Robertson balances beauty, business, and books
Ziyon Robertson is busy, and she likes it that way. The 20-year-old San Jacinto College student launched her first business during COVID-19, models, and is already a licensed esthetician — all while working full time as a personal care assistant and pursuing her natural science degree.
If you enjoy what you're doing, you won't really see it as a job. It's more like, 'I get to go to my work today, and I love it'.
Robertson's journey to San Jac began two years ago when she entered the unfamiliar world of traditional education after being homeschooled by her mother and grandmother, both licensed teachers.
"The public-school world was just unknown for me," she said. "It was a bit difficult to get acclimated to starting off, but now I've finally got some grounding under me."
The youngest of four, Robertson credits her family's educational approach with teaching her skills beyond traditional academics.
"We learned entrepreneurship and how to do taxes," she said. "I started my first business during COVID, selling celebration yard signs."
Robertson's interest in health care runs in the family. Her father, a nurse practitioner with a doctorate in family practice, operates two clinics where Robertson worked as a medical receptionist and gained exposure to both the business and medical sides of health care.
But it wasn't only the procedures that captured her interest — it was the patients' satisfaction.
"I think what got me most was the people's reactions when they got the treatments they wanted," Robertson said. "I would love to make people feel good about themselves and make them happy in their own skin in the most natural way possible."
That passion led her to pursue San Jac’s facial specialist certificate in 2024. The program gave her practical skills in skin care and esthetics while providing a steppingstone toward her goal of becoming an aesthetic nurse.
Despite her busy schedule, Robertson has found strong support at San Jac, particularly from cosmetology program director Cornellia Angelle.
"Ms. Angelle is just such a great spirit and has a great personality. You can tell that she wants all her students to succeed," she said.
One unexpected benefit of attending San Jac with her sister Sa'Rah, who was enrolled in the culinary program, is that they could trade services. Both programs are in the same North Campus building.
"She would bring me food, and I'd ask if she wanted facials," she said. "Classmates were jealous, asking where I was getting this food from, and I'd say, 'I'm not telling you — it's just for me!'"
Robertson plans to transfer to Texas Southern University or Prairie View A&M University next year. Her advisor encouraged her to complete more credit hours at San Jac to reduce her university time and get the most bang for her buck.
Her goal is to earn a biology degree before pursuing medical school, aiming to work alongside plastic surgeons.
"As a nurse, I'll have the credentials to actually be hands-on with patients, and I'll be able to be in the field and assist more," she said.
Robertson recommends San Jac to other students, particularly those still exploring their options.
"San Jac exceeded my expectations with counseling, tutoring, and everything like that," she said.
Robertson credits her mother Reyna and siblings Sa'Rah, Reyna, and Quinten along with her faith in God for being her biggest support through life's challenges.
"My mom has just been the rock of our foundation right now as a family," she said.
Her advice for fellow students reflects her philosophical approach to life's journey: "Stay grounded. Life isn't easy, but don't make it harder for yourself. Just live life as it comes, day to day."
About San Jacinto College Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today,
and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris
County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than
1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving
the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution
that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately
45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and
certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer
to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding
bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is
accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
