Staff

Meet the Elevate Team

Emily

Emily is not only an incredible stylist with 20+ years experience in the beauty industry, but also one of the creative minds behind the inspiration, design and inner-workings of Elevate, her family’s business. She specializes in hair color, cutting, different foil techniques, soft, natural-looking color, reds and short, fine hair, as well as a variety of other haircuts. She cares deeply about her clients and has built many long-lasting friendships, shared many laughs (and tears) with each of them, all while paying great attention to detail and giving each of them her very best. Her dedication to her profession and her clients shows through her work. Emily recognizes the need for maintaining your gorgeous salon look daily and teaches her clients how to achieve the look at home with styling techniques and a cocktail of professional products. She enjoys writing, singing, music, leading her ladies’ small group Bible study, raising her 3 children and being active in her church, when she is away from Elevate. Emily’s passion for making people feel beautiful inside and out, outgoing personality, contagious energy and expertise reflect through each and every client that leaves her chair.

“You’re only as beautiful as you feel.” And you will feel your very best after an appointment with Emily.

Gayen

From the moment you set eyes on gayen you will feel entirely confident in entrusting your hair to her. Gayen has over 20 years in the business but continues to stay current and fresh with the new trends. She is truly an artist that will not settle for anything less than perfection for your hair. Her knowledge of the latest, Fashion, Make-up and Hair Trends will leave you wanting to try something new. She is a gem in the beauty industry and elevate is thrilled to have her as a part of our team.

Chrissy

Chrissy has been in the beauty industry for nearly 20 years and has a vast level of experience including teaching cosmetology, Maintaining a large clientele and even owning her own salon. Her energy and magnetic personality make you feel you've known her your entire life when you first sit in her chair. She has a passion for helping others look their best and you can tell how much she loves her job by her enthusiasm and her work. If you sit in Chrissy's chair you are going to experience much more than fabulous hair, you will leave feeling invigorated, confident and You will have definitely made a new friend.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth, Esthetician and Co-Owner of Elevate, has been passionate about beauty, skincare and make-up, as well as business, since she was a child. Her first clients were her childhood friends when she opened her nail business in her playhouse called, “Colors of the Rainbow.” This was one of the many businesses she “ran” in her childhood. Working in the field professionally for 18 years now, Elizabeth has found true happiness in her career to help her clients achieve clear skin, flawless make-up, manicured eyebrows and pure relaxation in an environment that she helped to design. Her passion for research and continuing education keeps her on top of the latest techniques, ingredients and equipment in anti-aging. Elizabeth loves designing new menu offerings and protocols, introducing the latest products in the industry, marketing the business, and managing her staff. Above all, her enthusiasm lies in forging new relationships with clients as well as maintaining friendships with the clientele she has had for years. Born and raised in Trenton, she chose to open her business in the downtown area which she has seen grow and hopes to see blossom into the full potential That this historic, riverfront, strong-knit, charming community has to offer. In her free time, she enjoys playing piano, guitar and singing with her husband, as well as spending time with her family, cooking, travelling and learning new things. Her business and staff are like a first-born child to her and her passion for the beauty industry will never die.

Kasia

Kasia, an extremely talented hairstylist, make-up artist, and photographer, specializes in complete makeovers that are gorgeous enough to be printed in magazines. While you are in her chair, be sure to browse through her multiple portfolios of her fabulous work. After graduating with honors from Douglas J. Aveda, she went on for additional training at Sassoon Academy for Color and Cutting, D.P. Studios for SPFX Make-Up for Film and Photography and Balayage Techniques as well as continuing education on a regular basis. She specializes in a variety highlighting techniques as well as air-brush and classic make-up. Born and raised in Poland, Kasia has mastered the English language and is passionate about communicating with each of her clients to learn about their culture and life. Along with photography, she enjoys blogging and traveling. She loves giving her clients complete transformations, starting with new hair and make-up and ending with a beautiful manicure. Whether you are looking to try something new or just enhance your current style, Kasia will work her magic on you with precision and skill. She discovers beauty everywhere and in everybody and playing with colors and shapes and customizing looks for her clients.

“Being a stylist is truly being an artist and art is the most intense mode of individualism we know. This allows stylists to create their own unique pattern of work and share it with their clients.”

Betty Jo

Betty Jo, Manicurist and Co-Owner of Elevate, utilizes her skills and attention to fine detail as a professional artist with her clients’ hands and feet. She sees the nailbeds as tiny canvases that need groomed and perfected in preparation for mini works of art. Betty Jo loves performing pedicures, not only as a grooming necessity, but also to help her clients unwind, relax and feel good. She has a special way with the elderly and feels that older clients should try a pedicure before heading to the podiatrist for feet problems. She also is incredible with children and enjoys performing Mini services with rhinestone nail art. Betty Jo is a true people-person and her infectious warmth and energy will leave anyone feeling great! She makes each service personal by listening to their needs and assisting clients with color selection that compliments their skin-tone. Betty Jo’s attention to detail also extends to the interior design of Elevate and maintaining the salon’s original luster. She works behind the scenes to help run the business and puts the clients and employees before herself. In her free-time Betty Jo enjoys drawing, painting and sculpting in her art studio. She also loves all the activities of being a grandma and mother to her three daughters, two of which she works with. Betty Jo is passionate about perfection and providing the best possible service to her clients while treating each and every one as a new friend. For an unforgettable nail service, try Betty Jo.

