Cosmetology Alum, Vance Onsurez, Now Manager at Local Salon

Cosmetology Alum, Vance Onsurez, Now Manager at Local Salon

New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) alumnus, Vance Onsurez, now manages local Smart Style salon after obtaining his cosmetology certificate with the help of NMJC Foundation scholarships. 

Onsurez graduated from NMJC in May 2017 with his certificate in cosmetology. After attempting the cosmetology program at another institution, Onsurez was introduced to NMJC’s program by his sister, Valerie Onsurez Gauna.

He noted big differences between NMJC and the other school’s cosmetology programs. “Most other schools don’t have the business part of cosmetology. At the junior college, you learn a lot about how to run a business and product sales. It really prepared me for the business environment.”

Onsurez, originally from Loving, NM, dealt with a lot of separation anxiety when he first attended NMJC. “Being away from home, even though it was just an hour and a half away, was hard.”

He recalled one of his favorite moments at NMJC as being the cosmetology pinning ceremony. “It was a moment that I will never forget. It made it all worth it, all the emotions of being away from home were justified and I realized that I was never actually alone. All the professors here were not just my mentors but friends and my family away from family.”

Onsurez has big dreams of owning his own salon and becoming a platform artist for aspiring stylists. He wants to attend shows around the nation and continue to learn more about cosmetology.

He states about NMJC: “It was so welcoming and hands-on. Everyone was caring and made sure I had what I needed to succeed and the scholarship I received saved me from having to take out student loans.

NMJC is a great place to put your foot in the door. It’s a place to have the perfect college experience without having all the pressure of a big school.”