Minutes May 4, 2026 -Maryland Board of Cosmetologists Meeting - Cosmetologists

Monday, May 4, 2026

A meeting of the State Board of Cosmetologists was held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. via teleconference.

Board Member Attendees

Ms. Lisa Ennis, Chairperson
Ms. April Kenney, Cosmetologist Member
Ms. Kelly Canty, Consumer Member
Ms. Yasmine Young, Cosmetologist Member
Ms. Katrina Lee, Esthetician Member
Ms. Kyra Jones, School Member
Vacant, Cosmetologist Member

Other Staff Attendees

Ms. Nicole Fletcher, Executive Director
Ms. Leslie Braxton, Licensing Supervisor
Ms. Peggy Dall'Acqua, Advice Counsel

Agenda and Minutes

Quorum Announced, and Meeting Called to Order

A quorum was announced by Chairperson Ms. Ennis and the meeting was called to order at 10:02 AM.

Approval of Agenda

Chairperson Ms. Ennis requested a motion for approval of the May 4, 2026 agenda. Ms. Kenney made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Ms. Canty, and the agenda was unanimously approved.

Approval of April 6, 2026 Minutes

Chairperson Ms. Ennis requested a motion to approve the minutes from the April 6, 2026 meeting. A motion was made by Ms. Canty to approve the previous Board meeting minutes which was seconded by Ms. Kenney, and the motion unanimously passed.

New Business

A. RECAP OF APRIL 6, 2026 MEETING

Ms. Ennis provided a brief recap of the April 6, 2026 Board meeting. She advised that Executive Director Nicole Fletcher confirmed the temporary eyelash technician license became available on April 1, 2026. Ms. Ennis also noted that discussions took place regarding the Gainful Employment Rule and that the Mid-Atlantic Association of Career Schools expressed several concerns related to the rule. She stated that additional details regarding those concerns would be available in the meeting notes posted online. Additionally, Ms. Ennis shared updates related to apprenticeship restarts and House Bill 1025, which clarified that applicants are required to pass both the theory and practical examinations in order to obtain a limited eyelash extension technician license.

Finally, Ms. Ennis reported that a draft of the Esthetics Scope Of Practice (SOP) had been created and was pending final approval.

B. STAFF/BOARD ROSTER UPDATE

Executive Director Nicole Fletcher provided a staff and Board roster update. She announced that Jacob Guy has accepted another position within the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing and will no longer serve in his prior capacity with the Board. The Board was advised that the vacant Administrative Officer position, which included responsibilities related to Board administration, apprenticeship coordination, and complaint processing, would be filled as soon as possible.

Director Fletcher also announced that Board member Maurice Fains’ term had concluded and thanked him for his service to Maryland, particularly his contributions to the Curriculum Review Committee.

Additionally, Director Fletcher introduced Yasmin Young as the newest member of the Board of Cosmetologists. Ms. Young provided a brief introduction, sharing her experience as a Senior Cosmetologist, salon owner, and former member of the Board of Barbers, and expressed her enthusiasm for serving on the Board.

C. APPRENTICESHIP RESTART

Executive Director Nicole Fletcher presented apprenticeship restart requests for Board consideration due to the absence of the Board’s Apprenticeship Coordinator. Director Fletcher provided background information for each applicant, including prior apprenticeship history, sponsor information, and reasons the applicants were unable to complete their original apprenticeship terms.

The Board reviewed the request of Gia Nguyen for the restart of a nail technician apprenticeship. Ms. Nguyen explained that interruptions in her schooling and her sponsor’s extended travel contributed to her inability to complete the program during the initial term. The sponsor confirmed availability to support the apprenticeship moving forward. Following discussion, Ms. Canty made a motion to approve Ms. Nguyen’s apprenticeship restart request for a one-year term, and Ms.Lee seconded the motion. The motion passed by majority vote.

