October 18, 2018
Summit Owners Michael and Karen Shea Lead With the Heart
The beauty industry is full of talented people who want to make art, create relationships, and give back to the communities around them. At Summit Salon Academy our owners, Michael and Karen Shea, are perfect examples of this. With backgrounds in business, beauty, and education, this unstoppable team has been the driving force behind the school since its opening in 2006. From their dedication to students and the local community to their love of creativity and passion for the beauty industry, Michael and Karen have made Summit the incredible place that it is today.
Michael’s Background
Michael Shea got into beauty at age 20, when he attended barber school during a pivotal period of change and modernization for the beauty industry. Michael chose barber school because it was more modern and cutting-edge than traditional beauty school at the time. After finishing school, he worked in a variety of different salons, eventually opening and owning his own business, Shea’s on Snelling, for 13 years. After this, Michael switched up his career path and worked for a beauty distribution company. “Beauty is a dynamic industry,” Michael says. “It [the beauty industry] gives you the ability to stay as young as you want for as long as you want. It’s a state of mind.” Michael then began to work with the Summit Salon Business Center (SSBC), which is the world’s largest salon seminar, training, and consulting company. His work with SSBC required him to travel constantly and he was always proud to tell the people he met that he worked in the beauty industry. Working with this group is what initiated his jump into the world of school ownership.
Karen’s Background
Unlike Michael, Karen didn’t plan on a career in beauty from a young age. Her passion was always in fashion and style, so she studied fashion marketing during college. After graduation, she worked in fashion retail for a while, but eventually ended up working with a local Northwest beauty distributor, Salon Services. During her seven years with this company, she worked various jobs, including outside sales representative, cosmetics line supervisor, and sales manager. Through this job, Karen learned the ins and outs of beauty and fell in love with the industry as a whole. “There’s always something going on [in the beauty industry],” Karen says. “It keeps your mind engaged. It’s never going to be a dull profession.” Her next career shift took her to a local art school, where she worked for 12 years in the admissions department. Though she didn’t know it at the time, her combined background of beauty and education would give her the tools she needed to own a beauty school later on.
Becoming Beauty School Owners
Between the years of 2004 and 2010, hundreds of new beauty schools entered the industry. Old-fashioned schools were closing and new schools were paving the way with cutting-edge techniques and ideas. Between Michael’s experience in the salon business, Karen’s experience in education, and their shared background in beauty, the couple started to consider beauty school ownership in 2005. After many thorough discussions and help from SSBC, Karen and Michael decided to take the plunge. Summit Salon Academy opened in September 2006. Both agree that it’s one of the best decisions they’ve ever made.
“It was a very logical progression, even though we didn’t think so at the time,” Michael says.
Why Summit is Different
Michael and Karen Shea have poured their heart and soul into Summit Salon Academy. This deep love and devotion is something that can be felt by students and staff members alike. “Our students’ lives are really big,” says Karen. “They are all dealing with things. Sometimes we are the only soft place to land.” On the surface, students and staff members at Summit deal with the same challenges of any beauty school. However, when stressors, daily tasks, and common struggles are stripped away, there is an intentional purpose and passion for connection behind the school. ”[Summit is] staff and students who are rallying together when bad things happen,” says Michael. “It’s cool to watch students look out for each other and protect each other.” Behind the hair, makeup, and glamour, beauty is a giving industry with an enormous heart. At Summit, the Sheas work hard to set a good example for their students to not only help each other, but to give back to the community around them.
”Connection and relationships are at the heart of why hairdressers choose this industry,” Michael and Karen say.
The Summit Family
At Summit, we believe in the idea of the ‘Summit Family,’ where everyone feels like they belong. Here, students and staff become close friends, supporting each other through their journeys. This feeling of togetherness brings a lot of energy to our workplace and helps us work well together.
The Summit Family isn’t just a concept; it’s a real thing that shows our shared values. When people feel connected and respected, they bring their best ideas and efforts to the table. This special atmosphere makes Summit Salon Academy Tacoma stand out, giving every member the chance to be their best selves.
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Golden School Award Recognition:
In recognition of our unwavering dedication to cultivating a culture of learning, growth, and community engagement, Summit Salon Academy Tacoma proudly bears the prestigious Golden School Award. This esteemed accolade not only honors our achievements but serves as a testament to our steadfast commitment to empowering the next generation of beauty professionals.
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Join the Summit Family
Thinking about beauty school? Why not become part of a warm, welcoming environment that encourages individuality? Contact Summit Salon Academy today to learn more about us and find out how you can enroll in one of our programs. If a future in beauty is what you’re dreaming of, it’s time to follow your heart
