Taught by people who've actually done the work.
Masters of the craft.
Cornelius Whitfield.
Cornelius Whitfield is the Director of the Barbering Program at Pro Way Hair School, and has been a barber for 34 years, starting at the age of sixteen.
He earned his Barber's License through apprenticeship under the tutelage of his father. That passion for the craft is what led him to become a professional educator. A Pro Way graduate himself, he returned to teach the next generation of barbers.
His enthusiasm for the profession stands out in every class he teaches — constantly pushing toward improvement, both in his students and in himself.
Tommy M. Harris.
Tommy M. Harris is the Assistant Barber Director and Barbering Instructor at Pro Way Hair School, and a 14-year U.S. Army veteran.
A Pro Way alumnus himself, Mr. Harris earned his Barber License through this same school. That full-circle journey fuels his passion for educating the next generation of barbers.
His teaching philosophy is simple and direct: teaching, coaching, and mentorship — delivered with the same discipline and care he brought to his military service.
Symbia Freeman.
Symbia Freeman is a Pro Way Hair School alumna, a Licensed Barber Instructor, and a Licensed Master Barber with 7 years of professional expertise in the industry. Originally from the small town of Comer, Georgia, she brings creativity, structure, and passion to every aspect of her craft.
Dedicated to elevating the next generation of barbers, Symbia combines technical precision with a fun, engaging approach to learning. Her goal is to inspire creativity, professionalism, and confidence — while reminding students that barbering is both an art and a lifestyle.
Outside the barbershop, Symbia enjoys traveling and spending time in nature, drawing inspiration from the world around her to bring fresh perspectives back to her work behind the chair and in the classroom.
Artists of the transformation.
Sunja Friend.
Sunja Friend is an international cosmetology educator and stylist dedicated to transforming lives through beauty and education. With over 18 years as a salon owner and 16 years as an instructor, she brings a wealth of real-world experience and passion to her students.
Mrs. Friend has traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean and Canada — representing a leading haircare company and sharing her expertise with professionals across the globe. Her commitment to excellence and lifelong learning has earned her recognition as a respected voice in the beauty industry, both behind the chair and beyond the classroom.
Fredrick Burton.
Frederick Burton has been a cosmetologist for 33 years and a Cosmetology educator for 10. He received his educator's training at Empire Beauty School.
Mr. Burton is a published Hair Designer and Make-up artist — with work featured in Jet Magazine, Upscale, and Jezabel. He's also a platform artist for Design Essentials, did set work for Rain Forest Films, and has done celebrity hair design for Tamar Braxton, Karen Clark Sheard, Tonéx, and Juanita Bynum.
That real-world range is what he brings into every class — showing students that a cosmetology career can mean everything from the salon chair to the magazine page to the stage.