Chiefs_5627
03-04-2008, 12:38 PM
A what?!? :spock:
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http://www.kansascity.com/news/columnists/steve_penn/story/515780.html
Ex-Chief Eddie Kennison opens a cosmetology school
Start with an impressive collection of receptions and touchdowns. Add an important charitable foundation. Then establish a school to help people achieve careers in the beauty business.
Not a bad legacy to be remembered for in Kansas City.
During five of his six full seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, receiver Eddie Kennison put up some impressive numbers. But if his NFL career is to continue, as he hopes, it will be someplace else. Kennison’s time with the Chiefs ended last week when the team released him.
Still, Kennison’s ties to Kansas City remain firmly intact. In fact, Eddie and his wife, Shimika Kennison, have put down solid roots.
The Kennisons recently opened Entourage Institute of Beauty and Esthetics at 12004 W. 95th St. in Lenexa. I toured the school, where students can learn the cosmetology and spa trade.
One thing is clear: Entourage won’t lack for cutting-edge equipment. One look around and it’s easy to see that the wide receiver spared no expense making sure his wife’s operation has everything it needs.
The place is huge. There are car dealerships and grocery stores with less space. The salon floor is full of sparkling new vanities with mirrors and black bowls for hair rinsing that have never been used.
“On the first day, we’ll give our students business cards,” Shimika Kennison said. “They have to go out and market themselves. We want them to leave with clients so they don’t have to start from scratch.
“We teach them how to fish. Hopefully they can eat for a lifetime.”
The facility has a special room with comfy white chairs for manicures and pedicures. And the institute has a room just for applying hair color. There are several high-tech classrooms complete with pull-down screens and overhead projectors. Like Arrowhead, the facility even has locker rooms, a cafeteria and a boardroom.
From the furniture to the colors, Eddie Kennison has been involved in every phase of the operation. He calls himself the “dean of students,” offering customer service advice whenever applicable.
“Even though I’m a professional athlete, I’m a human being as well,” Eddie Kennison said. “We have a business that we want to be successful. And we want to have students that leave our school be successful. That goes for our staff and everybody that walks through the doors. We want to educate. We want to teach.”
While Eddie Kennison financed the venture, the idea for the business was his wife’s. She even came up with the name.
“When I think of an entourage, I think of a group of people that take care of somebody who is of status or famous,” Shimika Kennison said. “That’s what I feel like we’re here for, to treat everyone that way. You don’t have to be a professional athlete or an entertainer to be taken care of. We’re going to treat our students like that. We’re going to give them the best as far as an education and do it in a wonderful facility.”
The Kennisons will leave something else close to their hearts in Kansas City. The Quick Start: Eddie Kennison Foundation raises money for lupus research. Shimika Kennison has the disease, but it doesn’t have her.
“The disease can be controlled, as you can see,” she said. “I’m feeling great. It’s all because of my husband. He’s been so supportive of me. And without him and his support, none of this would have happened.”
Catching at least 50 passes in each of five seasons with the Chiefs was a substantial feat. Having 1,000-plus yards receiving in 2004 and 2005 was another accomplishment. And let’s face it, helping someone launch a successful career in cosmetology probably isn’t as exciting as scoring a touchdown or making a critical reception. But for Eddie and Shimika Kennison, a new venture that helps others fulfill their dreams could end up being just as rewarding and maybe even more fulfilling.
________________________
http://www.kansascity.com/news/columnists/steve_penn/story/515780.html
Ex-Chief Eddie Kennison opens a cosmetology school
Start with an impressive collection of receptions and touchdowns. Add an important charitable foundation. Then establish a school to help people achieve careers in the beauty business.
Not a bad legacy to be remembered for in Kansas City.
During five of his six full seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, receiver Eddie Kennison put up some impressive numbers. But if his NFL career is to continue, as he hopes, it will be someplace else. Kennison’s time with the Chiefs ended last week when the team released him.
Still, Kennison’s ties to Kansas City remain firmly intact. In fact, Eddie and his wife, Shimika Kennison, have put down solid roots.
The Kennisons recently opened Entourage Institute of Beauty and Esthetics at 12004 W. 95th St. in Lenexa. I toured the school, where students can learn the cosmetology and spa trade.
One thing is clear: Entourage won’t lack for cutting-edge equipment. One look around and it’s easy to see that the wide receiver spared no expense making sure his wife’s operation has everything it needs.
The place is huge. There are car dealerships and grocery stores with less space. The salon floor is full of sparkling new vanities with mirrors and black bowls for hair rinsing that have never been used.
“On the first day, we’ll give our students business cards,” Shimika Kennison said. “They have to go out and market themselves. We want them to leave with clients so they don’t have to start from scratch.
“We teach them how to fish. Hopefully they can eat for a lifetime.”
The facility has a special room with comfy white chairs for manicures and pedicures. And the institute has a room just for applying hair color. There are several high-tech classrooms complete with pull-down screens and overhead projectors. Like Arrowhead, the facility even has locker rooms, a cafeteria and a boardroom.
From the furniture to the colors, Eddie Kennison has been involved in every phase of the operation. He calls himself the “dean of students,” offering customer service advice whenever applicable.
“Even though I’m a professional athlete, I’m a human being as well,” Eddie Kennison said. “We have a business that we want to be successful. And we want to have students that leave our school be successful. That goes for our staff and everybody that walks through the doors. We want to educate. We want to teach.”
While Eddie Kennison financed the venture, the idea for the business was his wife’s. She even came up with the name.
“When I think of an entourage, I think of a group of people that take care of somebody who is of status or famous,” Shimika Kennison said. “That’s what I feel like we’re here for, to treat everyone that way. You don’t have to be a professional athlete or an entertainer to be taken care of. We’re going to treat our students like that. We’re going to give them the best as far as an education and do it in a wonderful facility.”
The Kennisons will leave something else close to their hearts in Kansas City. The Quick Start: Eddie Kennison Foundation raises money for lupus research. Shimika Kennison has the disease, but it doesn’t have her.
“The disease can be controlled, as you can see,” she said. “I’m feeling great. It’s all because of my husband. He’s been so supportive of me. And without him and his support, none of this would have happened.”
Catching at least 50 passes in each of five seasons with the Chiefs was a substantial feat. Having 1,000-plus yards receiving in 2004 and 2005 was another accomplishment. And let’s face it, helping someone launch a successful career in cosmetology probably isn’t as exciting as scoring a touchdown or making a critical reception. But for Eddie and Shimika Kennison, a new venture that helps others fulfill their dreams could end up being just as rewarding and maybe even more fulfilling.