Marinello Schools of Beauty

Students, Instructors, and Customers: BewareEvery person walking through the doors of an institution that promises an education, expects an education — #DemandYourEducation. Instructors and resources are needed to succeed. Unfortunately, Marinello Schools, like many other Beauty Colleges’ Business «plan» is a plan to starve Students and Instructors alike from getting and giving education. When students are strategically denied instructors, they are left to compete for attention. While Instructors are deliberately «undertrained, overworked, and overwhelmed» they do their best to make their own life and workload easier by giving the attention to those students that they most EASILY relate too, leaving students divided, disenfranchised, and resenting each other. And, the strategical division systematically takes place. Chaos is part of the «Corportate» Business Plan to Profit from students’ Financial Aid. In general, Marinello Schools starve students from the education we pay for. Marinello Schools of Beauty, strategically does not «EVER» provide, NOR will it EVER provide enough instructors, support, resources, or products. They open their schools with a deficit and continue with that deficit indefinitely. Its that «DEFICIT» that is the «gold mine» that maximizes into big profits. When it comes to #Corporate4Profit schools like Marinello, there does not seem to be laws or regulations against the deprivation of education. #4Profit Students appear to have NO RIGHTS and Family Medical Leave does not apply to Students. Students, lets come together with Teachers and Customers for Better Education, Better Pay and create One strong #StudentUnion for #BeautyColleges everywhere.

I attended this school for two different programs. Both of which I have completed and have passed my boards (on the first try). I started with the cosmetology program: Ms. Amy was my instructor the first half of my time there. She was always there to help when I needed it, even for my personal issues I had outside of school. She was a great mentor for me to look up to. She drilled state board practical into my head like no other. I NEVER forgot when to sanitize my hands, that’s for sure. (Lol) she also helped a lot with how to remember different things for our written exam. Epidermal-​dermal Junction is by far my favorite to remember now. She’s very knowledgable about this career and very passionate about it. I couldn’t have asked for a better Freshman teacher. Ms. J was my senior instructor. Although she was like a Mama Bear, she was there to show us tough love and to prepare us for what it is going to be like in a real salon. She isn’t going to hold your hand through your entire program which I felt was best for us. It forced us to learn it from trial and error and if error did occur, she was there to help save the day. She was always pushing us to our limits because she wanted to see us achieve our best. I never would have done a relaxer had she not of volun-​told me to. (And she was there with me every step of the way) I can honestly say that I had an amazing experience in my cosmetology program thanks to the instructors and I thank them dearly for it. My second program was the Esthetics program. Ms. Nicole was by far the best instructor for the class. Because of her knowledge and the love for her job, it’s made the experience so much more than amazing. She really pushed us to know our ingredients in products so we could be versatile in product lines. She also drilled state board practical and written until we could do it just about blindfolded. Right before I graduated (like a week before) our state board practical had changed from 5 procedures to now 12. She made sure that we did our practical over and over and over again for that last week or so until we felt comfortable with it and I couldn’t have been more thankful for now I am a dual license. Ms. Christy is the night Este instructor and she’s just as amazing from the little I got to work with her. Not only was she available for makeup artist questions, but she was there for me to ask all of my last minute state board questions since Ms. Nicole was out on maternity leave. And I am forever grateful! As for the other staff: Ms. Christina is the nights manicurist instructor but would sometimes substitute for our Cosmo instructors. She was very approachable and available for nail questions. I always enjoyed having her as a sub. I have learned so much from her! She’s great to have if you plan on taking the mani class! Dom and Candice work the front desk and both are great welcoming faces to see first thing when you walk in. They always have a smile on their face and a friendly approach to the clients. Ms. Venetta is the career services rep and she is deff amazing! She’s always there to assist students in job placement, resumes, and motivating students to do well on Miladys with free dress coupons. She’s a hard worker and it shows! Rebecca is Financial Aid and even though some students get angry with her for whatever reason they have, she does her job and does it well. She makes sure all the students are taken care of on the financial side of things. She’s a busy woman dealing with all those students that are always so demanding. Tannia is the schools registrar and she is always there when students need her. She was always welcoming and willing to help me make sure my program hours were on track and that I was pre-​applying for my state board date right on time. Maggie was my admissions rep to enroll me into both programs and gave me the tour of the school before I started Cosmo. She was very lively and full of compliments that boosted my self esteem. She always knew how to grab new students. I always referred to her as the hustler. Lastly, the School’s Director is Ms. T. Within the 2 programs I have done, I have seen the school improve in so many ways, and for the better! She really takes the effort to learn who the students are and where they come from. She is a great director to have. She’s open to hear suggestions on improvements and complaints. She handles irrational clients with a professional attitude and is a good example for the school. Overall I would totally recommend this school to others. Although students complain about «drama» a lot, the only thing I can say is: it’s your education. If you’re serious about what you want and what you do then you’ll steer away from all of that and keep yourself on track. Go in with a positive attitude and try to be decent to others. Mind your own business and do what you have to do to get that license in hand. Good luck on your journey in the beauty industry and please consider this school as your choice.

