About Us
Our Big-Hearted and Talented Team is the Heart and Soul of the Studio Story.
Welcome.
"Cleveland embodies all the things I hold dear and what I want for The Studio Salon … a sense of community, welcoming, beauty, and vibrancy. It's a big town with a big heart, but also an intimate, friendly soul."
Rachelle, Owner/Stylist
Hi. My name is Rachelle Yarnell, owner of The Studio Salon Group. I am a small town girl with big city dreams and you’ll see these facets of me in the locations of my studios; two in the heart of Cleveland (Downtown and Ohio City), and one in the country (Garrettsville.) I’ve been in the salon business since 2006 as an educator, stylist, and owner. I love my work and hopefully this is reflected in the experience you’ll have at any of The Studio locations.
I am equally passionate about both aspects of my career as Owner/Stylist. As a female business owner, I love the entrepreneurial adventure, honing my leadership skills, curating our guests' experience, and connecting with the larger community. As a stylist, I thrive on the creativity and relationships I have with each guest that walks through the salon doors. I am energized and inspired daily by both hats I wear!
Early in my career I was an Educator for Paul Mitchell Salons and this foundation of learning remains embedded in The Salon’s culture. We keep up with trends, understand our products, and embrace important movements in the industry such as sustainability. Learning goes hand in hand with listening, both to our guests and the world around us. We take it all in to create a welcoming, uplifting experience for our guests.
Thanks to our guests, team, and the communities we call home for being part of the Studio Story!
Meet Rachelle.
Meet the Team.
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Emily Hartman
STYLIST
Emily bought her first set of clippers and shears when she was twenty so she could give her friend a last-minute Mohawk before going to see some band. Before she knew it, she was doing basic cuts for anyone who would trust her skills. Emily quickly discovered her passion for hair. She loves cutting services the most, as it comes naturally and I feel that a good cut is the foundation of style. Emily has been active in the industry on and off between Cleveland and California for the last 15 years, and I'm glad to say it's good to finally be home.
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Geoffrey Persson
STYLIST
Geoffrey became a licensed Cosmetologist in 1992. He came up through Dino Palmieri Salons which afforded him countless opportunities to grow and hone his skills in precision haircutting. He was an Educator for American Crew, Inc. from 1996 - 2006, teaching mens haircutting for smaller, in-salon classes and on stage at large trade shows. He spent 2002 and 2003 as an Instructor at the American Crew Menswork Academy in San Diego, CA where he taught intense, 4-day hands-on workshops. His most recent venture before joining The Studio Salon, was Owner of Architexture Salon from 2016 - 2024. He now looks forward to having quality time with family and spending the remainder of his career imparting his knowledge on younger stylists, focusing on internal education in mens cutting for The Studio Salon Group.
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Stacy Benich
STYLIST
Stacy is a graduate of The Paul Mitchell Academy and loves all aspects of Cosmetology. She specializes in women’s color and cuts. Stacy also loves to cut men’s hair and do facial waxing.
Stacy has a fierce passion for the beauty industry. She prides herself on forming strong relationships with every guest and giving each guest the salon experience they have always wanted.
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Mel Aviles
BRAIDING, SPECIAL OCCASION STYLING, MAKEUP
Mel works in both our Ohio City and Downtown locations. She currently has her Boutique license for shampoo & styling, braiding, special occasion styling and makeup. She appreciates the different guests that walk through the salon doors and enjoys being able to successfully give them the look they want.
‘The smile they have when they leave brings a great feeling of happiness to my life. I know I am in the right industry with a great team.’
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Alexis 'Lux' Bowen
ADVANCED NAIL TECHNICIAN
Lux has had a passion for nail care since the age of 16. She became a licensed nail technician in March 2024 after completing her Advanced Nail Tech certification at the Brown Aveda Institute in Mentor. Her mission is to provide healthy nail care services that enhance both beauty and well-being. Lux specializes in luminary nail strengthening, manicures, pedicures, and gel extensions. Currently, she is expanding her skills in nail art, offering services like cat eye, ombré, and limited detailed line work.
‘I am excited to grow in this vibrant field and help clients express their individuality.’