Lorraine Gritten, our CEO and Visionary is a Barber & Cosmetology Instructor with over 30 years of Barber, Beauty, Spa and Wellness experience, she also holds a Massage Therapist Instructors license. She and her husband Kevin are a power couple, working together has always been her dream. Through the years, they have owned many businesses in Central Texas. They are the founders of the very successful Champions Salon and Barber located in Woodway established in 2014, then opened the 2nd location Champions Barbershop in downtown Waco est. in 2019. With the sale of their professional locations in August 2023 this extra time has allowed them to focus solely on the school. Purchasing a former church to expand their school has been nothing short of a dream come true.

Founder of Ultimate Escape Spa and Wellness Center in Hewitt established in 2005. She knows first-hand how to successfully run a commission and booth rental salon/spa/barbershop, as they sought out extensive coaching and mentorship and ventured in every aspect of the profession. She likes to add she has been through the school of hard knocks; every one of our businesses had its trials and tribulations. Learning through those hard times has paid off, getting to share their experiences so that Champion Students will know how to properly venture into their own career.

She is very passionate about the Barber & Beauty Profession and her mission for Champions Academy is to improve and elevate the industry to create the best barbers, cosmetologists, estheticians, nail artist, lash artist, massage therapist and entrepreneurs for Waco and the surrounding area’s growth. Lorraine is passionate about the craft and wants to inspire future Champions to become more, not only in their craft, but also in their personal growth and business development. Kevin and Lorraine continue to mentor and give guidance to those hungry to learn how to be successful.