As a student in the esthetician program for the past 5 months. I haven’t seen one upset client walk out of our room. And many new clients have requested us for future appointments. Ms. Nicole being a great teacher, speaking for myself I know I’ll leave this school with the knowledge I need and that would also benefit me for my career.

Review for prospective esthetic students:
Initially I was skeptical of committing to this particular location due to the lack of positive reviews from customers and past students. This location happens to be less than 5 minutes from house, so choosing a further location wouldn’t make any sense.
I’m almost done with my second month and I’m already missing it. I currently have Ms. Nicole and I couldn’t be more thankful. She’s an OG of the industry, so she’s able to provide text book knowledge and personal professional advice. The program itself is very structured and equips you for your State Board exam. They incorporate a State Board week where they have you run through the practical over and over again. I love that it’s getting drilled into my head and I’m becoming more comfortable.
Every aspect of the program has a purpose and was created with students in mind. I’m confident other students can agree with me when I say that the program overall is worth the money. It actually changed my initial stereotype of what I once thought beauty school was about. You’ll meet incredible people that have great ambitions and dreams of doing big things just like you and it’s encouraging.
I highly recommend taking on a tour and meeting everyone!

I started Esthetician classes here in August,. I was nervous to be changing careers at this point in my life, but the first day I walked in I knew I had made the right choice. It is such an inviting class, none of the drama you would expect from the beauty industry. I think that is a reflection of our instructor Ms. Nicole, she respects her students and our clients and has so much knowledge in skin care. I’m reassured knowing I will be more than ready for state board and my new career because of her. I really recommend this class for anyone who has been considering skin care, I wish I would have started sooner.

If you are looking for a place to get your education to start your career in cosmetology, this is the one. The teachers are amazing and are always there to help you whether its learning something new or need assistance when with a client. The training for the state board exam is very thorough to ensure that you are well prepared to pass and be a licensed cosmetologist. There are always guest speakers from salons coming in also, so that way you can learn different techniques whether in sales or styling. The learning opportunities are endless there. Its just up to you if you are committed to your career. Other schools let their students fall off the track of their program for the schools own benefit ($$$), however Marinello will let you know that you are falling behind, and really are about your progress in your career and future and will help you out.
Good luck to anyone who is planning to start their career in cosmetology!

Don’t not go to school here. The staff is unprofessional. They take your money and over load classes and tell you «deal with it.» I highly regret coming here.
I am shocked more so than anything by the staff and lack of care they have here. They treat you like criminal children.

