A college dedicated to training people in the field of helping others look good and feel good officially opened on Friday, September 11.
The luxuriously appointed campus of the White Pearl College of Advanced Beauty and Wellness is located at 64 Racine Street in Casselman. It was founded by Mariève Siracusa to continue the legacy of Algonquin College’s full-time Esthetics program following its closure, offering a modern, high-quality education in beauty and wellness. That program was cancelled last year during a series of program cuts at the Ottawa-based public college.
Mike Tarnowski, a now-retired Algonquin College administrator who is also the Mayor of Russell Township, believes the program will be delivered more efficiently by the private sector. Tarnowski has been very supportive of Siracusa’s efforts to establish the new facility.
Siracusa said Casselman has been extremely supportive of her project.
“This community helped me bring this to life,” she said.
Siracusa has more than eight years of post-secondary teaching experience and more than 13 years as a licensed esthetician and makeup artist. Her career includes work in film, television, bridal, and editorial makeup, with advanced training across North America. However, she had to quickly face the learning curve of establishing and operating a business and is thankful for everyone who helped her make it possible on time.
“Everyone helped me to open in September,” she commented.
Casselman Mayor Geneviève Lajoie enthusiastically congratulated Siracusa.
“I know you did this as an individual, independent woman,” she said at the opening ceremony.
Congratulatory remarks were also delivered by a representative of Member of Parliament Giovanna Mingarelli and by Member of Provincial Parliament Stéphane Sarrazin.
Siracusa thanked her staff for helping make the White Pearl College a reality.
“I would not be able to do this without my team,” she remarked.
White Pearl College currently has five instructors, and Siracusa is planning to hire more.
Currently, there are seven students at White Pearl, but applications for the next cohort in January 2027 have exceeded the spaces available. There are only 24 student spaces available, but the college has received 63 applications. Siracusa said it will be a challenge to narrow the applications and is looking for students who are extremely serious about becoming estheticians.
Eventually, the college will be offering services to the public, provided by students.
More information about the White Pearl College of Advanced Beauty and Wellness, go to https://thewhitepearlcollege.com.
Photos: James Morgan
