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Cosmetology board approves a slate of new and relocated schools; inspection contingencies for some
Summary
The Tennessee Cosmetology and Barber Examiners Board voted to approve a series of new specialty and change-of-location school applications at its June meeting. Most applications were approved after staff review; a few approvals carried contingencies such as updated floor plans or required field inspections.
The Tennessee Cosmetology and Barber Examiners Board on Monday approved a batch of new cosmetology- and barber-related school applications and change-of-location requests, with several approvals conditioned on inspectors’ on-site verification.
Board members and staff reviewed applications, floor plans, enrollment agreements, catalogs and contingency plans for a dozen schools. After staff reported that paperwork generally was complete, board members moved to approve most items with standard contingencies for missing page numbering, student-signature language and inspection sign‑offs.
“Everything thus far has been going well,” said Sharon Wilson, who described her school’s move in Memphis; the board approved her change of location. Roxanna Gamusio, executive director, told members that field inspectors will visit all change-of-location sites regardless of whether a board member attends the inspection.
Votes at a glance - Austin’s Beauty College (Clarksville) — change of location approved; paperwork noted student-sign-before-payment language should be explicit; inspection required. (Motion passed: yes; vote tally: yes:8, no:0, abstain:0.) - Dream Builders Academy (Bolivar) — new specialty natural hairstyling school approved. Paperwork flagged a mistaken handbook reference that the applicant agreed to correct. (Motion passed: yes:8, no:0, abstain:0.) - Academy of Nail Artistry LLC (Knoxville) — new specialty manicure branch approved; board requested clearer timekeeping/back-up evidence and asked the applicant to change wording about submitting scores online. (Motion passed: yes:7, no:0, abstain:1.) - Aesthetics and Lash Academy (Jackson) — specialty aesthetic school approved pending an updated floor plan and passing field inspection; the board noted square footage and station layout should be clarified before the inspector approves on site. (Motion passed contingent on inspection: yes:8, no:0, abstain:0.) - Center Stage Beauty Academy (Alcoa) — change of location approved; the board confirmed instructor-course requirements were included in the materials. (Motion passed: yes:8, no:0, abstain:0.) - Beauty Vault Institute of Cosmetology (Memphis) — change of location approved (apprenticeship-only classroom); staff and the applicant clarified the school will place apprentice students with licensed professionals. (Motion passed: yes:8, no:0, abstain:0.) - Master Nail Academy (Cookeville) — new specialty manicure school approved; board asked the applicant to list full-/part-time hours and to ensure apprenticeship/traditional schedules do not conflict. (Motion passed: yes:8, no:0, abstain:0.) - All Aspects Barber Styling & Beyond (Memphis) — change of location approved; paperwork and virtual/synchronous options reviewed. (Motion passed: yes:8, no:0, abstain:0.) - Journey Academy of Cosmetology (Jackson) — new branch approved; staff asked the applicant to keep consistent record-retention time (7 years). (Motion passed: yes:8, no:0, abstain:0.) - Sheba Training Center (Knoxville) — application tabled for additional clarification; the board voted to deny at this time and requested the applicant return with clearer schedules and documentation. (Motion to table/deny as presented: passed: yes:8, no:0, abstain:0.) - Crown Cuts Academy (Johnson City) — new barber branch approved; staff asked the school to clarify crossover content to emphasize barbering-specific techniques and to adjust record retention to seven years. (Motion passed: yes:8, no:0, abstain:0.) - Empower Health Beauty Academy (Antioch) — new cosmetology school approved pending clarified enrollment contract language and a list of apprenticeship partner professionals; board approval was conditioned on submission of those items to staff. (Motion passed contingent on updates: yes:8, no:0, abstain:0.)
Why it matters Approving new schools and location changes affects access to licensed training across Tennessee, particularly in smaller or underserved communities. Inspectors and board members flagged recurring paperwork issues (missing page numbers, inconsistent record-retention periods and unclear enrollment-signature language) that affect students’ protections and the board’s ability to verify compliance.
What board members asked staff and applicants to fix Board members repeatedly requested: explicit language showing students sign enrollment agreements prior to payment; consistent seven‑year retention for student records; clearer floor plans that show station counts, break rooms and restrooms; and a clear separation in paperwork for traditional (on‑campus) versus apprenticeship options so students understand which program they enroll in.
Context and next steps Several approvals included contingency language requiring updated floor plans and passing field inspections before the schools may fully enroll students in the new locations. Executive director Roxanna Gamusio told the board that inspectors perform the on-site reviews even for apprenticeship or specialty classrooms and that staff will follow up on the outstanding paperwork items.