If you’re thinking about coming to school here. DON’T. It’s $ 11,000 and let me tell you. I have no idea where my money is going. They strive for you to sell product to clients that come to the school yet there is NEVER any product to sell or even use on PAYING clients. You’re constantly giving facials daily to clients and fellow students. you would think they would have stock in product. It’s so embarrassing and ghetto. Not only that, but $ 11,000 and sometimes there’s not even cotton balls!!! how can you not afford that Marinello? The ONLY good thing I’ve gotten so far from my education was Ms. Amber. She was amazing, and taught me so much, I was lucky to have her as a teacher, but she’s been laid off so now I don’t even have a reason to actually look forward to coming to school. It’s sad. Lets just say the whole school is very INCOMPETENT and they will lie to you and tell you how amazing it is just so they get their money. If I were you and you were thinking about coming here, you might want to think twice, it’s basically a joke. The only reason I give this 2 stars is the fact that I had Ms. Amber my first few months, otherwise I wouldn’t even feel confident that id be getting my license if I didnt have her.

I graduated from the Esthetician program in July 2010. Passed my State Board September 2010 the first time I went. They make it easy for u to pass the State Board Exam because about ¹⁄₃ of the time there is focused completely on the exam. I learned so much about the skin and how it functions. The skin is the largest organ in your body and it’s amazing. The only thing I wish I had done differently was take the Cosmo program instead of the Esthe program. Honestly. Now I’m going back for the Cosmo program because I now see how much better the environment is you work in when your doing hair as opposed to doing facials in a dark room all day where u can’t talk. Cuz I’m a talker and I love to be a therapist to my friends, my personality Cosmo. Not Esthe. But I didn’t realize it in school. I didnt realize it untill I got a job and work!!! The difference in the environment from one career to another is TOTALLY DIFFERENT. When you do hair, you talk to your client the entire time about so much, Hair, Life… When you do facials in a spa, your working in a calm peaceful environment where loud voices are not allowed. The time i spend working as an esthetician, I never got to know my clients much unless it was before or after the service. When your giving someone a facial its supposed to be relaxing and talking is kept minimal. You have to move really slowly and gracefully, which i can do very well, but its just not me. I like to talk and move around and be on my feet My best advice to anyone going to school is think about where u want to spend your day. I am a people person and I love to talk and help people figure out their problems. I will love doing hair when I finally get the chance to do it after i go back to school for hair, but idk if im going to pick Marinello or Paul Mitchell. I haven’t decited yet!
Either way, attending this school was a great time in my life and I learned a lot!

As a student of Marinello, I have nothing but amazing things to say about all the staff and students of this campus. It is a true pleasure to walk in to this campus every morning for school. Everyone here is extremely professional and you are treated the best. All the staff is wonderful. Ms. Shannon is an amazing instructor and I will be sad when I leave her room, in a matter of weeks. I have learning so much while being in her class for the last month and a half. The knowldege that is gained is truly remarkable for an 8 hour day. Ms. Liz, the school registrar, is always around when you need her help, you can come to her with everything. She is always there when you need her and she is fantastic. Ms. T the school director, while I dont always see her while in my classroom, I know she is there when I need her with different questions. She is a caring, and wonderful Director.
As a client of the school, I was treated with such professionalism that I came back for more services. I almost forgot that I was in a school and not in an actual salon. This campus is a wonderful place to learn and I know I made the best decision I possibly could when choosing Marinello, San Diego campus.

I graduated from this school in early April 2012 from the Esthetics program. I had looked around for a long time for a school to do my education at. I toured 4 or 5 other schools, and when I got to this campus I was immediately sucked in. The administration, enrollment and financial aide staff are extremely helpful, friendly and welcoming.
The entire school is very friendly, though there is a small competition amongst the students because of the awards that are given every month. While I don’t believe there has been too much drama regarding the awards. All of the instructors are friendly and very willing to help you.
I was enrolled in the night school, I only went to school 4 hours a day. The course was longer this way, and it was hard to get there every night, but it was worth it every time I went. My instructor, Ms. Waldron, made the experience amazing. She is a young and energetic woman who is on the top of her game. She meets with her students one-​on-​one constantly. She is always asking for feedback and making adjustments to the class based on her chats. She’s excited about the field and it showed in her teaching. I learned something new every night, and she always checked to make sure we understood it. She will help you study the material for the weekly tests with fun games, and she will help you with knowing and understand exactly how state board works. She is so good at incorporating real world experience in the classroom. She makes it real for her students.
I loved my time at this school, and if they had a master’s program I would attend in a heartbeat. I never regretted spending my money here, and I recommend it to everyone who asks where they should go.

