Elevate Salon Institute opened its first classes in January 2018 to focus on the next evolution of beauty education.

Inspired by owner Terry Richardson’s successful career in the beauty industry and a desire to help others achieve the same, this beauty institute doesn’t just train the next generation of stylists but also assist in career path execution. “We are most proud of our recent graduates, their success in the field, and the partnerships we have forged with StepUp, Urban Ministries and PYO,” says Richardson. “To continue successfully training our students, we need more clients to come in and let our students practice on them.”

Who/what was the inspiration behind your business?

Terry Richardson and her career in the beauty industry and desire to help other achieve this life and passion.

How many employees do you have? How many were hired in the last year?

We have a total of 11 employees, five of whom were hired last year.

What business or community need does your business meet?

Education training and career path execution.

What is the biggest business challenge your company/business has had to overcome? How did you do it?

Building the right team.

What is your business’ greatest need?

More clients to come in and let our students practice on them.

What are you most proud of about your business?

Our recent graduates and their success in the field and the partnerships we have forged with StepUp, Urban Ministries and PYO.

In what ways do you hope your business will grow in the next two years?

More students, more guests, more ways to connect in the community.