By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

After 30 years, Orange will see the first graduating class of a beauty school.

Almost five years ago, Wendy Solomon talked to The Orange Leader about her goal to open a beauty school in Orange.

In 2018, it happened when Orange Academy of Beauty opened to a handful of students. 

This Saturday, the school is hosting The ABCs of OAB as part of a Graduation/Hair and Fashion Show at 1 p.m. at the American Legion located at 108 Green Ave. in Orange.

Twelve students will graduate during the event, including three high school students. 

“The community is welcome to come,” Wendy Solomon, owner, said. “We want the community to see what we have here in Orange.”

The school, while working toward accreditation for federal funding, also works with the vocational rehabilitation program at Texas Workforce.

“We are hoping, in the new year, to bring awareness that we are here and available to the community,” Solomon said. 

With the new year includes partnering with Pinehurst Nursing and Rehabilitation for the students to work with the residents for hairstyles. 

“We are also working on partnering with the Housing Authority for Queen for a Day for Mother’s Day and King for a Day for Father’s Day,” Solomon said. “With an advance appointment, they can come in a get pampered for a day.”

The commencement ceremony on Saturday will feature singing and dancing prior to the Hair and Fashion Show.

Refreshments will also be available.