Career Classroom: New program polishes skills and business sense

Tabitha Gessling is called upon for fashion week runways, editorial shoots, weddings and private clients. Her success today as a beauty professional demonstrates the value of not only developing industry-specific skills but knowing how to market them.  

After graduating from Morris County Vocational School District’s (MCVSD) Cosmetology program, Gessling transitioned to the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she honed business skills, earning a degree in cosmetics and fragrance marketing with a minor in ethics and sustainability. Her post-secondary education further helped her create both a name and place for herself as a young entrepreneur in the beauty industry. 

Using Gessling’s story as inspiration, MCVSD is encouraging students to start exploring business ownership while in high school. The district has introduced the Share-Time Business Pathway at the Morris County Career Training Center, located on the campus of the County College of Morris in Randolph. This pathway, with tracks in entrepreneurship and supply chain management, will offer an innovative educational opportunity for high school juniors and seniors that will bridge the gap between high school education and the workforce. Students will gain valuable skills, college credits, and experiences that prepare them for future careers or further education. 

While many students begin their journey in a career-specific program, such as Cosmetology, there is now an option for students to begin thinking beyond the chair to take their career planning a step further.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all path in beauty, or in any industry,” explained Gessling. “For young entrepreneurs, programs like the Business Pathway at the Morris County Career Training Center is a great steppingstone for future professionals to carve out their own unique success stories.”

Gessling also noted that her goals in the beauty industry “could have been accomplished with focusing on business first and then beauty.” This insight is particularly valuable for students considering alternative pathways into any industry.

“The Business Pathway will give students the chance to develop their entrepreneurial skills, preparing them to launch their own business or be part of one that is already established,” added Gessling. “Whether a student’s passion lies in cosmetology, marketing, or another field, a business education offers a solid foundation needed to build a successful career.”

Recognizing the challenges beauty professionals face in marketing themselves, Gessling launched “Tabslookbook,” a digital marketing agency designed specifically for beauty professionals. Through branding, social media management, content creation, and website design she helps artists and salon owners connect with their ideal clients and grow their businesses with confidence. 

Gessling may soon be working with fellow MCVSD alumni as students take advantage of this new Business Pathway to create an even stronger foundation from which to launch their careers after high school. 

Jackie Burke is executive director of the New Jersey Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools. Gina DiDomenico handles student recruitment and community relations for the Morris County Vocational School District.

Jackie Burke	Gina DiDomenico