For all you makeup lovers out there, this one is just for you. If you're a makeup junkie like me,…read morecome here and take a course by Sharona Usher. I first discovered her on Instagram (makeupbysharona). She's the gal that's known for her eye makeup game. And yes, it is strong. As in 425,000 followers strong. And lucky us, she's right here in San Jose, California! What an inspiring story she is, as she has built her entire business right on Instagram. When I found out she would be teaching a day long course, I jumped at the chance and ordered them through eventbrite.com. The tickets were $134.24 for the early bird special. (I bought them 3 weeks in advance). The actual class was held on Sunday July 19, 2015 from 10:00am- 4:00pm. She told us not to wear any makeup and to bring the basics-- foundation, concealer, brushes, eyeshadows and some lipsticks. Everything else was going to be provided in our goodie bag which we could use there. As a makeup artist, it was *really* hard for me to narrow down which eyeshadows, lipsticks and blush to bring along. You know the girl that brings her entire closet for a weekend getaway. Yup, that's me. Once I walked in, we were greeted by Sharona and her super friendly assistant. After being handed a goodie bag, she directed us to place our makeup kits in the adjoining rooms where we would practice our new skills once the class was done being taught. The great thing about the class was that she went over *everything*. She showed us how to prep the skin, apply foundation, put on eyeshadow properly for a smokey eye, how to contour, where to put blush and highlight, how to adhere lashes, and how to make sure your brow game was strong. With her gorgeous model, she demonstrated all of these skills while talking us through the entire process. She explained why she was doing certain things and also told us exactly what brushes and products she was using. Thanks to her, the lemming in me had to go out and buy more makeup. (As if I had an excuse to go shopping for more.) The fun part was getting to practice all these new skills on ourselves in the back rooms where we had mirrors and bright vanity lighting. Sharona was walking around and there to answer any questions and basically guide us when we needed the help. When I had a question about how to perfect my winged eyeliner, she took the time to demonstrate on me while all the rest of the girls watched. The last portion was Sharona doing a Question and Answer session about how she built up her business through Instagram and how to do it for ourselves if we wanted to try that route. I was so impressed with how humble and genuinely nice Sharona was to all of us. She didn't seem affected at all by the industry as I've seen before when I've met other makeup artists who have made it in the business. I highly recommend taking a class from her if you are looking to brush up on your makeup skills (like me) or even if you're just starting out and want to learn how to do it on yourself. It was so much fun!

Great quality makeup and super helpful staff, bought the brow kit and definitely coming again!read more

I wanted a spontaneous haircut and when I called in, the person who answered the phone was so…read morewelcoming! She arranged an appointment on the spot of and I came in- only to wait 5 mins!! The interior is really nice and clean. I went in for a simple wash and cut and I had a wonderful experience with Deida. Although my hair was irritatingly long, she was extremely patient, careful, and gentle with my hair. I enjoyed our minimal talk throughout the session. I liked how she took her time with my hair and often stopped to ask me about the progress. I definitely recommend her!! My overall experience was fantastic; I will definitely come back again!!

Students that cut your hair. $20 for a haircut includes a hair wash and blowout. It takes them…read moreabout 1-2 hour to cut your hair since they are students. The service is good. The staff is very warm and friendly. There is a instructor that will check on the student workmanship just to help and make sure it is cut correctly.

One of the best academy's in Bay Area I truly recommend…read more Specialist in bridal make up and hair Film production FX effects

I am so thrilled that Rose Hill did my hair and make up for my wedding. She made me look flawlessly…read moreglamorous and beautiful. Rose helped me figure out multiple looks for the wedding day and I took her advice as she has been in the business for over 25 years and I was fortunate to have her. She works on celebrities, politicians, executives etc.. She is well respected and very professional. Not only does she do excellent work, she also is a very caring and warm individual; someone people want to be around. Everyone who met her at my wedding wanted to talk to her more. She is a very interesting person and easy to talk to. I highly recommend Rose Hill.

