Local ‘hair artist’ joins cosmetology instructional staff at SCC

Autumn Bullard, a 21-year-old Whiteville native, is one of Southeastern Community College’s newest cosmetology graduates and instructors. Equipped with her associates of science, associates of applied science in cosmetology and instructor’s license earned earlier this year from SCC, Bullard is ready to pass on her knowledge to the next generation of hair stylists at SCC.  

Bullard teaches theory and practical classes to first-year cosmetology students. She lays out the foundation for new cosmetology students in hair cutting, roller sets, perms, highlights and colors, and she prepares them for their second-year classes taught in the salon by Eli Murillo, head cosmetology instructor.  

“My favorite part about being an instructor at SCC is helping the students love what they do even more and teaching them more techniques,” Bullard said. “It helps them keep up to date with everything, and it helps me keep up to date with everything as well.” 

A typical day for Bullard at SCC consists of keeping her students on track with online assignments and tests. She assists her students in the practical setting on mannequins, and she provides demonstrations for her students to repeat on their own mannequins.  

“I pretty much teach them all the basics, so they are prepared when they hit the salon floor next year with real live clients,” Bullard said.  

Moving through the cosmetology program as a student and observing the cosmetology instructors helped solidify Bullard’s decision to join the staff at SCC. Having familiarity with the systems and processes of SCC’s salon and living in close proximity to the college made her decision even easier. 

“I love doing color with hair,” Bullard said. “Some people are artistic with drawing. I’m artistic with hair, so that’s my way of expressing and drawing somewhat.” 

Bullard graduated from Whiteville High School in 2023. As a Career and College Promise student in high school, Bullard got a jumpstart on her prerequisite classes. She enrolled as a full-time SCC student in fall 2023 with many credits already accumulated.   

Bullard is also employed at Golden Slate Salon and Spa in Elizabethtown as a hair stylist. She has built up her clientele with evening and weekend appointments, and she wants to get as much experience as possible. 

Her favorite part about cosmetology is “helping people feel good about themselves and feel beautiful.” Bullard’s interest in cosmetology blossomed when she styled her twin sister’s hair at a young age and braided her friends’ hair too.  

Outside of work, Bullard likes working out at Tabor Gym and watching murder mystery movies. While outdoors, she likes fishing and mowing grass. In the kitchen, she likes to bake cakes, brownies and cupcakes. 

Interested in taking one of Autumn Bullard’s classes? Click here to learn more about the cosmetology program!