Scholar Spotlight: Cortney Gatewood

It Starts with a Dream

A hair salon owned by Cortney Gatewood. That’s the dream. And Cortney is determined to make it a reality. Here’s her story.

After graduating from high school in 2012, Cortney earned an associate degree in photography from Antonelli College. She has photographed weddings, family events, “all the usual gatherings that have a photographer on hand,” she says. But the income just wasn’t enough. Because she has always enjoyed working with hair, Cortney supplemented her income with clients who would seek her hair styling skills.

“I’ve been eager to improve my skills, including cutting, styling, and grooming men’s hair,” she says. So, she enrolled in the Cincinnati School of Barbering & Hair Design on Colerain Avenue. “I was really enjoying it,” she says. “But after a year I just couldn’t afford the tuition anymore. I was trapped between a rock and a hard place!” Faced with dropping out and possibly letting go of her dream, Cortney met with the school’s financial advisor. “Just when I thought we were out of options, she suggested I talk to David at The Chatfield Edge. She thought David might be able to help.”

Empowering Students to Keep Dreaming

After several conversations, “and a long, nervous wait while David was on vacation,” Cortney got the word that her tuition would graciously be paid. Her dream was still alive!

Today, at age 31, Cortney, who lives in downtown Cincinnati with her 6-year-old son, is dedicated to finishing school. She’s enhancing her skills which will enable her to one day open a full-service salon for men and women. She expects to graduate in February 2026 with new skills that include shaving and beard grooming, various chemical treatments, and styling techniques using clippers, shears, and razors.

“David and The Chatfield Edge helped me in a way I didn’t know was possible. Being a single mother having to make everything work on my own was hard. That is until I found this wonderful program and awesome mentor, David, who is everything — from his conversations to his encouraging words and stylish demeanor. David is great and has been since the first time we talked on the phone. He assured me everything was going to be okay, and I can relax. Since then, I’ve been just that relaxed and focused on my schooling.”

Bringing YOUR Dreams to Life

If you are like Cortney and have a dream, we’d love to meet you and help you make that dream a reality. The Chatfield Edge provides free, expert guidance, financial assistance, and encouragement to help people who are facing obstacles achieve post-high school education and training. Reach out to us today on our website (chatfieldedge.org) or by calling us at 513-875-3344. Dreams really can come true!