Growing up in the dance world, where hair and makeup styling are ever present, McKenzie Cooke completed the cosmetology program at the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative and became licensed cosmetologist in 2012, the same year she graduated from high school. Grateful to the opportunities presented to her by attending a vocational school, she has established herself as an independent freelancer for bridal parties and other special events. As a freelance hair and makeup artist, she offers custom styles that help to make special events unique and memorable. Ms. Cooke has also had the good fortunate to have developed an incredible support network of fellow event artisans.
To further her skills, Ms. Cooke joined the College of Business at Western New England University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in business management and leadership in 2016. The following year, she helped to establish the Red Door Salon, where she now works as a manager and hair stylist. In her role as manager, she has helped to create their process for booking appointments and manages the salon’s social media presence. Looking toward the future, she intends to continue learning and growing in the field and finding new ways to combine her business acumen with her skill and excellence as a beauty artist. Greatly inspired by the artists around her, Ms. Cooke hopes to have the opportunity for more collaborations in the coming years as well.
Attributing much of her success to her focus and her ability to communicate with her clients, Ms. Cooke also credits her clients’ enthusiasm and interest in her work as an ongoing source of motivation in her career. Recognized for her talents early on, she is a two-time district and state champion of the Skills USA cosmetology competitions and excelled in their national cosmetology competitions as well. She also spent time as the chair of her local Skills USA chapter. In 2012, Ms. Cooke was honored to be chosen to serve as a representative to that years’ National Conference in Cosmetology.