hair design - an exploration of shape + texture
“As a salon owner for 14 years and senior stylist with a lot of passion for what I do, I try to set an example on leadership, responsibility, hopefully inspire, and help create an environment where people can express themselves creatively. “
kelly’s salon journey took off after completing a rigorous training program at chicago’s prestigious trio salon, she became a top stylist at art + science, eventually opening a salon with her sister dawn; beauty + balance, located in kenilworth, illinois.
her passion + love for the industry was fiercely fueled when she saw the pride in her father’s face after graduating cosmetology school. “This is such an important business. We touch people and deeply affect their lives, it’s more than just a haircut or color” states kelly.
the consummate student-teacher, kelly continues to evolve as a stylist + educator. “Sharing is an integral part of education” claims kelly. she was voted ‘most inspirational staff member’ at art + science + received advanced training at the suki’s academy in vancouver, + the creative collections course at vidal sassoon academy seattle, california, toronto + london, england.
continuing her training, she also completed advanced business classes at the bumble + bumble academy in new york. kelly feels privileged + honored to have worked exclusively with the late + legendary oribe in new york. while in paris, france, she participated in a fashion runway workshop taught by oribe’s ramona eschbach, followed the next day by styling runway models for clothing designer rad hourani. kelly’s portfolio of work includes styling hair for nyc fashion designer anthony thomas galante, to compliment his new collection as well as at many fashion shows including neiman marcus, saks 5th avenue, + the art institute of chicago.
as an arrojo ambassador, kelly often shares the stage with renowned stylist nick arrojo educating hairdressers all over the country, sharing ideas, creative techniques + showcasing the arrojo product line. she regularly travels to new york city to work with + at the arrojo studio + school, servicing clients + teaching students, “It’s truly a dream come true, to have the opportunity to collaborate and bring back ideas from the ARROJO team and the energy of New York.”
being such a milestone year for many reasons, 2020 created change for the entire beauty + balance team as they merge with chicago’s esteemed paul rehder salon. “United We Stand” says kelly. “This merger couldn’t come at a better time. Our fusion will bring creativity, continued education and stability, we are very excited about the future!”
kelly is a certified spin instructor, yoga instructor, + enjoys cooking, traveling, mixing music, photography + creating collages.