JD Academy Newsletter
May 2020 Issue
A Message From The President
Dear JD Academy Community,
I hope this newsletter finds all of you well during this challenging Shelter-In-Place order due to COVID-19. My goal here is to update you on a return to campus date, let you know how your academy is currently planning for your return to campus, and inform you about a government grant for qualifying students.
When Do We Return:
Our new Target Date for a return to campus is Monday June 1.
While I long for us all to be back together on campus, so we can see each other’s beautiful faces and feel the passionate energy created as we collaborate, I want our reunion on campus to take place in a safe and sensible manner and in an environment where we can be as productive as possible and avoid another potential campus closure.
Preparing for our Return:
Our plans for our return will be finalized as soon as we receive our updated State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology guidelines; however, in the meantime we are making adjustments to secure your health and safety. Those include:
New clock in and out procedure
Temperature check point for students and guests
Masks
Changing procedures and/or sections of the school to reduce the need for people to congregate. Some examples:
Lobby waiting area
Guest check in and out
Lunch room
Color bar
Esthetician Product Disbursement
Sterilization Area
Smaller class sizes
Salon stations moved 6’ apart / some removed
Routine bathroom sterilization
New capes for each salon client
Updated salon station sterilization standards
Updated spa room sterilization standards
Updated desk, chair, and classroom sterilization standards
Barbacide certifications
Removal of magazines
Other possible modifications / attempting to go digital:
Dermalogica Client Consultation Sheets
Operations sheets
CARES GRANT
The Department of Education created a pool of grant money to assist students during COVID-19 who have had to transition from on-sight education to an online education delivery system. Specifically the grant is designed to help you with:
Computer/laptop purchase
Internet/telephone service
Housing
Childcare
We have applied for our school’s share of the “pooled” funds, and we are waiting to receive them. As soon as they arrive we will distribute them in equal portions to each qualifying student, and we anticipate the amount to be in the $400-500 range.
Qualifying Students:
Were enrolled prior to the shelter-in-place order
Are currently attending on line education (TDE)
Qualify under Title IV (FAFSA) for loans and/or grants by
provided ID, social security card, and high school diploma, GED, or BA upon enrollment
This includes cash pay students.
Qualifying students do not need to do anything to receive the funds. We will let you know as soon as they are received and mail you a JD Academy check for your portion. If you are abundantly blessed and wish to waive receipt of your share, please let me know as soon as possible, and we will redistribute your portion among the other students.
Students on Leave:
If you are a student currently on a leave of absence - not currently participating in on-line education - and would like to start, please email me and Ms. Dee. We will be more than happy to get you set up in our on-line learning community.
On-Line Community:
Thank you participating. Your instructors and Ms. Kelsey report spirits are remaining positive and you are making the most out of this difficult time. Great Job!!!
As always, please feel free to contact me anytime with questions, concerns, or if you need help with anything. Your JD Academy Team is here for you.
I look forward to welcoming you when we return to our campus, and I promise to provide you a Safe, Sensible and Productive environment for the remainder of your beauty industry education.
Big Virtual Hug,
Janet Paradiso
Tips + Tricks to Boost Your Immunity
Hello JD family,
I’m sending you well wishes from my backyard patio. I’m so grateful to Janet,
Kelsey and Amanda O. for giving me this opportunity to reach out to you through this Newsletter, since it will be awhile until we will all be together again.
In this new reality it will be more important for all of us to do what we can to protect ourselves and our clients from succumbing to exposure to contagions, especially the flu and COVID-19. I
would like to share some information on ways to boost your immunity so that you are not easily
compromised when and if you experience exposure.
By now you’ve probably heard stories about people who have survived COVID-19 with little to
mild symptoms; while other people with weakened immune systems have not been so lucky. How did they do it? They most likely were in better health with a stronger immune system.
Research and studies have looked into some pretty creative ways for people to enhance their
immune response. One of those practices started trending a few years ago in the destination spa industry. It’s called Forest Bathing! What the heck is that you may be asking yourself?!
It may have been inspired by a Japanese study done in the 1980’s. A small group of people were
taken on a walk through the Pine, Spruce and Evergreen trees in a forest. They were tested
afterwards. The results showed an increase in their natural killer cells and phytocide chemicals
were enhanced. These compounds destroy disease causing cells. Their immune system was
improved by “bathing in” the essential oils emitted from the trees.
Another study in 2006 had a group spend three days in a forest. Their test results showed an
increase in T cells and phytocides. In 2009, a study was done with hotel guests who had
essential oils infused into their rooms. The results measured an increase in their T cells and
lowered adrenaline levels. They also found that these effects lasted for a couple of weeks.
I think it’s safe say that none of us have a spa on a tree filled property or hotel rooms for our
clients. But we do have the ability to incorporate aromatherapy misters with these immune
enhancing essential oils. We can also take the time ourselves, to be in nature more. We know
that being in natural sunlight enhances our levels of Vitamin D which is great for boosting immunity.
