By Jonathan Moore

Managing Editor

Hair spray and bobby pins hold the keys to the future for senior Chelsea Barton.

Instead of applying to colleges in her senior year, Barton is trimming corners and heading straight to cosmetology school.

“I’m different because I’m not afraid to do what it is I want,” says Barton, who has inspired some and surprised all by choosing the road less traveled.

Barton, an “A” student who was voted Homecoming Queen this year, is among a handful of seniors at Southfield High who have decided against the traditional path to success – college.

According to Southfield High School Class of 2012 statistics released by the Counseling Center, only 18 of last year’s 218 graduates chose not to attend college. Four of those 18 went into the armed forces.

Counselor Tom Holliday says graduating classes for the past 6 years have reflected similar trends.

Hair I come

Instead of college, Barton plans to attend Douglas J. Aveda Institute in Royal Oak and prepare for her career as a hairstylist and entrepreneur. Excited for her future and certain of her strategy for success, Barton says, “Ever since I was 2, I always said I wanted to be a “hair done girl” because I didn’t know the name was ‘hair stylist’ or ‘cosmetologist.’”

At the beginning of freshman year, under the wings of her mother’s hairdresser, Darla Ford, Barton began training to become a hairstylist. Barton cites Ford as a major inspiration of hers not only because she was capable and kind, but because she defied preconceived notions of what it meant to be a black hair stylist.

“She was black,” says Barton, “and few black stylists take the extra time to take advanced cutting classes or advanced coloring classes” to further their talent. “The first thing someone would ask when they saw one of her cuts was, ‘Did a white girl do your hair?’”

New growth

A year and half ago, Barton branched off on her own with own business called

Styles by Chels,

and has since then become a known go-to-girl for fresh and unique hairstyles.

“When I first started, I was a little nervous because I thought I wouldn’t get that many clients,” says Barton. That fear soon subsided after she began posting pictures of her styles on social media websites such as Twitter and Instagram, after which, she says, “clientele boomed!”

Tressed for success

Despite newfound success and an unbridled self-assuredness, Barton says her decision to pass up college for her dreams still draws negativity from some. “I get a lot of criticism, but I also get a lot of love from many different people,” she says. Barton is a firm believer in people following their dreams, regardless of the expectations of others.

“It’s the best feeling,” says Barton, “when people doubt you, and you come out on top.”

Her determination to fulfill her potential and prove her critics wrong is carried in her speech. “I have surprised myself, and every day, I wake up and I just have to thank God. I know it might sound corny, but I just have to say, ‘Oh my goodness, thank you!’” says Barton, laughingly, close to tearing up.

Making the cut

Although Barton may not be getting ready for the dorm life anytime soon, she has big plans for her future that should roughly coincide with the college graduation date of her peers. She estimates, “I should have my first hair salon open about three years after I earn my license. People will know my name.”

Despite the traditional expectations that Barton has set aside in mapping out her plan to be the “latest and greatest,” she exudes pride and contentment in her chosen career path.

“When you look good on the outside, you feel good on the inside,” she says, “and that’s what I love about doing hair… making people feel good.

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In the words of poet Robert Frost, Barton has taken the road less traveled, and that has made all the difference.