Building a Legacy of Beauty: International Institute of Cosmetology Expands

by Sarah Barr

Staff Writer

Like flowy, shiny hair, growth is a beautiful thing. Nothing could be truer if you are in the beauty business.

That’s the case for the International Institute of Cosmetology. It branched out across the busy Silas Deane Highway by adding the former Pelton’s and Rite Aid building to its hair and makeup empire.

The Gugliotti family is front and center as they are still deeply rooted in their mission to train future stylists.  (courtesy photo)

Yes, the ICC is still located at 632 Silas Deane. That is now exclusively the hairdressing program. But it is no longer sharing space with other aspects of the business.

They are now housed at 657 Silas Deane. A launch party was held Nov. 13 complete with local dignitaries, giant scissors and photographers, the whole kit and kaboodle.

““A beautiful facility. It’s a great new space and addition to Wethersfield,” Ivana Marrero said.

She is the executive director of the Wethersfield Chamber of Commerce.

Classes started Dec. 1 in the areas of skin care, nail tech, eyelash tech and makeup artistry.

“The building is split into four sections,” School Dean Mark Anderson said. “Our part is on the far left and we reserved the next space for future use.”

The nail care room has pedicure chairs and enables two students at a time to concentrate on their craft.  (courtesy photo)

That suggests even more growth and there is plenty of free parking.

Not only does the Gugliotti family still own and run this more than 20-year-old business, it also owns this new building and will rent space to two additional tenants. One is William Raveis Real Estate and the other is yet to be named.

“We looked at this property for a long while,” Anderson said. “Since COVID, it long stood idle.”

As for why now, it’s simple economics.

“These are in-demand programs,” he said. “Every trade show we go to we’re asked why aren’t we enrolling more [people]. Now we have the chance to answer the need for this service.”

Now they have the space. The first new cohort is 12 students.

“We deliberately kept it that size because we hope to have a rolling admission every three to four months,” he added.

“It’s a 600-hour program. The first 150 to 200 hours is strict theory work. They won’t be seeing clients yet. By the end of January everything will be open to the public to do client work under instructor supervision.”

The party may be over, but a new chapter in beauty education is just beginning. Photo by Lisa Brisson

The integrity of the programs is important, as is staying in Wethersfield. This is the town where it all started almost a quarter of a century ago. That first class in 2002 had only four students. Today’s total is about 150.

The salon was started in 1986 by Carmine “Carmelo” Gugliotti after he moved his family to the United States from Argentina. The goal was his overarching desire to bring international beauty trends to the Northeast.

The former Hartford shop on Franklin Avenue no longer exists. Over the years, the Gugliotti family evolved their business, kept up with trends, and expanded the footprint in both Wethersfield and Plainville in 2010. The whole family remains involved.

The model is simple. Focus on the teachers as they shape the future stylists. Now other salons from all over the state, employ Gugliotti graduates as many of the students prefer to stay local. The secret to their success was, and still is, staying relevant and sticking to the value of education.

“We’re constantly modifying the curriculum,” Anderson said at the 20th anniversary celebration, words that still echo true today with this expansion. This includes business classes and showcasing student talents on social media.

The makeup room is for artistry classes. Programs like this no longer need to share space with the hair care program across the street. (courtesy photo)

“Instagram is your portfolio,” he said.

It’s a complete formula for success, one that gives graduates the cutting edge to getting hired. Resumes, interview workshops, financial health, and career fairs are just a few of the lessons. By the time they are done with the program, they are career ready.

Rinse and repeat that over 20-plus years and you’re ready to expand your horizons. They used to be behind one little door. Now they’re backed by a new building. WL

For more information go to studyhair.com or #studyhair.