Dr. Stephen Sinatra (a cardiologist) has studied and written about “Grounding”. This is the ancient practice of connecting to Earth by sitting or walking barefoot on the ground, grass, beach or even concrete since cement comes from minerals. Connecting to the energy of our planet has been shown to provide healing to the body. I have personally been doing this one by sitting with bare feet on the lawn while I read. It’s very calming and nurturing.
The “new normal” is going to mean a lot of new things for all of us to know, whether it be in the
short or long term. Let’s embrace taking a more active role to be the healthiest we can be
everyday for the rest of our life. And, in doing so, give the gift of inspiring our clients to do the
same.
In good and happy health,
Miss Lily
Diversity + Certainty in Uncertain Times
To my valued students,
Note this time in history to remind yourself that this industry will be forever evolving! Never get too comfortable with your skills as trends will change, techniques will change and unprecedented situations may occur. Diversify your skill sets now. We all have our strengths, gifts and interests, always try to introduce something new to your services that will be beneficial. Diversity is key to riding out changes that will occur throughout our career. The one thing we can always rely on to remain consistent in our career is our core values, education and maintaining relationships with our clientele. Now is the time to grasp the foundational skills like color theory, the four fundamental haircuts, sanitation and practicing excellence in customer service.
When I was in cosmetology school, I had the mentality that I never wanted to be in a situation where I couldn't handle a specific client's needs. The demographics I would be entering were diverse ethnically, and clients styles ranged from classic to trendy. That prompted me to delve into ALL areas of cosmetology; all aspects of hair, skin and nails. I wanted to soak in as much knowledge as possible. Adapting that mentality early on assisted me in building my clientele and making money quickly, as I would take a “walk in'' for a haircut and turn it into an additional service, such as hair color, a manicure or an eyebrow wax.
During my 23 year career as a stylist and makeup artist, I've experienced many occurrences that have disrupted my flow of business, three recessions, a leave of absence to start a family and moving to a new area where the clientele changed dramatically. To survive, I adapted to the times with an awareness of current trends and utilizing the diversification of my skills. I had acquired strong foundational skills by partaking in continuing education. I relied heavily on my core education; color theory, cutting principles and customer service.
The past month The COVID-19 Stay at Home has opened my eyes to a totally different experience. My business came to a screeching halt as both salons where I work were forced to close and onsite weddings that I had on my books were rescheduled. Initially I expected to be able to accommodate my clients within a couple weeks and rescheduled them accordingly. That date did not happen and rescheduling again is in limbo. I was faced with thinking outside the box to figure out other ways to get some income while maintaining a relationship with my clients. I created color touch up kits which I delivered to the doorstep to local clients with a link to a tutorial on how to apply and signed up with a company that delivered root touch up kits, toners and shampoos/conditioners that offered 50% commission to the stylist. Having my client’s phone number and email was key to me being able to remain in contact with them. Clients have been very supportive, some clients have paid for their appointment in advance. I've learned that the importance of maintaining relationships with my clients, family and friends is one of the most important things.
Through every negative there will always be a positive.
We as a society are looking out for one another by maintaining social distancing which is bringing our country together again. We are finding ways to support and help others in need. We have become more compassionate and resilient. What is certain?
What we will always have is our education, developed skill sets and the relationships we’ve built.
Keep your skills sharp Ask yourself, are my foundation skills sharp? Do I understand color theory? Do I understand the fundamentals of cutting hair? Do I possess customer service people skills?
Make sure you get the technical skills you need. While in school, take the time to ask questions if you don’t understand something, I for one, vow to do my best to support your understanding.
Sincerely,
Miss Josette
Keep Your Hope In The Lord!
Hey my JDFamily,
I truly love and miss your precious faces and looking forward to be in your presence #6feet again. Lol, But sincerely, I want to encourage each of you to keep your HOPE in the Lord, and trust that everything is going to get better. I also want to extend my email and # for anyone requesting prayer.
Until then, may God continue to keep you and your family safe.
Blessing,
Pauline Giles
Sister In Christ
Email: pauline@jdacademy.com
Phone: (314) 451-146
Bernie's Bio
Just a little background about myself. . .
I went to beauty school because I was cutting my oldest daughters hair into a pixie and didn’t even know it, but I received a lot of complements on it. So I enrolled into beauty school, and soon I found out that I had a passion for skincare more so than hair.
At the time I had two small children and went to school Monday – Saturday. I spent my Sundays cooking for the week and studying with earphones listening to my recorder. I graduated in nine and a half months. Fast forward I started working for Kenneth Of London doing hair and nails (They didn’t do facials). Then in the early 80’s I started teaching in a school in Walnut Creek, then went to UC Berkeley to get my teaching credentials while still teaching full-time (CRAZY TIMES). I’ve had my own business in a Wellness Center doing treatments while still teaching full-time as well. I’ve also managed a Spa in Marin.
