” said Congressman Darren Soto. “As we continue recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially important for us to uplift those who have been hardest hit, help customers be their best and healthy selves and return to normalcy, and highlight beauty and wellness professionals’ contributions to our community. It is also crucial for us to invest in the next generation of professionals by ensuring our cosmetology schools have the necessary resources to grow and reach students in all areas of our community.”
“I was excited to be part of an event where Congressman Soto recognized the importance of our industry to the economy,” said Daniel Mercado, a graduate of Hollywood Institute. “We become part of the beauty and wellness profession because we are passionate about what we do, and we know this is simply the only field we want to work in. Having others understand that we need to have the opportunity to attend cosmetology school to become adept at our craft is so important. It was an honor to stand with the Congressman today.”
Cecil Kidd, Executive Director of AACS, added, “As our country starts to come back to a more normal rhythm and cadence, people are feeling free to go back to salons and spas. We need everyone to recognize that our students are not only passionate artists, but they are well-trained professionals. Our students learn so much more than how to cut, style and color hair at our cosmetology schools. One of the most important parts of our curriculum is safety and infection control. AACS schools do a tremendous job at training their students and are producing exceptional graduates as you witnessed here today.”
