Emily Hoffman – Cosmetology Internship

My name is Emily Hoffman. I am interning at Serrano’s Serenity Spa in New Holland, PA. My day-to-day tasks totally depend on which clients come in and what service they are coming in for. My mentor is Shannon Serrano and she is the head stylist and owner of Serrano’s Serenity Spa. My experience at the salon will allow me to experience how a salon runs and the behind-the-scenes activities that occur. By observing and asking questions, I am able to get a better understanding of the techniques and science behind the hairstyle.

Since my internship is at a salon, I am not able to do many hands-on things because I do not have a license. I will help clean Shannon’s station or sweep the floors. I have also helped to tab hair extensions, and prep foils and soon I will begin to answer phone calls to answer questions or schedule appointments. Observation is a huge part of what I do when I am there. Asking Shannon questions, talking to her clients, and watching the process of dying, cutting, or styling hair.

A huge aspect of the cosmetology career is the need for personable people. When you are doing someone’s hair or painting their nails, you need to be able to hold a conversation and get to know your client. At Serrano’s, a majority of our clients are regulars. When you have the same lady coming in every 2-3 months to get their hair done, you will eventually build a relationship. Something that Shannon is very good at is being genuine to her clients and that is a large part of what brings them back so often. My experience in the salon has allowed me to become more comfortable striking up conversations with clients and getting to know them better after seeing them each time they come in.

Although I am not even halfway through my experience at my internship, I can already tell that this is definitely the career that I want to go into after high school. I have had so many enjoyable experiences in the salon, and the people that I get to work with are amazing. I am so excited to learn more about all the different styles and ways of doing hair. I am also excited to learn more about running a salon and all of the different aspects that go into it. I am extremely thankful for this opportunity and am looking forward to the rest of my time here.