The Aveda Institute San Antonio was formed from a passion for the beauty industry as wellas the creative minds and hard work of two women — who happen to be related. KathyThalman, owner and CEO of K Charles & Co Salons, and her daughter, Holly Zapata,combined their individual strengths to grow their family business into an enterpriseproviding employment for more than 100 individuals.
The first K Charles & Cosalon opened in 1984; thereare now two additionallocations in San Antonio“The salons have been mypassion for almost 25 years,”says Thalman. “I wanted toraise the bar for this industryfor both my employeesand the guests we serve andhave worked to achieve thatobjective. We are thrilled tohave been selected for the2008 Best of San AntonioAward in the Hair Salon categoryby the U.S. Local BusinessAssociation (USLBA).This came as a delightfulsurprise; to have our serviceto our customers and thecommunity acknowledgedin such a manner fills uswith pride. This doesn’tmean we can sit on ourthumbs and relax though.There is always need for adjustmentand improvementin any worthwhile endeavor.”
The Aveda Institute SanAntonio, which opened inthe Pearl Brewery complexin 2005 was Zapata’s dream.“Together, and with thehelp of family members anda dedicated, hardworkingstaff, we are thrilled to makethat happen. Holly is thedirector of education for theinstitute and is seeing herdream fulfilled,” says Thalman.
“I was privileged to attendthe renowned Aveda Institutein Minneapolis,” Zapatasays. “After several yearsof honing my skills as abeauty professional, I knew Iwanted to create an institutein San Antonio that wouldoffer an unrivaled educationfor those who seek to enterthis field. With my mother’sbusiness sense and vision,we were able to create afacility that makes us bothvery proud.”
The institute, which isfully accredited by the NationalAccrediting Commissionof Cosmetology Arts& Sciences (NACCAS) wasrecently approved for federalfunding through the Departmentof Education. “This ishuge!” exclaims Zapata. Thisfunding means the institutewill be able to offer financialaid for eligible studentsthrough Pell Grants, FederalSupplemental EducationalOpportunity Grants (FSEOG)as well as federally subsidizedand unsubsidized loans forindividuals who meet thecriteria. The increased accessibilityfor funding opportunitieswill open the door formany more qualified individualswho wish to pursue aprofession in the industry. Afully licensed cosmetologisthas career opportunities notonly in salons, but in medicalspas, the fashion and wellnesssector, pageants, photostylingfor print publications — evenin TV and movies.
“Our salons are growingas well,” says Thalman. “Oursmall Hill Country salon inSpring Branch was bursting atthe seams so, we recently relocatedto a larger space in theCreekside retail area on Hwy46, just West of Hwy 281. Thismove will allow us to continueto serve our current guestsand introduce them to ourgrowing team of professionals.We’re sure our guests willlove the new space.”
Between the salons andthe institute, this mother anddaughter team are clearlydedicated to serving the communitythrough providingextraordinary service to theirguests and providing superbeducation and subsequent careeropportunities for futuregenerations of beauty professionals.
