Antionette Rowell

Antionette Rowell is living her dream career in the classroom as an experienced cosmetology instructor.

“As a cosmetology educator, you have to have a passion for the profession and also for teaching,” she said. “I absolutely love what I do.”

Rowell is the head cosmetology instructor at the Cosmetology Academy at Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology, a public magnet career and college preparatory high school in Jacksonville. The school is home to eight academies, including culinary, automotive, and aviation. In 2022, the Cosmetology Academy obtained Master Academy Status following an intensive CTE Academy Accreditation review process. A Master Academy is the highest standard obtained in the Duval County Public Schools’ Accountability and Assessment Process.

A Jacksonville native, Rowell is a graduate of the program when it was the Westside Skills Center. She has also worked in her family-owned salon, Renewed Image Hair and Nail Salon, for 30 years. She returned to the school to teach in 2007.

“In both professions, as a cosmetologist and as a teacher, you have the opportunity to positively impact someone’s life,” Rowell said. “In the salon, you work with clients who leave feeling good about themselves. In the classroom, you work with students and experience their excitement when they advance their skills and knowledge.”

Students in the cosmetology academy work toward the 1200 school hours and the understanding to pass the Florida Board of Cosmetology exam. In addition to career-ready coursework, students acquire the necessary skills hands-on in the academy’s fully equipped hair and nail salon that is open to the public. All of the work at the salon – haircuts, braiding, coloring, manicures and facials – is done by students working toward earning their state cosmetology licenses.

“The academy prepares you for the real world,” said student Naiya Turner. “It allows you to experience real-life situations, such as doing a consultation with a client.”

Students in the program learn all aspects of the cosmetology business. They also acquire other professional business skills, including how to communicate with others, how to work as part of a team, time management and how to market their business.

“The cosmetology program provides you with a variety of skills that you can use in any occupation,” said student Feynix Luna. “The experience has helped me determine the direction I want to pursue as a career.”

A cosmetology license opens the door to many career choices. Rowell’s students have gone on to work as hair stylists, salon owners and as beauty industry educators and trainers. Many of her alumni students return to the academy to mentor current students, sharing real-life experiences about their careers.

“The benefits we receive at the academy are amazing,” said student Shalicia Wilson. “We learn everything we need to obtain our Florida license.”

While it’s vital to have an interest in hair, makeup, and style, Rowell says being a cosmetologist also requires exceptional social skills and an enthusiasm for serving others and helping someone feel and look good.

“As cosmetologists, it is essential to have the passion for the job you are doing,” Rowell said. “When my students venture off into their own areas of expertise, it is so gratifying to see.”