GNTC student grooms himself for future as barber
A Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) Cosmetology student is determined to empower others with self-confidence while pursuing a career path in a nontraditional field.
Danny Jenkins, 25, grew up in Bartow County and now lives in Floyd County and attends Cosmetology classes at GNTC’s Floyd County Campus in Rome. He expects to graduate with his Cosmetology for Licensure certificate in June 2026.
“I am currently the only male in the Cosmetology program,” Jenkins said. “At first, I was worried about starting out behind in the classes because I didn't grow up learning about all of the aspects of self-care and hair. The instructors teach you everything you need to know, so I no longer have that fear of being behind. I'm feeling more confident every day.”
GNTC’s Cosmetology program emphasizes specialized training in chemistry, anatomy and physiology, artificial hair, hair treatments, shaping, styling, coloring, lightening and braiding, as well as skin and nail care and nail diseases and disorders. The program also teaches the business and compliance aspects of the profession, including safety, sanitation, state laws, rules and regulations, management, reception and sales.
“I got interested in this job field because I love making people feel confident about themselves,” Jenkins said. “Having a fresh cut and taking care of yourself helps tremendously with self-esteem.”
Jenkins said he worked as a pharmacy technician before deciding to go back to his original plan to study Cosmetology.
“I wanted to choose the path that would make me the happiest,” he explained. “As I move along with the program, I’m more and more sure that this is the right path for me.”
Jenkins said he is especially interested in helping young men deal with a subject that receives too little attention—male pattern baldness. He has also had hair loss.
“I've found hair products that cover up and even help me keep and grow my hair back, which has helped me get my confidence back,” he said. “I hope to show other men that hair loss is not a bad thing, and many men go through it. I want to help guys learn alternative ways to style or fix their hair to help boost their confidence.”
“Everyone should have the chance to feel amazing in their bodies and embrace their natural selves,” he said.
His short-term goals are to complete his program at GNTC and to focus more on himself, he said. His long-term goal is to focus more on barbering.
“One day I hope to open my own barbering studio that will be inclusive to everyone,” he said. “I want people of all genders, races, sexualities, ages, etc., to feel like they belong whenever they come through the doors. I want it to be a safe place that a client looks forward to coming back to again and again.”
He would like his barbering studio to grow in size and eventually expand its services to offer professional skin care, waxing and nail care services, he said.
Jenkins said he chose GNTC’s Cosmetology program because he wants to learn all aspects of beauty and health, rather than focusing specifically on barbering, and GNTC’s instructors believe in their students and want to help them achieve their goals.
His instructors taught him, “Don’t worry about what other people think about you. Do what you feel is right and what’s best for yourself.”
“Danny is very goal-oriented and knows what he wants to accomplish,” said Jessica Baker, Cosmetology lab technician at GNTC. “He is very detailed, and that will help him once he completes the program and ventures into the workforce. His calm demeanor and kindness really set him apart, and he is truly a pleasure to have in the classroom and lab.”
Baker said cosmetology is a great field for men because the ratio of men to women working in the field is so disproportionate. GNTC’s Cosmetology program at the Floyd County Campus typically has fewer than 5% male students, and Jenkins is the only male student of the 35 students currently enrolled.
“For the most part, many women generally like to have their hair services done by a male stylist, and with the small percentage of men going through the program, male stylists are very sought after once they complete the program,” Baker said. “I’m confident that Danny will be very successful.”
Georgia Northwestern Technical College provides quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree, diploma or a certificate in aviation, business, health, industrial or public service career paths. This past year, 13,775 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. GNTC has an annual credit enrollment of 8,836 students and an additional enrollment of 4,939 people through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start.
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