Daily Inspiration: Meet Denise Geisman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Geisman.

Hi Denise, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I actually stumbled into this business when I decided to help my daughter establish her own salon.
After purchasing a building and redecorating the from the first salon we built, I found myself with space and equipment and understanding there was a need for a local cosmetology school.

I had a strong background in teaching trade students, as I had previously managed the EMS (emergency medical services) department at Jackson College and had a good understanding of business as my husband has been a part of a thriving Machine and Tool Company for over 40 years. So, with the help of my friend, a previous cosmetology director we established Atlas Academy of Cosmetology.

Our first class was made up from students that were left mid-way through their studies when their school abruptly closed its doors due to some unethical practices in Jackson.

It was a big learning curve as I had to learn the industry to teach. Since my director was a Cosmetology instructor, I started by earning my Esthetics Instructor license.

In just over 6 years Atlas has become a popular educational option and was recently accredited through NAACAS.

We offer cosmetology, esthetician, manicuring and instructor classes. Class size is very small for a more personalized experience.

The senior students, under the direction of an instructor, run a full-service salon with spa services at a reduced rate compared to established salons and spas which help to hone their techniques and reduce their service times.

I believe that our graduates need to be taught professionalism and be exposed to a solid foundation, in addition to what is currently trending.
We give them skills and training with top end products and techniques.

Of course, businesses need to consider their community, so Atlas strives to accommodate the seniors with special reduced pricing on some services, complimentary haircuts for military and children 12 years and younger. We spoil seniors in facilities with facials and nail services that always include complimentary tweezing,

We also offer camps, one day or by the week to introduce young boys and girls to healthy body image- taking care of their skin, nails and proper grooming. Recently we held a spring break day braiding camp for 5th-8th graders giving them tools to style their hair and their friends.

Atlas is a great place to learn and I’m very proud of all of the opportunities I can provide to my staff, students, guests and community!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Owning a business always has obstacles. Just implementing solid guidelines and policies is tough but needed, getting accredited has certainly been a guide for us. Although it was over a 4-year journey.
Two major and ongoing struggles are the lack of scholarships available to trade students.
We have one local foundation that has been very supportive. Unfortunately, it only serves the Jackon and Lenawee County residents, but Atlas receives applications from students across the lower part of the state some traveling over an hour. After applying and being accepted to receive assistance, rarely are cosmetology student able to receive assistance from state or federal programs, unless you register with the Department of education. Recently I inquired about the Michigan Achievement scholarship for trades, but again cosmetology is not listed. TIPS is only offered for college bound students (and the last two years of high school). My struggle is that college is not the only alternative for students. We do accept the GI bill, and we have had students that were successful in receiving those funds.
Staffing is always a challenge. Most cosmetologists make a very nice wage behind the chair, so few are interested in stepping down or working part time as an instructor. I have had several instructors over the past 6 years but have two exceptionally dedicated teachers right now that I worry will be stretched thin as we continue to grow in enrollment and forge more opportunities in the community

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I was actually fortunate to be a stay-at-home mother for meany years. I My reprieve from the daily routine was helping at a local florist during holiday seasons, learning to become a floral designer, I was passionate about my children and their school, so I was a class advisor for two of my children and loved all the action of float building and spirit weeks.
In my late 30’s I decided to take a few college classes and fell in love with Emergency services, so I became an EMT, and eventually a Specialist. I continued working at Jackson College after I was licensed and working for Jackson Community Ambulance, finding a strong love for teaching EMS classes and American Heart courses.
It only made sense to bring my skills to my community, so I applied to the local fire department and was told that if I wanted to serve, I needed to be a fire fighter. So, at 40, I became a fire fighter and have served on Hanover Townships department for 20 years this May.
I have no idea what I am know for, probably my passion to help others in any way I can.
I am most proud of my family, my amazing husband of over 40 years, my 4 married children to wonderful and caring spouses, and my bright, kind and loving ten grandkids. They are my legacy! Right behind that I would say I am a good person, and I am very proud of the school I’ve built and the opportunities I have given to so many in the in a variety of trade roles.

What’s next?
My immediate, personal plan is to take better care of me and spend more quality time with my greatest achievement-my family!
As for Atlas, I see a big remodel. I will always keep my class sizes small, but our space needs to grow as much as we have, and it needs us to gain a little more wiggle room.

Contact Info:

• Website: atlasacademymi