Portia Williams | Daily Times
Business owners of Elite Institute of Cosmetology, Trina Bender, left, and Julie Logan, right.
PORTIA WILLIAMS
PDT Staff Writer
The 10,000-square foot, three level, former Lewis Furniture building has been given a make-over into something ‘Elite.’
On Monday, business partners Trina Bender, of Studio 32 in Wheelersburg, and Julie Logan opened Elite Institute of Cosmetology. Elite institute is a cosmetology school which specializes in high-end cosmetology services and educates their students in the finest business aspects of salon and spa services. Elite has 20 students enrolled, offering an array of hair and beauty services.
Monday’s opening begins the two-phased building renovation. Phase one entailed transforming the furniture store into a compelling, collegiate, fun in friendly environment, with state of the art interior design. The second phase will focus on the external remodeling, as well as revamping the third level to provide apartments for students and local area residents.
Bender, who possesses 10 years of experience in the hair profession, and Logan decided to enter the beauty school business one year ago with a vision which they believe transcends mediocrity, and uniformity. Logan stated that Elite is not just another beauty school.
“Elite Institute of Cosmetology is unique, and we have taken extreme measures to ensure this, with over $1 million in renovations. We want to change the culture of the beauty school industry in this region. We have flown all around the country to glean from big names like Paul Mitchell, Matrix, and Aveda. We want our students to learn from the best, so that we can provide our best to this region,” Logan said.
“We want to make a major impact upon our community. The educational process will be challenging, but the students will be inspired by our certified and highly trained team of educators. We strive to be one of the most respected beauty academies in tri-state region. We will incorporate a fun and informative learning environment. We will plan on making the educational experience an Elite one,” Bender said.
“We sincerely care about our students here, not are more than just students to us. We are like one big family. I love coming here everyday,” Logan said.
Elite Institute had the opportunity to participate in the shooting of the movie, “Scorned”, in which a portion of the movie was filmed recently in Portsmouth. Bender as well as some of the Elite staff and students worked on the movie set to do the hairstyling and makeup of the actors in the film. Elite also partnered with Miss Ohio Teen USA 2012, Kendall Fein, as both Elite students and staff provided services for Fein to meet with business mogul, Donald Trump.
We are just elated to have such grand opportunities like this. And we are all just amazed by just how fast everything is happening, but its wonderful,” Bender said.
Portia Williams can be reached at 740-353-3101 , ext. 234 or portiawilliams@heartlandpublications.com
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