Cutline Erin Linehan, with scissors, celebrated her first five years in business during a ribbon cutting hosted by the Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Port Clinton last week.

BY SHERI TRUSTY

When Erin Linehan opened Studio E Hair + Nail Boutique five years ago, she didn’t host a grand opening. She was overwhelmed by the obstacles she faced as a new business owner, and she wanted to open the doors quietly.

Now, five years later, she is ready to celebrate the success of both of her businesses: Studio E and The Glowbar. On July 17, the Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Port Clinton hosted a long overdue ribbon cutting at Studio E.

“I never had a grand opening because I was terrified,” Linehan said. “Now, I feel like I’ve made it, and I’m ready.”

Besides the normal hurdles new business owners face, Linehan also pushed through during COVID shutdowns.

“It’s crazy that I made it five years because the beginning was so scary, and just when I got over that hump, COVID hit. That was a new level of scary,” Linehan said. “Now I feel settled. I’ve got both of my stores, and I feel comfortable.”

Studio E Hair + Nail Boutique offers hair, nail, skin, lashes and massage services. The Glowbar by Studio E, which offers tanning services, was remodeled prior to the ribbon cutting.

“We removed everything from the 70s,” Linehan said. “We have new flooring, wall coverings and some electrical. We added a couple treatment rooms and upgraded the software.”

Chamber president and CEO, Nicole Kochensparger, was happy to honor Linehan not only for her business success but also for her commitment to promoting other local businesses through her role as chamber treasurer.

“Thank you for being one of my biggest supporters,” Kochensparger said.

Studio E is located at 210 Madison St. in Port Clinton. For more information, call 419-341-2364. The Glowbar is at 307 Harrison St. in Port Clinton. It can be reached at 419-734-3106.