Neva Conway

The Board reviewed a complaint and an Administrative Law Judge's recommendation, ultimately accepting the recommendation with an addendum regarding license suspension timelines. The Board reviewed a Financial Status Report and approved proposed rule changes concerning Health and Safety Requirements. Additionally, the Board heard public commentary regarding the deregulation of Natural Hair Styling and received legislative updates regarding the Cosmetology Compact and bills SB 163 and SB 183, the latter of which removes the Board's regulation of Natural Hair Styling effective October 1st, 2026.

The board reviewed and accepted the Financial Status Report for the final quarter of the year. Key actions included the ratification of rule changes for the Distance Learning Program, Open Records Request Fees, and the 375 Hour Training Requirement. The board also adopted resolutions recognizing former board members and approved the application for a new school, The Loc Shop Natural Hair School. Additionally, updates were provided regarding the Cosmetology and Esthetics Compacts.

The Board addressed complaints and Administrative Law Judge recommendations, approving motions to amend license suspensions. The Financial Status Report was reviewed and acknowledged. The Board approved applications for the Vision Beauty Institute, LanStylez School of Cosmetology & Barbering LLC, and Melissa Cundiff School of Aesthetics- Esthetician School LLC. Additionally, proposed rule changes for Distance Learning Programs, School Curriculum, Open Records Request Fees, and training hour requirements were approved. Officers for 2026 were elected, and the 2026 meeting schedule was established. Finally, the Board received an update on the Interstate Cosmetology Compact Commission, including the upcoming anticipation of multistate license issuance in 2026.

The meeting addressed several key issues, including the inability of The Cove School of Cosmetology to open, Winonah's International School of Cosmetology's expansion, and the relocation of Genesis Career College pending inspection. The board approved the purchases of New Beginning College of Cosmetology and Ray's University of Beauty by Amanda Baugh and Jason Howard, respectively, and the establishment of a new school called The Hive. They also ratified changes to exam fees and accepted the core part of the new Barber exam offered by NIC. Additionally, the board addressed multiple complaints, approving fines and potential license suspensions for non-compliance. Fee increases for personal renewals, original licenses, new shops, shop renewals, and school renewals were approved, set to take effect in 2019. The board discussed website updates, potential PSAs with WSFA, and the availability of written exams in Vietnamese and Spanish. Microneedling practices and the use of curl sponges/gloves were also discussed, with a decision to table the latter for further information. The board adopted a resolution for Delois James, a former member, considered adding "student" to Pending Exam Permits, and reviewed information about the NIC Annual Conference. Finally, they accepted the relocation of University Academy, tabled J Jireh's relocation pending inspection, and maintained the current officer positions.

The meeting included discussions and decisions on several complaints, resulting in fines and potential license suspensions for those not adhering to the stipulated payment timelines. The board reviewed the Financial Status Report covering October 1, 2023, through December 30, 2023. The board approved a new school application from Guinn Beauty Institute. The election of officers for 2024 was conducted, resulting in the appointment of a new Chairman, Vice-Chair, Secretary/Treasurer, and Investigative Committee Member. Proposed dates for the 2024 Board Meetings were accepted. Updates from the legislature were shared, including the Sunset Review Committee's recommendation for the Board's continuation for 4 years and the Governor's Office's "Red Tape Reduction Act." The Board agreed to start early testing in schools.