TAMPA, Fla. — Trish Williams loves making her clients feel confident and beautiful. She's passing her passion for cosmetology to her students at Erwin Technical College. 

Williams has been teaching for more than 17 years. 

“I love embracing the students," Williams said. "I feel like being an instructor is a lifetime of mentoring the students. My doors are always open. They have my phone number. They can always call me."

Before teaching, Williams owned a salon in the Bay area. She said she has always loved the profession.

“I can remember growing up in the neighborhood, I would do all my brother’s friend's hair," she said. "And I just love doing hair."

Williams said her family inspired her to become a cosmetologist and helping her students follow that path is a dream.

"We have the power to uplift our clients, increase their self-esteem so it’s a wonderful situation. That magic is all in our fingers," said Williams.

Williams works for nonprofits to host "Spa Days" in her class where women and children come in to get their hair done for free.

“A lot of the women are in shelters," Williams said. "They cannot afford these services, they can’t. So we provide it for them and it makes a difference in their lives."

Williams wants every client to feel happy and confident.

"It’s about fostering a community," she said. "Uplifting each other."