Beauty with edge

Every artist needs a studio. The stylists at The Studio Salon Group practice their art through beauty transformations, chic haircuts, color, extensions, nails, skin care, makeup and waxing.

Owner Rachelle Yarnell has spent nearly two decades building more than a beauty destination.

She’s created a culture rooted in mentorship, education and a little bit of “mama bear” energy.

“As a woman-owned business, I lift up my team through education,” says Rachelle. “I’ve always wanted my places to be where people can grow, not just work. I think of everyone I hire as an artist.”

As a real self-starter, she has been part of JumpStart and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses and was chosen to be in the top 20 of 108 nominees on the Fox 8 News Kickin’ it with Kenny Cleveland Chain Reaction pitch competition.

Step inside either the downtown or Ohio City location and you’ll immediately feel the urban vibe—edgy, artsy and welcoming. Think exposed bricks and floorboards, with open spaces that celebrate the buildings’ unique historic architecture.

Small-Town Dreams to Big-City Style

Rachelle’s journey began early. By age 12 she was wrapping perms for friends in her family’s kitchen in Garrettsville, which she lovingly calls a “one stoplight town.”

“By 18, I graduated from cosmetology school and by the 1990s, I’d aligned myself with John Paul Mitchell Systems, becoming an international educator,” she says. “That education comes right back to my team and our guests.”

This month she travels to Las Vegas for a consortium of the top 170 educators in the country.

“This line of clean products resonated with me,” she says. “The formulas are super-targeted to different hair conditions. Thanks to John Paul Mitchell Systems, the heart of every service here focuses on hair health.”

Signature treatments are designed to restore hydration, reverse damage from heat styling and coloring, and lock in that silky, frizz-free finish, no matter what Northeast Ohio weather throws your way.

The standout ingredient, and one of her favorite Paul Mitchell lines, is Awapuhi. This Hawaiian flower is known for its intense moisturizing properties. Rachelle has even traveled to Hawaii to see its harvest firsthand.

“It’s all about the quality of the ingredients,” she says. “When your hair is healthy, everything falls into place. In terms of technique, since I’m also a national educator for the Donald Scott NYC Razor artistry, everyone who works here is certified. This technique seamlessly blends precision cuts with modern shapes.”

Trending this Spring

As the weather warms, Rachelle reports that “blonding season” begins. 

“Everyone feels better with a little brighter shade,” she says. “For cuts, we’re doing lots of classic bobs and layers, layers, layers.”

Hair extensions are having a moment, too, and they customize both hand-tied and tape-in styles to experiment with color, volume and length without the long-term commitment.

Beyond the salon chair, the team shines in the wedding world, with a dedicated coordinator leading a team for on-location styling for brides, grooms and wedding parties.

At the end of the day, The Studio Salons aren’t just about great hair, they’re about connection.

“The people I get to meet…it never feels like work,” says Rachelle.

The Studio Salon is looking for stylists. It offers retirement plans, paid vacations, flexible schedules and free education.

The Studio Salon Group

• Ohio City - 1887 Fulton Road, Cleveland, 216-281-1887
• Downtown - 1300 W 9th Street, #200, Cleveland, 216-685-1400

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