MHCC Cosmetology Students Earn People’s Choice at 2017 Taste of Style

Students from Mt. Hood Community College’s Cosmetology program showed off some of their creative looks last month at Taste of Style in Portland, and two of them walked away with the coveted People’s Choice award.

Second-year Cosmetology student Chantelle Houston and recent MHCC graduate Roxanne Harmon earned People’s Choice in the Student category of Taste of Style. Attendees voted on their favorite fantasy hair creation, make-up artistry, and fashion design to select the winners. Proceeds from the annual event support the Oregon Food Bank.

For Harmon, it was her second year participating in Taste of Style and her second year serving on a team that won People’s Choice.

“There’s a whole hair-meets-art culture out there that often goes unseen,” she said. “Taste of Style brings that culture and artistry to the forefront.”

Eight students competed in all, including four from MHCC. In addition to the Students category, a Professional Stylist competition was held for working cosmetologists.

This year marked the third year MHCC students competed in Taste of Style, which took place Sept. 16. Students work in pairs, with each one designing a unique look for their models. They begin putting together their concepts in March. Their look must align with the event theme, which was “Unmask the Face of Hunger” this year.

“Any type of exhibit or competition that our students can participate in contributes to their success,” said Carol Redwine, MHCC instructor of Cosmetology and a Taste of Style committee member. “Some of the most important benefits include the chance to explore their creativity and to directly apply the skills they’ve learned in labs and classes.”

“At events like these, Cosmetology students also meet other students and professionals in the area,” added Redwine. “The opportunities for networking and friendship-building are amazing, and they might meet potential employers or discover job leads.”

For students like Houston, who is currently finishing her final term at MHCC, that opportunity is especially useful. After graduating, she plans to work as a nail technician – a job that will allow her to express her innate creativity and to work with people.

“I love colors and art, and cosmetology allows me to express that creative side in a way that helps and benefits others,” said Houston. “That’s really why I chose this career. Ultimately, I want my clients to leave me feeling more confident than when they came into the salon.”