Summer is amazing! She gave me the best layered haircut I've ever had (and I've been getting…read morelayered haircuts for a long time). She is super detailed and makes sure everything is perfect and exactly how you want. She gave me the exact haircut I showed her. She's also super sweet!

I had such a wonderful experience this weekend at the Salon Professional Academy! I'd been itching…read morefor a haircut and wanted to try something new. Luckily, the salon had a spot open the same day I called. Koko was my hairstylist, and she was so sweet! She was very easy to talk to, and I felt heard throughout the entire process. Koko asked me insightful questions to get a vision of what I wanted and had great hair tips to share based on my hair texture, maintenance preferences etc. Ms. Nat, one of the instructors, helped guide the haircut and answer questions each step of the way. It was cool to see (and be a part of) the teaching process in action. Once Koko finished cutting and styling my hair, I was very pleased with the results! She was able to keep the length while adding the layers and bangs that I asked for. I walked out feeling extra confident and pampered ‍

5-stars ALL THE WAY for my guy JR, one of the main barbers and co-founders of Paradox. I'm so happy…read moreI chose the right person for the job. Right from the start, JR was welcoming and kind. He spoke in this soft tone with such respect. He gave clear instructions on what he was going to do. I chose to do a high bald fade with a 2 on top and JR executed perfectly with every angle of my head. Corners were equally balanced and shaped to my liking. He definitely took his time (1-hr) and made sure every part of my head was cut right. JR is meticulous; he's very much into detail and you can tell by the way the barbershop is decorated as well as his appearance. He's very much into fashion and he's good at it. The shop has this sleek-modern look with a feel of walking into a boutique shop. It's unique and definitely refreshing. My haircut came out clean and perfect. It's worth every penny that's for sure. My conversations during my haircut session were phenomenal too! I felt like we knew each other for a while; that's how comfortable things are here. It's a judgement free zone with open minded folks. JR is the man! Looking forward to my next cut already. YEEE!

Over the last 6-7 years, Paradox has been the only barbershop I've gone to. I've gotten cut at…read moretheir Japantown, Midtown, and now Downtown locations, and the quality of work is consistent no matter what. They always keep things super clean, never any sort of long wait, and the music selection is always on point. For the downtown location, there is a convenient parking garage that is free if you're there less than 90 mins and still super cheap if you're there longer. Personally, I always get cut by Rich, but if you look around while you're there, every barber is a master of their craft and everyone leaves happy. On top of that, they have a solid collection of hair products for sale on-site and even their own clothing. If you're looking for a go to shop to get consistently clean cuts, this is the place.

