Where you train matters and will make the difference between landing a job and launching a career. Here are 8 important reasons to choose William Edge Institute.
As a student at The William Edge Institute, you are part of a rich Texas history that includes the first beauty school in the State. Mims Classic Beauty College, was founded in 1932 by Neil Mims in Port Arthur, Texas, and is the oldest cosmetology school in the state. In 1962, Mims moved to San Antonio, Texas, and has been delivering their unique style of cosmetology education ever since. Mrs. Neilana Russell left us in 2015 with a great legacy and commitment to student success.
Over the years, Mrs. Russell created a lasting friendship with world renowned Stylist and Educator, William Edge. Before her passing, Mrs. Russell and William Edge decided that the Mims legacy needed to continue and she trusted that William Edge would be the person to take what she had built to the next level. He has a true passion for educating those who are inspired to learn. His experience of being the Technical Director for Beauty Basics and the 10 Aveda Institutes they owned has proven to offer a great insight to the beauty school industry. Since Mrs. Russell’s passing, William Edge partnered with her children Megan and Jason and rebranded Mims to the William Edge Institute and relocated from San Antonio to New Braunfels, Texas. This new operation was placed under William Edge Institute LLC in which oversees and manages the Institute, the Advanced Academy and William Edge private education seminars, curriculum and products.
William Edge has a unique and inspiring approach to the world of beauty. He is a hairdresser, platform artist, session stylist, salon and school owner. He has worked with the Aveda brand for over 25 years, as the owner and creative influence of the William Edge, Vann.Edge and ProdEdgy Salon Group which includes 5 Lifestyle Salons throughout Texas, Nashville and Seattle. He is also the founder of Pure Edge-ucation and works throughout the industry sharing his creative approach to systematic success. William’s career has taken him all over the world and made him a regular at fashion weeks and runways shows in New York, Seattle and Nashville. His insightful, fresh perspective engages everyone around him to create a greater collective success. In addition to his acclaimed artistic work, William Edge is also one of the most insightful motivational speakers in our industry.
Upon nearing completion of a course, our employment service department is dedicated to assisting you in finding the job you’ve always wanted. From resume writing to interview prep, we will help steer you in the right direction. We encourage our students to start considering salons to interview prior to graduation and keep any job opportunities on our job opportunities board. We will aid students in contacting salons to set up an interview and/or will supply you with a list of prospective salons that are hiring. While this service is provided, it is understood that William Edge Institute cannot promise or guarantee employment to any graduate. We also host career fairs throughout the year and give students the opportunity to attend professional industry events to network.
Our student kit comes with a chrome book and interactive curriculum through Milady Mindtap. We embrace technology and encourage our students to take advantage of social media platforms. We use technology as a way to support the Aveda mission in minimizing our carbon footprint.
Our curriculum will prepare you for post-graduation as you enter the world of business. From budgeting and marketing to finance, our students will graduate with a well-rounded education, which will look impressive on your resume.
Digital curriculum prepares students for the theory portion of testing, and all of our programs include mini boards to help you prepare for the Texas state license exams. Mini boards are administered at specific hour increments and are an exact replica of TDLR Exams.
We believe that personal responsibility and corporate responsibility coexist and that, together, our actions and contributions create a better community and world. William Edge Institute is proud to participate in and host numerous programs throughout the year designed to improve the lives of others and give back to communities that have given so much.
Our William Edge Edge-ucators have Instructor Licenses granted by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations. They have proven success and are at the top of their game. Whether they’re teaching the next generation of beauty professionals at the Institute or managing a successful clientele, conducting a show or photoshoot, their commitment to excellence is unwavering.
To support our vision around life-long learning, we have created an alumni network, providing graduates with the opportunity for lifetime education through advanced education and by staying connected to cutting-edge industry trends. All of our alumni receive: priority mailings for events, continuing education and workshop opportunities, career assistance, and discounts on pro shop items. We also love our alumni to come back to our school to share their story and inspire a new generation of future professionals.