When I worked at my last school of 20 years I taught the Cosmetologist, Manicurist, Esthetician, worked the front desk and did administrative work in the office. I wore many hats over the years but the hat I love the most is teaching my Esthetician students. And now I have the pleasure of working at JD Academy with the most amazing team I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. The picture below was taken 35 years ago in my first class room.
An Update From Miss Catherine
The Esthetic students are doing a fantastic job! They are all certified in Dermalogica, some working towards a specialist certifications! All educated and certified with Impact Melanoma!
Our stay at home order has been a blessing in some ways, especially with the online education. The opportunity to have an open forum for students of all phases together has been a gift. The communication and the willingness to help each other and learn together is joy to be a part of.
This is a time in all our lives we have never seen, when we are most like each. People are helping each other more than ever! It doesn’t matter who you are, ours lives have been restricted just the same. This unity gives strength and passion!
Learning aside the students know they are supported, they feel it and they do it for me and each other. This is the culture at JD and it seems to naturally breed.
Take Care,
Miss Catherine
Miss Kelsey + Baby Easton Have a Word for YOU!
HI MY INCREDIBLE JD ACADEMY STUDENTS!
WOW! I did not know it was possible to miss you all this much! Being away from you all has made me find an even GREATER appreciation & love for my job & all that I get to do each & everyday! I miss seeing all of your beautiful faces and miss being around your VERY positive energy!
Thank you all for being SO amazing, incredible, understanding, and appreciative during this time! I am SO proud of each & everyone of you for how hard you are all working during this time! Distance education has been amazing & everyone's participation has truly blown me away!
We are still going to be working very hard through the month of May to get you some INCREDIBLE classes with some amazing information and some AWESOME guest artists... stay tuned! :) I just want to let you all know how hard your amazing & talented instructors & JD staff are working behind the scenes, I know you all are not seeing it first hand but let me tell you they are hard at work coming up with incredible new material, fun entertaining classes, and lesson plans/activities that will just blow you all away! I am SO excited to share all of it with you guys once we return to that beautiful campus we all love to call HOME!
I hope everyone is staying safe & healthy during this time! I know it seems like it has been forever, but as long as we are all in good health & spirits - we will all be SO ready to hit the ground running once we are able to open those doors and walk into our incredible school. We are a family, united together, and let me tell you I miss my family SO incredibly much!
Easton misses hearing all of your amazing voices everyday - he is GROWING like crazy! He can't wait to meet his hundred aunties that he is being born & blessed into! We are 29 weeks - only 11 more to go! :) I can not wait to celebrate this incredible journey with you all once we return back to the school, it will be the BEST most AMAZING celebration yet!
Counting down the moments, days, & weeks until we are all together again!
Love you all with my whole heart!
XOXO,
Ms. Kelsey & Baby Easton
Email: kelsey@jdacademy.com
Phone: (925)548-5367
A Daily Dose of Inspiration
It is an absolute honor being a part of JD Academy.
Having the opportunity to see and display some of your incredible artwork + projects over the shelter-in-place period has been an inspiration for me. I want to affirm that your hard work does not go unnoticed. Furthermore, it has been so fun connecting with each of you through the four part Business Webinar Series. Many of you have pretty brilliant ideas for the future!
Since you students inspire me, I wanted to take this chance to inspire you, by sharing a few of my favorite quotes:
"We are twice armed if we fight with faith." - Plato
"Don't resist chances, take them like vitamins." -Author Unknown
"Taking joy in living is a woman's best cosmetic." - Rosalind Russell
I'm always just a text or phone call away if you need anything at all! Continue to take care of yourselves by staying safe + healthy.
Warm Regards,
Amanda O'Brien
Email: amandao@jdacademy.com
Phone: (925)876-9255
Self Care: Hair, Skin + Nail Remedies
Hello everyone!
I hope you’re doing well I dearly miss you all. I pray that you and your families are all staying healthy and safe. I’ve been very blessed to quarantine with both of my beautiful daughters and my wonderful husband.
The first few weeks of shelter in place I took advantage of the time to reorganize my house, exercise, and eat healthy. My family and I are now all pescatarians - vegetarians with the exception of fish. We have had fun learning and experimenting with new recipes outside of our “go to” meals.
Additionally, I have been watching lots of tutorial videos by Sam Villa on YouTube, just trying to gather new information to share with you all! My daughters have been teaching me how to use social media and technology with everything transitioning to being online.
Enough about me, since we can’t go out and pamper ourselves here are some home remedies for skin, nails, and hair that you can make from your pantry!
*SKIN: Body Exfoliate
Mix sugar and coconut oil at a ratio of 1:2 (1 part of sugar to 2 parts of oil). The consistency should be paste-like. While showering or taking a bath tub on areas you want to exfoliate and then rinse.
