(Courtesy of SINAI Schools) As any budding entrepreneur knows, networking with others in your industry is essential for success. Recently, Zeesy November, a student at SINAI@Ma’ayanot who started her own wig care business, Wigs by Zeesy, had the opportunity to network at the FEMME beauty expo.
Through SINAI Schools’ Vocational Preparedness Program, Zeesy has been working at Sari’s Wigs for three years under the mentorship and guidance of owner Sari Friedbauer. Each week, Sari helps Zeesy learn new styling techniques and skills.
“When Zeesy started working with me, she didn’t yet know the right way to hold a curling iron and was hesitant to talk to the customers,” recalled Friedbauer. “Now it is wonderful to see how her skills have blossomed and she has developed relationships with so many of our customers.”
On April 29, November joined Sari at FEMME to learn about the latest developments in their shared industry. “At the conference, I got to meet so many professionals in the industry,” said November. “Now I have contacts to connect with as I build my business.”
SINAI students are paired with businesses and organizations through the school’s Rabbi Mark & Linda Karasick Shalem High Schools Vocational Preparedness Program. Students go each week to their vocational sites with a job coach who provides ongoing supervision and training while facilitating problem-solving and helping the student manage new situations as they arise.
“Working with Zeesy has been a wonderful experience,” said Friedbauer. “It’s not just the great feeling I get knowing I am helping her develop important life and business skills. She has helped me rekindle my passion for my business. She asks questions that urge me to look at things from a new perspective. Breaking skills down to help her master them reveals new approaches to tasks I have been doing by rote for years. I look forward to her coming every week.”
If you manage a business or organization and would like to learn more about how you can contribute to and benefit from partnering with SINAI’s Vocational Preparedness program, please email [email protected].
