Profile: Mrs. Flatford

Draping and styling, my oh my, but who is the wonderful lady behind it??? And the answer is Mrs. Flatford! 

Mrs. Flatford is the cosmetology teacher here at Carter High School. But who is she away from school and who was she before becoming a teacher, did she ever consider going a different path, or is this her dream life? 

Mrs. Flatford is a Carter High School graduate and before becoming a teacher she went to the University of Tennessee and got her bachelor’s in Retail and Consumer Science. She then proceeded to work in retail for a few years until she had the opportunity to start teaching. Mrs. Flatford stated, “I originally wanted to be a kindergarten teacher.  But I love the world of cosmetology so much.  My old teacher encouraged me to start teaching and I haven’t looked back since. I love helping my students find their passion in cosmetology and achieve their goals of getting their license and finding their dream job.  I have so many successful students out there, supporting their families and doing what they love every day.” Flatford has been doing a spectacular job as a teacher and many of her students love her and her class, she’s glad she pursued what she has loved since a young age, stating, “I knew as a little girl when I learned how to braid my My Little Ponies tail that I loved doing hair.  Then in the 2nd grade, my parents got me a nail kit and I started doing acrylic nails then. I have always wanted to work in a salon making people feel beautiful!!” It is always great to pursue what you love and pass that love onto other students. There is so much more to Mrs. Flatford than cosmetology, for some homelife/family background she states, “I have two beautiful “Bow” babies – Mackenzie and Lillianne and a sweet hubby – Daniel.  We serve with the children and youth at our church – Holston Baptist Church and work in my salon that I have in my house.” Wow she is one busy lady and it sounds like she has an amazing family and she still has some time outside of school to do some great things. When passing by Mrs. Flatford’s room, you’ll most likely definitely see her standing with her bestie Mrs. Pollard. Mrs. Pollard says, “She is my best friend and my partner in crime!” and she also told me that some of Mrs. Flatford’s favorite things are all things glittery, purple, Swiss cake rolls, and Disney. And to add to that Mrs. Flatford also enjoys watching baking shows, doing cosmetology stuff, and spending time with her family. There are so many great memories teachers could make but this is the best teacher memory I’ve heard so far, as stated by Mrs. Pollard, “I have to pick just one? I think it was when she came running and screaming from the hallway into my classroom because a HUGE bird was in the hallway. Turns out it was a tiny little sparrow.” To witness that would have anyone laughing, and according to Mrs. Pollard, Mrs. Flatford doesn’t do things ‘nature’. All of this information for one amazing lady, Mrs. Flatford is a great teacher here at Carter and if you are in her class, make sure you enjoy it while you have it because time goes by fast when you’re having fun and of course you are going to have fun in Mrs. Flatford’s class.