FORT MYERS, Fla. (June 12, 2014) – The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) hosted a public open house on Tuesday, June 10 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Located at 1388 Colonial Boulevard in the front of Royal Palm Square in Fort Myers, TSPA is the only cosmetology school in Southwest Florida endorsed by REDKEN for excellence in education.

The open house was free to the public and included complimentary refreshments, hourly giveaways, and information by TSPA’s staff and students about the school’s services, education curriculum and professional salon products available.

“We are very enthusiastic about the opening of our new 10,000-square-foot facility,” said Chris Lewis, president of the Academy. “We originally opened in North Fort Myers in 2006, but this new, larger centrally-located facility in the heart of Fort Myers will allow us to better serve our students and clients from across Southwest Florida.”

According to Lewis, TSPA offers both a state-of-the-art school with a curriculum and training developed with REDKEN for individuals interested in becoming cosmetologists, estheticians or nail techs, as well as a salon area offering services to the public including hair color, haircuts, manicures, pedicures and skin care.

In addition to Lewis, who is American Board Certified in hair color and a REDKEN Certified Colorist, TSPA is founded and backed by a group of longtime Fort Myers’ residents and business leaders including David and Nancy Diamond, Nicole Mazzola, Jim Stewart and Walt Hunter.

Hunter is an award-winning stylist and educator with more than 45 years in the cosmetology industry and serves as a full-time educator at TSPA while Mazzola has almost 30 years of local salon industry experience.

The academy is accredited and offers financial aid for those who qualify. All services are performed by students under the direction of a licensed cosmetology educator.

“As a TSPA certified business partner with REDKEN, we have access to professional educators who help our students reach their creative potential with innovative training techniques and superior products,” Lewis added. “This, combined with a curriculum that includes critical business-building skills and hands-on training in a leading-edge facility, makes us a unique kind of beauty school, one that is poised for success in all aspects of the business.”

Full-time courses begin every four weeks. A high-school diploma or GED is required. The Academy accepts Florida Prepaid College Plans and financial aid from those who qualify.

Salon services including hair, skin and nail treatments in the student salon are available Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and range from $6 to $35.

REDKEN 5th Avenue NYC is dedicated to instilling the principles of success to The Salon Professional Academies by creating a network of highly skilled salon professionals knowledgeable about REDKEN products, trends, techniques, marketing tools and business skills.

The Salon Professional Academy Ft. Myers is just one of four locations in the State of Florida along with Gainesville, Tampa and Melbourne.

For more information on admissions, call 239-208-3958 or visit www.tspaftmyers.com. To make an appointment for services, call 239-208-3954.

Katherine Arbelo and Valentina Taft

Heather Kelts and Lindsay Witte

Erica Castner and Chris Lewis

Chris Lewis, Nicole Mazzola, Nancy Diamond and Walt Hunter

Biljana McDonald and Robert Oliver

April Mayle