Vocational Nurse (VN) Program Experience -- COMPLETED, GRADUATED & NOW A LICENSED VOCATIONAL…read moreNURSE! Where do I begin sharing my journey of being a nursing student, to now being a licensed vocational nurse? First and foremost, I have to respectfully start of by thanking my team: Joyce-- Who was my AMAZING student representative, my guide and my stepping stone into the VN program. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart, for assisting me into the VN program, with ease, poise, support and a full understanding that I was going to be a successful nurse in the future. I can't stress this enough when I say, I sincerely appreciate you for all you've done, from getting me enrolled to Pre-Reqs, to getting me into an unbelievable Cohort (SJ 8) and to always checking in with me throughout my nursing school journey. You played a huge role in my success and I will never stress that enough. Rita-- Who was my FINANCIAL AID representative. Thank you for being able to answer all my questions in regards to financially covering all my school expenses within a timely manner. Thank you for always being so patient, quick with my questions and concerns, but also for believing in me to complete the VN program as well. You definitely were a support system and making sure I had the financial backing to get through this program in smooth sailing. Emily-- Who was my VN Academic Assistant Coordinator. Thank you so much for making sure all my ducks were lined up in a row. From making sure all my health documents were up to date and or making sure my overall wellbeing was taken care as well too! You've continuously shown your support in my nursing journey and have always made sure I was being supported in any capacity! I want to to say thank you so much for always being there for me! ***Notable shout out to Mary & Zach as well! You three are awesome and deserving of the best! & now the best part, to my instructors and role models: Ms. Lauri, Ms. Marguerite, Ms. Wong, Ms. Finck, Ms. Sovela, Mr. Neil, Ms. Relos, Ms. Kat, Ms. Katherine & Ms. Sindhu-- Thank you all individually, for not only shaping me to be a great future nurse, but also teaching me what it truly means to being a nurse. From clinical's, skills labs to in class lectures, or even helpful advice in the halls, you all have contributed to my success today and I have so much gratitude in my heart for each and every one of you. Thank you so much! ***THEY DESERVE THE RECOGNITION & A HUGE RAISE AS WELL! LAST, BUT NOT LEAST, THE ONE THE ONLY, THE MOST RESPECTED EVER, MR TRAVIS COLBY. Oh my, where do I even begin? I'm going to try my best to not cry as I express my genuine appreciation for this amazing instructor, but also human being. Mr. Colby, has been the most professional, supportive, caring, kind, understanding, yet respectfully unapologetic and influential nurse I ever met. He has been very consistent in his career especially when it comes to teaching not only myself, but many past amazing nurses of his time. Truthfully, Mr. Colby has always pushed me to my true limits and all I can really say is, I always have appreciated him for it. He always believed in me from the start of the program, to even now. He has definitely played a huge role in why I'm so proud to be a nurse now, but also a successful one! If there's one thing Mr. Colby has always taught me is that, to be a nurse is a privilege and honor. And to now be a part of a well respected profession, that I get to proudly be part of and is now my career, I couldn't have asked for a better role model to lead me to my path of nursing. With that being said, Mr. Colby, I genuinely appreciate you for all the experiences, support & knowledge you've shared with me. I will forever cherish them and utilize what you taught me, towards my nursing career! FOR FUTURE NURSING STUDENTS: If you're truly passionate, committed and willing to become a nurse, you can make your dreams a reality. Be ready to make sacrifices, go through the ups and downs of life and truthfully, unlock your inner being of what it means to be a 'nurse'. --Nurse Alina

I called Unitek San Jose to learn more about the LVN-to-BSN program before committing to another…read moreschool. Unfortunately, the admissions representative, Haidee or Hayley, was extremely dismissive and unprofessional. Instead of answering my questions, she told me to pursue another program. There is lack of communication and whenever we try to call the school, they dont pick up the phone! It takes days to actually have someone answer the phone! This was especially disappointing after my original admissions rep, John, had already failed to follow up for over two weeks after receiving my transcripts. This experience left a very negative impression, and I will no longer be considering Unitek due to the lack of professionalism and respect shown to prospective students. Disgusting attitude! Do Better!

Rusty, our instructor, is the most amazing, understanding, funny, and overall nice guy. He has so…read moremuch experience and wisdom, and not only makes the class informative but also fun. Going into a CNA program, I thought it would be another stress added but it was so chill, and Rusty made it so entertaining. Recommend him 100% to anyone looking to get their CNA. He prepares you so well for the regional exam and has the best materials. The tuition comes with a pair of figs so we all match, formal and good quality. Rusty gives all the steps for success. If you don't take it with him, you'll regret it!

Rusty was such a great instructor! He always made learning fun & always continued to show us love,…read moresupport & courage! Finishing this program I am forever grateful for the experience, would recommend this program to everyone!! Also created so many great people while attending

I recently had the opportunity to visit Diamond school of nursing and I was totally impressed by…read morethe welcoming environment, knowledgeable faculty and the school's strong emphasis on hands on learning . The simulation labs looks the best place to learn - modern,well-equipped and clearly designed to prepare students for real world clinical challenges. This visit solidified my decision to pursue my nursing career at Diamond nursing school . I believe school's commitment to academic excellence supported by podcasts , free study guides aligns perfectly with my goals.

I recently completed the weekend CNA program at Diamond School of Nursing. I enjoyed the experience…read moreand am looking forward to taking my CNA certification exam in a month or so. Through the program, I learned a lot about the responsibilities of a CNA and what a typical clinical setting is like. Also, the school provides many learning tools to prepare for the CNA exam, such as flashcards and practice quizzes which are very helpful!!