NLCA is a non-profit 501 (3) corporation founded on the principle that Latino beauty professionals including barbers, cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, massage therapists, salon/spa owners and cosmetology students need a professional association to network and develop their skills.
NLCA focuses on providing outstanding support for outstanding careers and services primarily in the United States. However, we are presently expanding internationally with our sponsors throughout Latin America, including Mexico, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, France and Puerto Rico, among others.
NLCA Mission
The National Latino Cosmetology Association (NLCA) promotes the businesses of established cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, massage therapists, and barbers. It is dedicated to meeting the professional needs of Latino-minded businesses, licensed beauty professionals, and beauty industry students.
NLCA Vision
Our vision is to create the ultimate professional development association for the seasoned professional and the student alike. The NLCA offers beauty industry programs, business strategies and resources, as well as online beauty industry classes. The NLCA’s “Para Realizar Su Sueno” Career Center also provides job leads, web-based training, teleseminars and networking opportunities.
NLCA fOUNDER AND CEO
NLCA CEO and founder, Julie Zepeda is a Latina is an accomplished artist that utilizes her talents in hairdressing skill to work with editorial photographers as a freelance artist.
Proud of her Latin heritage, Julie is also very aware of the growing Latino population and their needs, challenges, and hopes. Julie reminds NLCA prospective members that:
There are more than 44.3 million Hispanic Americans.
92% of Hispanic Americans live in Metropolitan areas.
Hispanic American purchasing power surged to nearly $870 billion in 2008 and is projected to reach as much as $1.3 trillion by 2015. During the past decade, the rate of growth was more than two times the overall national rate. We estimate current Hispanic purchasing power to be at 9.3% of the total current U.S. purchasing power and project it to be 12% by 2015.
In the U.S., one in ten businesses is owned by a Hispanic American.
Ms. Zepeda believes that the Latino community of salon professionals needs to be more visible and vocal in their profession. That is why she founded the NLCA, to unite Latino-minded professionals and to provide them with strategies, resources, training and for beauty industry business success. Together with their natural talent and business skills, Latino salon professionals can develop successful careers in the beauty industry.
Ms. Zepeda states, “We have talked to salon&spa product manufactures and distributors in Brazil, Mexico, and Italy who would like to put their products in the U.S. market. We have also talked to Latina cosmetology students who are unsure how they will market themselves after they complete their education. We envision NLCA as the organization that can serve all of these interests and can help further the prominence and success of worldwide Latino salon professionals”.
NLCA is Committed to a Healthy (Green) Environment
NLCA is committed to the development of all natural products and which are sold in earth- friendly packaging. NLCA members will be able to showcase these products from different countries as well as make an impact on the American salon industry. We believe eco-sensitive companies make a difference in preserving a healthy environment for future generations. NLCA wants to contribute to the beauty business by preserving the environment and making this planet a more beautiful place.
This is your time to reflect on your professional values and goals and get involved with the world’s first Latino professional beauty organization. There will be exclusive opportunities for NLCA Members to work with some of today’s most renown beauty industry speakers and educators. Join us and turn your career into a business with passion for success.
