Style House Seven, a woman-owned salon in Rockford, is transforming how individuals begin their careers in cosmetology. Their apprenticeship program uses a structured, progressive wage model that allows apprentices to steadily increase their earnings as they develop new skills, all while feeling supported both personally and professionally.
The Workforce Connection’s Apprenticeship Specialist, Collin Ruthe, collaborated with Style House Seven to navigate the information-gathering process and complete the registration of the apprenticeship program with the Department of Labor—demonstrating how strategic partnerships like this are advancing workforce development by expanding access to high-quality apprenticeship opportunities.
What sets this program apart is the comprehensive training curriculum personally designed by owner Lorleanne Ball (pictured above)— a stylist, mentor, and community advocate who has seen firsthand the real demands of the beauty industry. Traditionally, stylists must pay out of pocket for advanced training to grow their skills and income potential. At Style House Seven, apprentices receive that same high-value education while being paid, removing financial barriers and opening more doors to long-term career success.
Cosmetology pathways often require students to finance costly schooling and ongoing skill development. To meet that challenge with experience, Style House Seven created its own internal training curriculum and launched a paid apprenticeship program in December 2025 and now is supported by our workforce apprenticeship grant. The Co-Stylist Program provides a structured, hands-on pathway where apprentices assist lead stylists, participate in weekly training sessions, and practice services in a supervised environment. With wages subsidized through The Workforce Connection, apprentices can focus on learning — not worrying about how to afford additional education.
A second co-stylist apprentice has recently begun training under this curriculum, made possible through support from The Workforce Connection. Their early progress already shows that this model works: apprentices are gaining confidence, mastering foundational skills, and becoming valued members of the team. This approach benefits everyone — apprentices earn while they learn, the salon builds a strong talent pipeline through mentorship, and the community gains expanded apprenticeship opportunities beyond traditional trades.
At the heart of Style House Seven’s success is a belief in people — not just employees, but neighbors, clients, and local partners. Investing in a team is also investing in the community that makes a business shine. By supporting small businesses that think creatively about workforce development, we help broaden career pathways and ensure more occupations offer sustainable, long-term opportunities right here in Rockford.