*NAIL: Softening Cuticles
Mix 1tsp of coconut oil (or olive oil) with a few drops of essential oil - I prefer lavender. Massage into cuticles and push back!
*HAIR: Scalp Treatment to Remove Buildup on Hair
Mix apple cider vinegar and baking soda at 1:2 ratio (1 part vinegar to 2 parts baking soda). Again this should be a paste-like consistency. This works well for anyone with an itchy scalp or men who wear gel everyday
I am so looking forward to seeing all your beautiful smiles. I hope you enjoyed the tid bits. Please remember to take this time in quarantine to focus and work on yourself - be your best you! Stay healthy, safe, and happy.
God Bless,
Ms. Belinda
Email: belinda@jdacademy.com
#AloneTogether
Oh, how I miss all of your faces and the chatter and buzz at the school every day! I sincerely hope all of you are healthy and in good spirits during this time away.
I have been trying to think of this as the Pause that so many of us have asked for in our lives. There are days that I take classes online, practice face charts, or research something new. But there are many days where I do absolutely nothing. I have learned that that is okay. I hope you also know that however you are coping, that it is okay. This is unchartered territory for all of us. Do what you can to prepare yourself for what you want after this, but also enjoy the Pause and take care of yourself and well being.
Please call me or the school's main line to just say hi and check-in! I look forward to seeing all of you very soon!
Sincerely,
Teri Bradshaw
Email: teri@jdacademy.com
Phone: (925)325-5861
TDE Talk With Dr. Phuong
As a member of JD Team, my heart is with you and your families in this difficult time. I hope you and your family stay healthy and safe. Our lives have been drastically changed in the last few weeks. I know that behavior and habits will be adjusted for a while when we come back, and I know it's hard! However, I would like to give all of you "BIG hugs" as we thank you for your positive attitudes, your patience and understanding.
My deepest appreciation to those who are taking the TDE - Temporary Distance Education- it's a big challenge! Also, to those who won't be able to attend TDE because of personal circumstances, I understand what you are enduring this time! The president, Ms. Janet and the JD team are always working to assist you, both academically and financially.
I hope you will receive some good news from us in the coming weeks. I encourage all of you to take TDE during this challenging time because it helps you get connected while we are on shelter-in-place. Additionally, TDE can help to reduce your stress and frustration. I believe we are together and stronger to overcome this pandemic!
Please contact your teachers, JD administrators and /or myself if you need support.
Sincerely yours,
Phuong Nguyen
Email: phuong@jdacademy.com
A Portrait By Miss Elayne
Hello From Maurer Manor!
It has been over 70 days since I've seen all the beautiful faces of the JD Academy! Thank you for reaching out to see how my mom has been doing. My heart was full with all your well wishes and concern. Micki's brave soul left the earth just 24 days after she started hospice at my house. Nothing quite prepares you for walking along someone as their life comes to an end. Your emotions go on a roller coaster. One day, you are grateful for another day, the next you are wondering, why does it take so long for the body to finally succumb to the inevitable? Well, I'll never know the answer to that question, and I would not change those 24 days for anything.
During these unprecedented times of Covid-19, I hope that you are all finding some joy in all of this. While I haven't learned a second language or picked up a new hobby, the introvert in me is loving being at home. Spring has sprung, and I dove right into lots of little projects and have done more yard work in the last two months than I have in my entire life! Kids are home and are bored to tears. Jackson works at Lunardi's and Sydney has mastered every TikTok dance.
Lucky for them, I'm practically a cosmo... Jackson let me cut his hair! He specifically asked for a bowl cut. Don't ask me why! Sadly, it is not my finest work. Sydney took matters into her own hands and cut off 6 inches! Hazel the beagle, is wondering what the heck we are doing at home for hours on end. The extrovert in me, misses you all so badly. I often think about your pretty little faces peeking through my classroom doors to say hi. Or telling me the latest about your lives. It makes me smile and my heart swell!
Obvs, I miss you all so much and am looking forward to being in the classroom with all your beautiful faces very soon. You are all more than welcome to join in my Zoom classes Monday thru Thursday @ 5:00 for some skin theory.
As always, you can reach out to me 925-323-2920. I would love to hear from you!
Love you ALL!
Miss Joni
Projected Opening Day
Keep your fingers crossed in hopes this date doesn't get pushed back!
Monday, Jun 1, 2020, 09:00 AM
JD Academy Of Salon + Spa, San Ramon Valley Boulevard, Danville, CA, USA
Love + Hugs to YOU!
Hey guys, it's Lee! I hope you all are doing well. I miss you all so very much.I hope you've been finding ways to stay healthy in mind, body, and spirit. Sending my love and hugs to everyone!
Email: lee@jdacademy.com