By Natalie Nuñez

The New York Hispanic Cosmetology and Beauty Chamber of Commerce helps immigrants start businesses in the beauty industry from Lehman’s off-site campus CUNY on the Concourse. Founded by Charito Cisneros, the non-profit center provides workshops, training, certifications, networking opportunities and job placement services, as well as yearly symposiums throughout New York City where lawyers and representatives from the Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Services among others, give guidance to aspiring beauty entrepreneurs.

Cisneros, who has spoken widely on TV and radio, as well as in Washington D.C. alongside former President George W. Bush, was once in the same position as many of her clients. She immigrated to the United States from Ecuador in 1972, and after working in factories for some time, decided to study cosmetology and become a beauty teacher.

Like many immigrants, Cisneros felt that the US was a land of opportunity, and she wanted to share her knowledge with others. The lack of support and guidance in her community is what inspired her to start The New York Hispanic Cosmetology and Beauty Chamber of Commerce.

The New York based organization primarily serves Latin American clients but is not exclusive to New Yorkers or Hispanics.

“We have worked with clients from all nationalities from Koreans, to Jamaicans and Italians; we’ve used translating technology to help them. Our clients have also come from all over the U.S., even as far as Texas,” said Cisneros.

Lehman students and Bronx residents praised the organization's initiative and impact.

“Cisneros has helped me tremendously in starting my business and many others that I have referred. I am very grateful for her service,” said Magda Oquendo, a long-time client who owns a successful beauty salon in Queens. “I came from Ecuador to the United States in 1993 and met Cisneros in 2008 after seeking to obtain a license of cosmetology.”

“I think it’s a great concept to help educate and guide future professionals in this industry, to have a base or foundation and know where to go,” said Ericka Acevedo, a junior health administration major.

Rosario Ricketts, a 24-year-old Political Science major at Lehman, agreed: “I think it’s a great initiative that will provide opportunity to an economically marginalized group. The beauty industry is growing very fast with social media and influencers. I’m pleased that this organization is helping people of Hispanic/Latin [background] access this industry.”

Noticing that many people were not being recognized as professionals, despite having credentials in the beauty industry back in their countries of origin, Cisneros has traveled to countries like the Dominican Republic where many of her students migrated from. She wanted to learn about the process of licensing and certifications and whether or not these can count towards opening a business in the U.S. Along with her team, she helps verify the legitimacy of clients’ diplomas and certificates from their country, as she believes the success of any industry requires constant education and updates on the practical and legal aspects of a business.

The chamber also helps clients obtain grants and loans to start their businesses. It holds a yearly Beauty Gala of Excellence that serves as a fundraising event as well as networking opportunity for clients and sponsors of the organization.

“Immigrants come to this country looking to work and earn a better life for themselves and their children,” said Joseph Deleeuw, a 23-year-old nursing major at Lehman. “Organizations like this give people opportunity to keep their families afloat, while providing a service to the community they’re in, which is a win for everyone.”

The center is currently helping clients obtain federal assistance during the pandemic, as many small businesses, including beauty salons, had to close their doors indefinitely.

“We are telling our clients to remain calm and take the necessary precautions with their businesses,” said Cisneros. “There is an American Dream, but we have to know what steps to take and work hard daily to obtain it. The triumph of someone who has left our office is a triumph for all of us.”