I went to Marinello for their cosmo program back in 2009. My admissions advisor is no longer working there but she was extremely friendly. Their financial advisor is amazing. Ms Edna will always help you find a way to pay your tuition.
My instructors were okay. They were nice but I felt that most of the time, I had to teach things myself. For example, cutting men’s hair. They don’t even teach you this at school so I had to shadow my hairdresser weekly to learn the things Marinello didn’t teach me.
Also, their back bar was always empty and the school got extremely strict on portioning things out — even if you had a client. They had a student in their back bar room watch over you while you portioned things out. Wtf is that?
Not that many people come to Marinello to get services, so if you are looking to practice on people, I suggest you bring in family and friends. Services there are inexpensive and it will benefit you in the long run.
Lastly, Marinello was extremely dirty. The girls would leave their food/​drinks in their stations/​drawers and roaches were there all the time. You had to check your station daily to make sure there weren’t any bugs. Also, for some reason, the girls didn’t know how to keep the bathroom clean so it was constantly dirty and disgusting. I think a couple of times we had to shut the school down because the pipes were broken — I mean really? If you’re teaching your students to promote sanitation, it obviously wasn’t getting through to some.
I am thankful to Marinello for helping me pass stateboard the first time. Their passing rate is extremely high, I believe over 90% when I attended. But really explore your options before coming here.

I attended this school and did get my cosmo license. However, If your looking to attend this beauty school for the Cosmetology course, don’t go because you won’t be educated!!! Yes they teach you state board but that is it. Not enough equipment available in example press and curl ovens. There is never fully stocked supplies for students to practice state board. So you are forced to provide your on supplies. I went 3 months without a locker because they can’t seem to ever have lockers fixed or monitor students to return keys when they graduate. No technique in cutting was rarely taught. You can blame it on the administration staff for the lovely turnover rate of their teachers. Students of 2010 – 2011 went through 4 teachers in one year. How are students suppose to be provided with a proper education with no teachers??? How are you suppose to me motivated to do hair if you feel you don’t have a simple foundation. If your forking out 18 grand for teaching yourself ha might as well spend the extra three grand for paul mitchell or even cheaper go to city college to actually learn something. They say all beauty schools are the same, bullshit nothing can be as bad as this school. They even forced students to do janitorial services at one point, corporate can’t even afford to have a legit janitorial service. Oh and let’s not forget to mention their Spirit night once a month which is a waste of my school tuition. This event is meant for awards and student appreciation. However a good 30 minutes is reading kudos that students give to one another. Another 30 minutes on a themed clothing catwalk. Wtf it has nothing to do with hair… dum dum. Oh and not to mention they can’t keep a receptionist so they select a students in class to do transactions for clients. I believe we should be in class being taught a lesson or practicing Stateboard. Hmmm what else, oh the color line is horrible! Clairol, but what does that matter when you get no color theory either. I just want to say marinello get your frickn program together. Oh and the location is horrible, which means no clients if your a night student. Another thing if your late by like 5 minutes, even if you tell them you had traffic coming form work. They send you home and like charge you $ 10.50 an Hr. Please students of 2010 – 2011 of marinello share your experience I know there are a ton of you out there. Maybe it’s better for day students, but at night they don’t give a F*$%K.

I’m currently in school training for my Esthetics license, 7 month program. The school is very proactive and encouraging through the course-​they want to see their students succeed! They have a lot of positive energy, the teachers are enthusiastic and the students really seem to enjoy the curriculum. The hands on is the best part, especially when you have a great teacher. My teacher, Ms. R, is amazing-she’s the night teacher. Full of information, good energy, lots of laughs and always there to help. The esthe department really does mock a spa environment with soft music, low lighting and comfortable beds-it’s worth coming in to try it out! If you’re interested in the spa/​salon career-​you should take a tour and see what you think. It’s worth the money and commitment, truly a great and exiciting industry!

