Amber Jurgensen | Staff Writer
The buzzing of a nail gun, the crisp cut of scissors to hair and the constant murmur of salon gossip are all sounds you hear when walking into the Focus 4 Beauty Career Center.
Focus 4 Beauty is the first and only cosmetology career center located in Plant City. Owners Paul and Nanette Granville jumped at the opportunity to open a career center after recognizing the unique niche in town that exists for it.
“We have experience both from a stylist and owner’s perspective,” Paul Granville says. “And we know that good talent is hard to find.”
The couple used to own Textures Hair Salon but sold it after deciding to open their own school. They wanted to keep skilled stylists, barbers and nail technicians in the area, instead of having them go to Tampa, Orlando or Lakeland.
“We look forward to growing it right here locally,” Paul Granville says.
A Plant City native, Nanette Granville has had 20 years experience as a cosmetologist. Paul Granville moved from England to Tampa as part of his job with Manpower, a recruiting company. He has been a licensed barber for two years. Together they have raised seven children, all of whom are interested in cosmetology in some fashion. Even 2-year-old Jackson loves to have his hair washed.
Focus 4 Beauty is named after its four areas of concentration; nails, cosmetology, skincare and barbers. Although classes won’t begin until August, Focus 4 Beauty already is bustling with activity. In June, the career center launched a beauty summer camp for children. Each week featured a different theme, including a tropical theme, during which kids learned hair wrapping and braiding, and a time traveling theme, which explored style through the decades.
The school’s building is divided into two sections: a learning environment with three barber stations, 15 stylist stations, a makeup area and nail salons. The other side of the building features three classrooms and a break room. There, learn the techniques and theories of the school using three textbooks. They will also get business training to learn how to market themselves as stylists.
Five instructors still working in their respective fields will teach students during one of three schedules — morning, afternoon or evening. Courses can range from an eight-week nail course to a nine- or 10-month cosmetology or barber course. Scholarships and financial aid are available for those who apply.
“It’s not the price of a big city school, but you’re still getting the quality education of a big city school,” Paul Granville says.
“We know we are pioneers here. This is the first school in town, which means we’re going to have to work that much harder to prove ourselves,” he says. “But we’re up for the challenge.”
BASICS
Focus 4 Beauty
ADDRESS: 1805 James L. Redman Parkway
PHONE: (813) 752-HAIR (4247)
EMAIL: focus4beauty@yahoo.com
WEBSITE: focus4beauty.com