Rita Bellino, Master Designer & Founder of The Rita B Institute

Rita Ballino, founder Rita B Institute

With more than 40 years in the beauty industry, Rita has become a mentor to other salon owners and has her very own line of beauty products.

“When just 14 I started working with my Dad, Rocco Bellino, in his salon; 40 years later I am still walking into the salon every morning, breathing in the aromas of many potions we create to be used in our clients’ transformation to peak beauty and healthful well being.

Since my girlhood, the industry has changed drastically, and yet, in some ways, remains the same; women still wish to be beautiful and men want to be handsome. We still give toddlers their first haircut, send them off to the first day of school, polish them for prom and graduation, style them for their wedding, and send them to the delivery room looking beautiful where the cycle begins again. . .

While working with my Dad as my mentor and trainer I participated and won many National and International Hair Competitions in the Chicago area and a round the country. This led to many years performing style and design work and educating hair stylists over the world, including working for numerous hair product manufacturers. The opportunity to travel, share my skills, and work with colleagues has expanding my knowledge of the industry and been an invaluable experience.

As I grew in the industry, all four of my wonderful children became very involved in the everyday life of the salon resulting in their becoming excellent stylists; something I never expected. It is difficult to write about our family without mentioning the salon because it has been and is so much a part of our life together. I feel honored they have followed the family trade and chosen to spend so much of their lives with their Mom!”

Scott Lobben, Master Designer & Owner of Rita B Salon

Rita Ballino, founder Rita B Institute

When, as a young teen, Marietta (Scott’s sister) demanded that he blow dry her hair, it was clear that Scott was destined to be a hair designer. This third generation stylist began his formal career as the first student of Colorado’s cosmetology apprenticeship program, which was founded by his mother. His craft was further honed with training at the famous Bumble and Bumble salon in New York City.

After 5 years of working and training at the Rita B Salon’s in Colorado, Scott headed out to Los Angeles for some new experiences. While working at a high end salon in Brentwood, Scott was offered and accepted a position as national educator for the prestigious Phyto hair care line, and he spent the next few years traveling to some of the most elite salons in the western United States. When not traveling and training, Scott worked his magic on a number of celebrities and Los Angeles elite.

While pampering and primping stars such as Meg Ryan and Brook Shields was a treat, Scott was missing home. Luckily for all of us here in Colorado, he made the decision to return. Scott landed at Queen B, his mother’s Salon in Aspen. He also spent some time working at his father’s 4 Season’s Hair Design Studio in Vail, and then moved to the Dry Creek location. After continued raving reviews from his clients and a write up in a local magazine, Scott was ready for the next step. In 2013, he opened the newest Rita B Salon at the stylish and modern Beauvallon. Scott is a master with color and a true talent with a pair of shears and a blow dryer.

 

Milestones

  • Apprenticed for two Years with my Dad while in High School and was President of my class for two years. ( Rocco Bellino and Mike Stramaglio , both WW2 veterans and became stylists after the army) and passed my State Board in June of 1966.

  • Won my first competition in Chicago 3 months after I graduated from High School.

  • Won 1st Place in NYC at the International Beauty Show in 1967. I was 19. There were 1000 people in the room.

  • Continued to participate and win competitions ( about 10) in the US until 1976 where I won 1st place for the Total Fashion Award in Chicago. Judging was on Hair, Make-up, and Fashion.

  • Owned my first salon at the age of 21 in the Chicago Area.

  • Was presenting my award- winning Models for the Chicago Hair Association in 1968.

  • Worked with International Guest Artists at the Pivot Point International School Advanced Programs in 1976.

  • Moved to Norway 1978 and worked with Erik Lobben, working on Clients,Training Apprentices, doing Fashion Shows in Night Clubs, Presentations for Zotos International in Norway, Sweden, Poland and a three week tour in Japan.

  • Moved to Denver in 1981, opened our first salon in 1982. Fashion Shows in Night Clubs and for Charity events.

  • Rita’s Salon started in 1985

  • 1986 brought Rita’s Underground Success. Many Hair Shows,Editorials, Fashion and Hair Wars at night clubs. Environmental Awards from Horst and Aveda.

  • Moved to 2nd and Fillmore, Where we started Rita B Salon and opened the first Aveda concept salon in Denver. Both of my daughters were working in the business by then. During the “Summit of 8” we hosted an Aveda Salon to service the International Media.

  • 2000 we opened a second location in Highlands Ranch with My Son Scott, Daughters Julie and Marietta and Chad,my son -in law joined us after a few years.

  • 2003 we opened Rita B Downtown with Julie, my daughter.

  • 2004 we started the first Occupational Beauty School in Colorado.

  • 2006 I moved to Aspen and opened Queen B Salon , many editorials for Aspen Magazine ,Aspen Sojourner, Fashion Shows, Voted Best Wedding Services, Best Aspen Salon, and Charity events.

  • 2018 will open Rita B Institute next to Rita B Salon at 975 Lincoln in Denver, owned and operated by Scott Lobben, My Son.