I would like to start of by saying, if you’re going to read any of my review read this. Don’t go to school here.
INSTRUCTORS–
My mother AND I both enrolled in school here for the esthetician program. We waited three months to receive any type of product, state board kit, and our books. I can name about 9 different instructors that passed through as we were students. It’s really not that long of a course either. Each time we would get a new instructor they would be in training and getting used to everything which meant we wouldn’t learn anything… Then we would get another new instructor. The whole time I was there I had one really good instructor who would go through everything and really made it challenging through knowing everything from state board to anatomy to electricity, etc. *ONLY ONE* Ms. Jayne, thank yo so much for all of your inspiration. I too, now use Dermalogica. My mom appreciated all of the book work but I truly felt like I was getting ripped off the whole time. No lessons, no hands on, nothing for most of the time I was there. Probably 60−70% of my time was completely wasted. For the price of this course, I felt like I received WAY UNDER the minimum amount of education you could ever offer someone.
BITCH–
Ms. Brooks decided to embarrass me one morning while I was making up hours in her class. I had to leave my job to finish my makeup hours because I missed so many from helping my mom from the car accident which you will read about soon. Up at 7am with my cup of coffee, the washer and dryer in our duplex was broken, and I still made it on time and happy and ready to work and get this over with because I was SO CLOSE TO GRADUATING! That was so exciting to finally get the hell out of there, but just as I got too excited. I was sitting in the back of the class on a day with no clients when she called me to the front of the class. Very LOUDLY, she asked me if I had been rolling around in the mud and told me that I looked dirty and it was disgusting. She told me to go home, and I went back to my seat crying and gathering my stuff to leave. My uniform wasn’t that bad I had some normal wax stains on my Marinello waxing shirt which obviously doesn’t come off so why wear a new white shirt every time to ruin it waxing again? My dickies scrubs were a little dirty on the bottom only but it’s not her place to think she can do that to me. So I asked her if she was a uniform nazi and she kicked me out permanently, I spent about 50 hours in the back just sitting there, looking at my book wishing I could punch her in the face.
PRODUCT–
The product I used was Bioelements, which is a fairly nice product and that would be the only thing that you’d be getting your moneys worth for. The instructors never kept everything in stock, we would always be running out of everything, from cotton to scrub to anything else you could think of. Then they started a policy where the backbar wasn’t open for us to use and we had to have instructor supervision so when you had a client and needed something, you’d have to leave your client to go disturb the teacher. I was able to take clients at 150 hours. They had a coupon program where you get «Marinello Dollars» as you got clients and you could put it towards more products to put in your personal backbar. I was saving all of mine and man I had A LOT. When it was time for me to use them and put them towards my whole essential oils kit, Ms. Glass told me that they were no longer valid, and there went *MY* lovely products I worked so hard for. All of the other girls before me got to cash in theirs.
***THEY STOLE MY MOM’S PRODUCT OUT OF HER LOCKER***-
My mother and I were in a car accident on the way to school about ¹⁄₃ the way in. We received our books and product the very night before. She totaled her car and was severely injured. My mom was not able to make it back to school for a few weeks THEN she was approved for a medical leave a few weeks later. Two weeks after she was gone, Ms. Brooks decided to clean out all of the lockers and guess what??? My mom had me go in to get all of her BRAND NEW PRODUCT and her personal belongings, and everything was cleaned out completely out of that locker. There was another girl’s stuff, a hair tie, etc. Everyone we contacted did absolutely nothing, denied ever going in her locker, would not reimburse her for her stolen product, and said that she wasn’t supposed to have her stuff in there because she was sick. WOW. Guess what, my mom quit at 200 hours, and she’s still paying in full for her product that was taken from her. I called and called and called again, bothered them every chance I had even after I graduated, they still won’t do *anything* not even sell me replacement product!!! N-​O-​T-​H-​I-​N-​G.
In conclusion, stay far, faraway from this school unless you are a paying client. They offer great services at great prices. Don’t forget to tip!
EFF U MARINELLO.