Cosmetology Program in Manhattan, KS | Educator Spotlight: Megan Simmoneau

In Her Own Words: Life Inside the Cosmetology Program in Manhattan, KS

I didn’t set out to become a teacher. I set out to build a career in beauty and wellness, and somewhere along the way, teaching found me here in the cosmetology program in Manhattan, KS, at Bellus Academy.

There’s a full-circle piece to my story that I love sharing with students. I’ve been a licensed cosmetologist for six years, and I trained right here at this very school. I’ve been an Educator at Bellus Academy since September 2023, which means I now get to teach in the same halls where my own career began. Coming back to help start other people’s careers, in the place that started mine, is something I’m incredibly grateful for.

My passion for the beauty and wellness industry came first. But throughout my career, I realized that some of the most rewarding moments weren’t about a finished look. They were about sharing what I knew, building someone’s confidence, and watching them grow into their own skill. Becoming an Educator let me combine my love of cosmetology with something I care about just as much: mentoring the next generation of professionals.

That’s what keeps me at Bellus Academy. It’s the people, my coworkers, my students, the whole environment. It’s a genuinely fulfilling place to spend my days.

“Nothing compares to watching a student grow, in skill and in confidence.”

When students walk into my classroom, I want them to leave with more than technique. Cosmetology skills matter, but so do the things that make a career last: communication, professionalism, time management, customer service. I push my students to build confidence through hands-on experience, set goals for themselves, and develop a strong work ethic. My goal is simple. I want them prepared for their Kansas Board of Cosmetology state licensing exam, and I want them to carry that same confidence and professionalism into their careers.

Most of my students start out nervous, unsure if they belong here. Watching them become confident professionals, and knowing I played a small part in that, is what makes this work meaningful to me. When a student reaches a goal they once thought was out of reach, that’s the moment I show up for.

Building a Career Around Color and Extensions

One of my favorite things to teach is hair color and extensions. I’m fascinated by all the different ways we can use our skills to bring out a client’s individual style and help them feel confident and beautiful. I love taking what I’ve learned throughout my own career and sharing it with my students, while watching them find their own creativity and strengths.

I’ve kept growing my own skills right alongside my students. I’m certified in Bellami, Halo, Dream Catchers, and Hairtalk hair extensions, as well as Borboleta lash extensions, and I’ve had the opportunity to attend the Borboleta Summit. I’ve also received specialized training through Redken in professional hair color and color techniques, along with additional bridal styling education.

When I first started my cosmetology journey, I never imagined that teaching would be part of my future. That’s one of the things I love most about this industry: you never really know where it can take you. There are so many avenues to explore, behind the chair, extensions, color, lashes, bridal styling, education, or something you haven’t even considered yet. Along the way, you also get to meet incredible people who become part of your journey.

I’m excited about where Bellus Academy is headed next. The commitment to advanced education means my students learn current techniques, trends, and industry best practices, not just the basics. I can’t wait to bring advanced cutting, coloring, and extension installation training to my students and to our alumni. It’s one more way to help them stay adaptable in an industry that never stops moving.

I believe continuing education is one of the most valuable investments a beauty professional can make. It keeps me inspired, it challenges me to grow, and it helps me give my clients and students a better experience. The beauty and wellness industry never stands still, so neither should I.

What I love most about being an Educator at Bellus Academy is watching that growth happen, over and over. It’s not just about getting students ready for their first job. It’s about helping them build the skills and confidence to grow a career in beauty and wellness that lasts.

“If you have any desire to help others feel beautiful, go for it. This industry has so much to offer. Be open to learning, be willing to grow, and don’t limit yourself to what you think your career must look like.”

Explore the Cosmetology Program in Manhattan, KS

Ready to learn from Educators like Megan? Request information about the cosmetology program in Manhattan, KS at Bellus Academy and take the next step toward a career in beauty and wellness.