Students in Ohio’s Miami Valley woke up on Tuesday to discover that the Creative Image Institute of Cosmetology had permanently closed its doors. The school, one of two locations cited by the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board as having gone out of business, left hundreds of aspiring stylists without classes and uncertain paths to completing their training.
Owner cites cash crunch dating back to pandemic
Charles Gross, president and chief executive officer of Creative Images, explained that the financial strain began in 2020 when the COVID‑19 pandemic hit the industry. “Last month my bank told me it would no longer loan me any more money,” Gross said. “If I could bring in $1.7 million, it would change the ratio; everything would go away.” He added that without additional capital the school had no choice but to close.
Students voice heartbreak and frustration
More than a dozen students spoke to News Center 7 about the abrupt shutdown. “Heartbroken, like my heart got ripped out from under me,” said Makayla Kenley. Johna Webb described feeling “a bit of everything,” while Paula Woodward lamented that a class scheduled to graduate on Thursday would now be left without a ceremony.
Several students who had already been accepted but had not yet begun classes said the timing was especially cruel. One woman recounted receiving a text message on Tuesday that the school would close, leaving her with no answer until late in the day.
Refunds and next steps routed through the state
When asked about refunds, Gross said students would need to pursue them through the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board. “Going through the day, it’s absolutely horrible,” he acknowledged, noting that the board would handle any reimbursement claims.
Gross also addressed concerns that he may have misused school funds. He denied any wrongdoing, stating that the financial shortfall was a result of the pandemic and the bank’s decision to halt further loans.
Accredited hours remain a hurdle
Perhaps the most pressing question for students is how to complete the hours they have already earned. Gross indicated that the only options are to enroll in accredited programs in Columbus or Cincinnati. Many students said traveling to those cities is unrealistic given family responsibilities and work commitments.
Local education officials have not yet commented on the closure, but the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board confirmed that the school’s license has been revoked and that students should contact the board for guidance on transferring credits.
Impact on the local economy
The closure of Creative Image Institute of Cosmetology removes a small but significant employer from the Miami Valley’s service‑industry landscape. The school provided jobs for instructors, administrative staff, and support personnel, and its loss may affect related businesses such as supply vendors and local salons that relied on a pipeline of newly trained professionals.
Community leaders are urging state legislators to consider additional financial safeguards for vocational schools, especially those that serve students seeking quick entry into the workforce. While no formal policy proposals have been announced, the situation underscores the vulnerability of trade schools that depend heavily on private financing.
What students can do now
Students are encouraged to contact the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board to explore credit transfer options and to file any refund claims. The board’s website provides a portal for submitting documentation and tracking the status of requests.
For those needing immediate financial assistance, local charities and workforce development agencies may offer short‑term support, though eligibility criteria vary.
As the Miami Valley community processes this sudden loss, many hope that the experience will prompt stronger oversight and more robust funding mechanisms for vocational education, ensuring that future students can complete their training without similar disruption.
Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.