“Serve others with the respect, dignity and care that you would wish from others.”

Renee

Renee is a seasoned stylist with over 30 years of experience in the hair industry. Though she is originally from Michigan, she worked many years in New York as a stylist before returning to her roots. She recognizes the need for continuing education to keep up-to-date with techniques, trends and products. The Clairol Institute in New York, The International Beauty Show in New York, and The Toni & Guy Academy in Pennsylvania are just a few of the many courses she has attended over the years. She specializes in Hair Color Services and also has extensive training in the Coppola Keratin Smoothing System, as well as Hair Extensions. Outside of the industry, Renee is very active in her church, enjoys gardening and flower arranging, making wreaths and remodeling projects. Her creativity extends into her work in the beauty industry, while still placing importance on validating her client’s opinions and concerns above her needs to express her creativity. Renee’s female clients always leave her chair with a bouncy blow-out that lasts for days!
“Not every industry, like the beauty industry has the potential to make someone feel better about themselves: younger, older, male, female, etc.”

Hollie

Hollie, licensed Esthetician and Massage Therapist, has over A decade of experience in the industry and has been with Elevate from the moment the doors opened. Her peaceful presence and gifted touch will whisk you away into tranquility while your muscles turn to butter in her hands. In addition to massage, Hollie offers an array of services including body treatments, make-up artistry, facials and facial peels. She specializes in sugar and salt glows, customized facials and deep tissue massage. Improving the condition of her clients to help relieve them of pain and to help them feel their best is where her passion lies. Outside of work Hollie enjoys painting, playing guitar, working with animals, and has an all around love for art. She takes her career very seriously and gives 110% to each and every client that she works on. Her clients always leave feeling relaxed and at peace.

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” Audrey Hepburn

Kathleen

Kathleen, seasoned Nail Technician, has been dazzling fingers and toes for 20+ years. Her passion for learning and growing has inspired her to attend many classes for continuing education, after she was licensed through an apprenticeship many years ago. Kathleen trained our staff in gel manicures when they first hit the beauty scene and specializes in Shellac services, as well as manicures, pedicures and acrylic, and nail art. She loves servicing her clients and giving them a unique experience that makes them feel truly special. She finds joy in building relationships and strong bonds with each of them. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, travelling and going to concerts. She has the knowledge and experience that comes with over 20 years in the beauty industry, but is also innovative, knows the latest trends and techniques, and always is willing to try new things. She truly cares for each and every person in her chair and takes fabulous care in pampering them.

“It’s all fun and games until someone breaks a nail.”

Katie

“Hair is my cardio.”
Katie has been styling hair since 2016. She attended Douglas J in East Lansing and furthered her education by assisting under many top stylists in Southeastern Michigan. Her specialties include blonding, balayage techniques, men’s cuts and picture-perfect styling. Her behind-the-chair confidence puts her clients at ease and has them leaving with Instagram-ready-hair. In her free-time she enjoys surrounding herself with her plants and hanging with her bulldog, Humphrey. For up-to-date colors and styles, schedule with Katie today!

Front Desk

Alison

Alison, a long-time friend and client has been a part of the Elevate team from the day we opened. She was one of the very first receptionists and has helped out on and off throughout the years as well as remained a loyal client that sends our team of beauty professionals referrals regularly. She genuinely cares about matching each client with the stylist that will best suit their needs. Her professionalism, intuition, warmth and friendliness make her a fabulous asset to our team. In her free-time she enjoys spending time with her children, exploring new restaurants with her husband and entertaining in her home. Now that her children are grown adults, she was able to return to Elevate for a full-time position and we are thrilled to have her back! Alison has been committed to the cause from day one, striving to elevate the standards in the spa and beauty world by exceeding our clients expectations.

Jenny

Jenny Brings a wealth of knowledge working in customer service to elevate. For years she has managed, been a server and bartended at a local bar and grill. She also has 11 years experience in the fragrance industry as a marketing specialist for designer fragrances. Her experience, bubbly personality and sweet disposition make her a fabulous addition to our team. Jenny prides herself on professionalism and accommodating clients for all of their beauty needs. She enjoys spending time with her 3 sons and is their biggest cheerleader for all of their activities and sports. Jenny is also related to the owners of Elevate and has been a client at the salon since the beginning.