Hair Styling Talent, a Passion for Quality, and an Entrepreneurial Spirit
"Surreal" is the word Delaware Tech graduate Stephanie Saroukos uses to describe how it felt to open her own full-service hair salon in Wilmington.
That first day as a small-business owner is still a vivid memory for Saroukos, but her path to becoming a full-time business owner and renowned hair stylist was not always so clear.
During her childhood, Saroukos developed an entrepreneurial spirit while watching her parents operate their own construction company. She began experimenting with hairstyling by cutting her sister's hair. Following high school graduation, the Delaware native was in search of a career path. After two years at a university, Saroukos decided to enroll at The Delaware Academy: A Paul Mitchell Partner School to pursue her passion for hairstyling. During her education, Saroukos entered Beacon, a national contest for student cosmetologists. Her talent stood strong against the competitors, and she was selected as one of the 100 winners across the country. The award landed her a trip to Las Vegas for additional cosmetology training.
That experience further fueled her passion for a career in cosmetology. As she continued to work as a stylist in a salon, the thought of owning her own hair salon soon became a goal she longed to achieve.
The journey continued when Saroukos enrolled at Delaware Tech.
"It was an easy choice for me," said Saroukos. "I chose Delaware Tech because at the time, I was working full time as a stylist and needed flexibility and affordability. I was able to work and attend classes while avoiding student debt."
The entrepreneurship program taught Saroukos valuable life and business lessons that she draws upon daily while working at her salon. She learned how to build a business plan, create a budget, and manage multiple projects. But even more important, she learned how to create effective and efficient solutions to problems – the essential skills and tools necessary to become a successful business owner.
After graduating with an associate degree in entrepreneurship in 2014, Saroukos was one step closer to her dream. With her award-winning talent and quality education, she opened Saroukos Hair Company in 2016. And three years later, she continues to thank Delaware Tech for prepping her for success.
"It's been an exciting time," said Saroukos. "Just as anyone would feel running their own business, I had some nerves. But I was prepared, thanks to Delaware Tech."
To learn more about the entrepreneurship program, visit dtcc.edu/programs.
