Snow-Dennis joins SCC cosmetology as manicuring instructor
Jessica Snow-Dennis, a St. Pauls native, is Southeastern Community College’s newest manicuring instructor on a part-time basis. After moving to Clarkton seven years ago, Snow-Dennis calls southeastern North Carolina home and is ready to send future nail technicians into the workforce.
While working three jobs, adding mileage to her car and managing a busy schedule, Snow-Dennis had all intentions of working at SCC. A good reputation and availability of support and resources were key drawing points for Snow-Dennis to come to SCC, she said.
“When I got the call from Ms. Orders, I did my happy dance,” Snow-Dennis said. “I let go and let God take over. He pulls me in whatever direction He feels fit.”
Snow-Dennis commended Brenda Orders, SCC Dean of Business Careers and Training, for her energy and the on-boarding process. Snow-Dennis started teaching an evening manicuring course on Aug. 25 at SCC.
“I have five in there, and those girls are so golden-hearted,” Snow-Dennis said. “They’ve already dabbled in nails before, so it’s refreshing knowing they’re not going in fully blind.”
Snow-Dennis is looking forward to watching her class’ entrepreneur mindset grow and seeing all the creative photos they post on their social media pages. Snow-Dennis said that nail care is more than just doing nails. It is learning how to market yourself, create a clientele and earn their trust.
“Once they go out and get jobs, they go into this as strong business partners while knowing their do’s and don’ts,” she said. “They will know how to speak to clients, have decorum, treat people ethically, build their own brand, be their own receptionist and keep people happy. They are creating predictable and pleasurable experiences for them.”
In her short time at SCC, Snow-Dennis feels a sense of “true care and consideration for students.” She said that in her few days on campus, her experience has “been a joy.”
“My favorite part of the job so far has been how readily available help is,” Snow-Dennis said. “There’s no such thing as a stupid question, and I don’t feel like a burden or like I’ve been thrown into shark-infested waters here.”
While working as a nail technician before coming to SCC, Snow-Dennis described her clients’ reactions to their nails as a “ray of sunshine.” She said that clients are sending photos of their nails to their husbands or girlfriends in their group chats, and Snow-Dennis said she is happy when that happens.
“Sometimes, you don’t know when you are someone’s biggest therapist or confidant,” Snow-Dennis said. “You can change their lives in how they see their day.”
Her background
Snow-Dennis finished her Associate of Applied Science degree in cosmetology from Bladen Community College in 2021 and graduated in 2022. She immediately entered the workforce at Southeastern Lifestyle Day Spa in Lumberton and stayed there for almost one year. After getting pregnant with her son, Snow-Dennis earned her instructor license and associate degree in teacher preparation online from BCC.
“I wanted to be a better instructor and know how to speak to students and communicate with others,” Snow-Dennis said. “I wanted to get this under my belt and get more teaching tools, so that I could help students transition into a professional environment.”
Snow-Dennis earned her degree in cosmetology with the intention of becoming a nail technician. Even though she is trained in hair and skin care, her heart lies with nails.
“You see at a lot of, what I call revolving door salons, the improper ways and things that go by the wayside,” Snow-Dennis said. “I would like to educate people on how things are properly done, so they know what to look for when they go into these salons and what hazards to avoid.”
Social media was a driving force for Snow-Dennis to enter the world of cosmetology. After watching YouTube tutorials on make-up, nails and self-care, she said she wanted “to look presentable when I leave the house.” Inspired by YouTube personalities who make a living on creating nail care videos, Snow-Dennis wanted to make it a career.
“With a six-month old daughter at the time and with nothing but a GED and Walmart job, I wanted to give her something more in life,” Snow-Dennis said. “I wanted a career that I could dictate and create my own schedule or maneuver it to still see my kids.”
Outside of work, Snow-Dennis describes herself as a “big nerd” who likes anime, Disney and video games. She likes all things arts and crafts, and she likes using her tufting gun to make carpets. She and her husband, Trevor Dennis, have two children, Julie and Archer.
Interested in taking one of Jessica Snow-Dennis’ manicuring classes? Click here to learn more about the program!