The Board also reviewed the request of Jacob Thompson for the restart of a nail technician apprenticeship. Mr. Thompson explained that although training hours had reportedly been completed previously, they were not properly reported by his former sponsor. Mr. Thompson and his new sponsor confirmed their understanding of the monthly reporting requirements and agreed to ensure compliance moving forward. Following discussion, Ms.Ennis made a motion to approve Mr. Thompson’s apprenticeship restart request, and Ms. Canty seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Director Fletcher advised both applicants that Board staff would follow up regarding next steps for the apprenticeship application process and reminded the applicants of the importance of monitoring monthly confirmation emails regarding reported apprenticeship hours.

Old Business

A. CURRICULUM COMMITTEE VOTE

Executive Director Nicole Fletcher advised the Board that emails had previously been sent regarding the reconfiguration of Board committees and noted that several members had expressed interest in serving on the Curriculum Review Committee. The Board proceeded with nominations and votes to appoint members to the committee.

A motion was made by Ms. Canty to appoint Kyra Jones to the Curriculum Review Committee, and the motion was seconded by Ms.Kenney. Following no discussion, the motion passed by vote of the Board.

A motion was then made by Ms.Ennis to appoint Yasmine Young to the Curriculum Review Committee, and the motion was seconded by Ms.Kenney. Following no discussion, the motion passed by vote of the Board.

Director Fletcher announced that Kyra Jones and Yasmine Young were officially appointed to serve on the Curriculum Review Committee and thanked them for their willingness to serve.

B. COMPLAINT COMMITTEE VOTE

Executive Director Nicole Fletcher called for interest from Board members to serve on the Complaint Committee. No additional Board members expressed interest in joining the committee at this time. As a result, no vote was taken regarding additional appointments to the Complaint Committee.

Director Fletcher acknowledged and thanked Ms. Canty for her continued service on the Complaint Committee, specifically recognizing her work reviewing complaint files and inspection reports on behalf of the Board.

C. CURRICULUM APPROVAL

Executive Director Nicole Fletcher reported that one curriculum had been approved since the Board’s previous meeting. The approved curriculum was submitted by Lache Beauty Academy for a cosmetology program. Director Fletcher advised that while the curriculum had been approved by the Curriculum Review Committee in April 2026, the school itself had not yet received final approval and a physical location had not yet been secured.

Director Fletcher further explained that the school would continue moving forward in the approval process with the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

D. INSPECTION SUMMARY

Licensing Supervisor Ms. Leslie Braxton provided an Inspection Summary for today's meeting. The data was collected from April 1, 2026 - May 1, 2026.

28 New shop applications received
8 New shops pending inspections - to be assigned
0 Complaints received
0 Complaints - open / to be assigned
1 Complaints - inspections completed
88 Inspections conducted
53 Inspections passed
25 Inspections failed
15 Failed - new shop inspections
4 Failed - late renewal inspections
0 Failed - complaint
0 Failed - per board inspections
6 Failed - routine inspections
8 Closed at time of inspection
2 Permanently Closed
0 Full Time Inspectors Currently on Staff (conducts inspections 5 days/week)
2 Per diem Inspectors Currently on Staff (conducts inspections 1 days/week)

Public Comment

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Crystal Thomas, a Senior Cosmetologist and cosmetology educator, addressed the Board regarding continuing education submission procedures and cosmetology examination updates.

Ms. Thomas asked for clarification on how to submit continuing education certificates completed through Milady after experiencing issues with prior email submissions. Executive Director Nicole Fletcher explained that the Board no longer accepts continuing education certificates through email and reviewed the new online portal submission process for Milady certificates, including instructions for uploading PDF certificates through the Board’s website.

Ms. Thomas also asked how cosmetology educators could stay informed about updates to the cosmetology examination. Director Fletcher advised that updates would be shared through the Board’s website, news and updates section, newsletters, and direct communications sent to schools and educators. Director Fletcher also encouraged Ms. Thomas to contact the Board to be added to the Board’s communication list for future updates.

Adjournment

At the conclusion of public comment, Ms. Ennis asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms.Kenney made a motion to adjourn, and Ms.Lee seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote of the Board at 10:55 am.

APPROVED BY:
on June 1, 2026.