Allie Wolfe

Merriam-Webster defines 'influence' as the power to persuade.

As a hair stylist and makeup expert, Allie Wolfe wields that power with authority.

"I'm very artistic. I've always enjoyed designing, learning new trends and suggesting them to my customers," said Wolfe, 19, a junior stylist assistant at Kai & Co. in Key West, Florida.

Such as ombre` (French for shadow), which features highlights decreasing in color towards the ends of the hair.

"I like to match hair color with skin tones, so I'll urge a client to try something different to complement their appearance," she said.

It is all part of Wolfe's grand plan, pursuing a career as a professional makeup artist.

Wolfe's first steps toward that dream began at the Lorain County JVS where she graduated from the Cosmetology Program in 2014.

"Growing up, I felt I had a gift," Wolfe said. "I enjoyed doing my friends hair and makeup for school dances and other occasions. They liked their looks. I knew I was talented."

Wolfe gained experience and confidence at the Reflections Salon, operated by senior cosmetology students at the JVS. Given the opportunity to work on outside clients, she perfected her skills in hair cutting, coloring, manicures and pedicures. The comprehensive curriculum prepared her to pass the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology Exam to become a licensed cosmetologist at the end of her senior year in high school.

After graduation, Wolfe attended Makeup First School of Makeup Artistry in Chicago, where she learned about the theatrical and clinical applications of makeup.

A family vacation to Key West led Wolfe to her current job.

In Florida, heat, salt and humidity keep stylists on their toes.

"Hair grows fast down here," Wolfe laughed. "People have extremely curly hair, but they want to wear it straight."

Which means Wolfe, under the tutelage of a master stylist at Kai & Co., is sharpening her skills.

"I'm learning new cutting techniques with more accuracy, like cutting a bob with a razor," she said.

Wolfe relies on fashion magazines and literature to stay atop the newest styles and trends, and she is also looking forward to the Orlando Hair Show in June.

"The business is a little different down here- a little more laid-back than in the northeast, but for now, it's where my opportunity is."

Wolfe's success did not come as a surprise to her parents, Scott and Wendy Wolfe, owners of Wolfey's Bistro & Pub in Elyria. "We have firsthand experience with the JVS and know all about the extremely comprehensive training the students receive across all programs," affirmed Wendy Wolfe.

The Wolfe's employ JVS students at their restaurant; volunteer on the school's advisory boards; participate in fundraising; and are the first recipients of the JVS First Place in the Workplace Award, which recognizes outstanding business partners.

Although Allie Wolfe prefers a role behind the stage, you could say that she also played a major part in persuading her brother, Scotty, to enroll in the JVS Adult Career Center Precision Machine Technology Program.

"He was in-between jobs. I told him, 'just go,'" she said. "But my parents also encouraged him."

While attending classes at night, the JVS also helped Scotty land a full-time job in the manufacturing field at Ridge Tool in Elyria during the day.

Wolfe has big plans for her future, picturing herself in London, maybe even Hollywood or New York, in the near future.

"It's my dream, my passion, having models and celebrities as clients, to be a stylist to the stars," she said.

And those that know Allie Wolfe have no doubt that she has the determination, focus and talent to make that dream come true.