The fantastic story of Tameka Jones, a 2003 Saint Paul College graduate featured on the HULU television series The Small Business Revolution, continues to shine. Tameka’s story of service to others truly goes from inner beauty to outer beauty in many remarkable ways. An​d now, her story transcends generations as her daughter, KiJana Jones, joins forces with her mom to add a new service to their growing business, eyelash extensions.

Like her mother, KiJana Jones also attended Saint Paul College, completing the Cosmetology course Eyelash Extensions in November. A few weeks later, she passed the Minnesota State Board certification test to become a Certified Eyelash Technician. KiJana also enjoys helping people reach their full beauty, both inside and outside. With a certification in eye care, she now joins her mother’s business to expand their beautification services with their growing Saint Paul area clientele. Lip Esteem is overgrowing, and they are already looking to expand their office space while relocating to the Rondo community near the College.

KiJana speaks with deep admiration for her mother’s love in letting her pave her path, and now that path coincides with her mother’s thriving business. Proud mother Tameka is excited to work alongside her daughter and shares how KiJana is funny, down to earth, and gets along with everyone. Together, they are a beautiful picture of bringing their passions forward in ways that serve others in many significant ways. Both mother and daughter are very grateful for the excellent education at Saint Paul College in this growing career field.

The Saint Paul College Cosmetology Department offers certificate programs for both Eyelash Extensions and Nail Care Technician. The 38-hour Eyelash Extensions course includes two days on campus and the rest online. Topics include preclinical instruction in the structure, function, and disorders of the eye and orbital area, eyelash growth cycle, contraindications, allergic reactions, infection control, eye shapes, and eyelash evaluation. 

Orenda Benajaminson, Eyelash Technician Instructor, shared these comments on her dedicated student:

Kijana was an eager student who was always willing to expand her knowledge on this very profitable eyelash technician industry. She was great to have in class!

​Tameka Jones, a 2003 Saint Paul College graduate, will be featured on the HULU television series The Small Business Revolution, Season 6. The show will follow Tameka on her journey as a small business owner who launched her lipstick line Lip Esteem and reemerged her girls' group LADY amid the COVID pandemic and civil unrest in the Twin Cities. Her story of service to others truly goes from inner beauty to outer beauty in many remarkable ways.

At a difficult time in her life, Tameka sought meaning and purpose. Tameka called Saint Paul College right as an Esthetics course was about to start. On government assistance and with just $25 in her pocket, college didn't seem possible. When she heard the application cost was just $20 (applications are now free at Saint Paul College), she applied immediately. That investment paid off as she found a new focus for her life. Tameka described her teachers as very demanding, but that was precisely the kick-start needed to learn her craft well. After graduation, with a passion for helping women and girls see their inner beauty through her work in makeup, she established LADY (Leader Achiever Determined Youth) as a mentoring group to help girls' grades 5-12 improve their self-esteem.

Last year, following a job furlough due to COVID, she started her makeup brand using plant-based, cruelty-free, gluten-free, clean, and environmentally safe products. This business grew, and she continued to take entrepreneur classes when noticed by Deluxe Corporation. With a budget of $500,000, Deluxe Corporation and the Small Business Revolution help fund six small businesses and their respective communities with the support they need to scale up their businesses. The show will demonstrate how small companies can succeed in today's challenging climate. The Small Business Revolution Season 6 will begin airing on the HULU network this fall.

Tameka now serves as a role model for many women in the beauty and business world. She owes much of her success to the demanding, loving, caring education she received at Saint Paul College, which gave her the confidence and determination needed to make the most of herself. As a result of her impactful education, she encourages many others to be the best they can be.

Read more about Tameka's story in Twin Cities Business and the Star Tribune. Photos courtesy of Tameka Jones.

College is about learning. College is about growing. Eventually, the primary purpose of college is to find your true calling, learn vital skills, and identify ways to impact others positively. Saint Paul College recently held a leadership panel discussion where alumni shared how they paved their way to success and overcame numerous obstacles to inspire others.

This Zoom panel alumni discussion featured an alumni moderator and four panelists sharing critical points on how Saint Paul College prepared them for success in their post-college ventures. These next-step journeys included transferring to another college, starting entry-level positions, entering the professional field in managerial positions, and owning a business. We received overwhelmingly positive comments from student attendees, and here are a few of the highlights of the discussion:

• Taking risks can benefit you in the future, even if it's hard now;
• Most students struggle at some point, so do not be afraid to ask for help; faculty is expecting to hear from you;
• Never give up and always try your best;
• Fight your fear and keep going;
• Explore new things out of your comfort zone; and
• Every resource needed to be successful is available at Saint Paul College!
  
  

Making a difference in our community is leadership in action, and a vital component of the education students receive at Saint Paul College!​​