TRAINER IN THE SPOTLIGHT – ALICIA VADNAIS
TRAINER IN THE SPOTLIGHT – ALICIA VADNAIS

Allow Us to Reintroduce: Alicia Vadnais, Our Exceptional USA Trainer

We are thrilled to spotlight one of our exceptional USA trainers, Alicia Vadnais. Alicia has been an incredibly talented Elleebana trainer for the past few years, and she recently opened her own salon, Fringe Parlor, in her hometown of Benson, Minnesota. We are extremely proud of Alicia and everything she has achieved. Recently, we asked Alicia to share her journey in the beauty industry, and here is what she had to say:

Alicia’s Journey in the Beauty Industry

My love for the beauty industry started when I was 4 years old, telling my mom I wanted to be a “beauty shopper”. I have always had a passion for all things skin, lashes, and makeup.

Growing up on a farm in Minnesota, I spent summers baling hay and lived there all through high school. After attending NDSU and obtaining a double major in Psychology and Sociology, I headed to the East Coast. In searching for an Esthetics school, I found Atelier Esthetique in NYC and was licensed in 2007. I couldn’t get enough of this industry—there is so much to learn and love. I continued my education and received my ITEC certification, allowing me to work in 38 countries in all things Esthetics.

After returning to Minnesota, I fell in love with a local farmer and ended up settling in my hometown of 3,500 people. I adjusted my goals and found a balance between work and family life. I have two amazing children, and my family is everything. I started lashing to stay home with my babies, finding the perfect balance of home and work.

In 2018, my state began regulating lashes, requiring me to rent a space in a salon to continue working. My supportive husband built me a salon in a camper, allowing me to license it and work anywhere in the state. His willingness to support my dreams never ceases to amaze me.

Being in a licensed salon allowed me to return to my skin roots and research lash lifting. I love the transformative experience of extensions and the joy they bring to my clients. However, not everyone is a candidate for extensions, nor do they fit everyone’s lifestyle.

This is where Elleebana entered my life. I read about the company’s values and structure, which aligned perfectly with my beliefs. I believe in helping each other rise in this industry, rather than gatekeeping information. Elleebana is a true family of some of the most talented individuals I have seen. The lifetime support that comes with the training is unmatched by any other beauty company. When I discovered that I could be trained by Master Trainer Kelly Rhode in my state, I immediately signed up.

I was offered a training position the next year. Initially, I hesitated, not because it didn’t sound like an amazing opportunity, but because I didn’t think instructing was for me. Kelly’s persistence paid off, and I’m so glad I listened. It has been a bright spot in my career ever since. I get to be a cheerleader for my students, and we all grow together. If I have to pick my favorite reason for staying with Elleebana, it is the amazing human connections it allows me to make in this industry. I will forever be grateful to be part of a company whose owners never settle for anything less than the best. Otto Mitter is always working to improve our tools for success, providing us with the latest information and technology.

In 2020, I opened Vi Beauty Lab with a partner in Wayzata, MN, commuting 2.5 hours to work there two days a week. It was an amazing experience, with some of the best clients and co-workers. After two years, I returned to my hometown and, once again, my husband helped me restore a 100-year-old building into a salon, and Fringe Parlor was born. I still travel to the cities to train my Elleebana students, but most of my time is now spent closer to home. I train with the One Shot Lash Lift system and Lash and Brow Lamination with the Profusion system. My courses are available both in person and online. I would love to see you in class. We have a lot of fun, and there is a lot to learn. My door is always open.

Fun Facts About Alicia

  • I love all things art and history.
  • I’m a medical knowledge junkie, always researching something.
  • I love to sing.
  • I am fascinated by electricity and insisted on rewiring my washing machine when it broke.
  • I love movies.
  • I hate cooking, but I obviously do it because I love to eat.
  • When I’m not working, I’m with my family, enjoying the short Minnesota summers with as many days at the lake as possible.

Connect with Alicia:

Join us in celebrating Alicia’s incredible journey and achievements. We are grateful to have such a passionate and talented individual as part of the Elleebana family!

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