'This is how they express themselves': MATC cosmetology students show off designs on the runway

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) cosmetology students took to the runway Tuesday to share their passion.

"I love it," said MATC student Chasitee Hawkins. "I love making women feel good, men feel good, self-confidence is everything, from the inside on out."

Featuring makeup, hair and creative wardrobes, students showed off their end of semester expertise and expressed themselves through art.

"I think in our industry, it's kind of underestimated," said MATC faculty member Megan Jackson. "They think just like people cutting hair, but really this is an art. This is how they express themselves, sometimes this is therapy for people."

That’s exactly what one group of students did, using their talents to pay tribute to former MATC student Sade Robinson, who was murdered in 2024.

"We just wanted to pay homage, because we know that within our community, it’s a big thing that’s going on right now," said MATC student Andre Sullivan. "It's still, her mother and everything are still trying to get justice."

Using their creativity and skills to keep Robinson's memory alive.

"We focused it around pink just to show love and support, and you know, I got the angel wings and the portrait," said MATC student Allontay Haynes.

Celebrating their hard work and ready to take the next steps in their career.

"Not just hair and makeup, but I can incorporate esthetics," said Hawkins. "I can do nails if I want, I can be a photographer as far as I'm concerned.