Give The Gift of Pampering

With the holidays approaching, now is a good time to talk about local salons. Whether you want to purchase a gift certificate or products to give a family member or friend – or you want to pamper yourself before a holiday gathering … keep reading. Each salon owner has a different, personal story to share.

Francesca & Co. Salon

What inspired Francesca Kolens, owner of Francesca & Co. Salon, to pursue a career in beauty? “My parents always encouraged me to go to college, but I knew deep down that traditional classrooms weren’t the right fit for me.”

“When I discovered cosmetology, it felt like everything I was looking for—creativity, hands-on learning, and endless opportunities to grow. What surprised me was how much depth there is in the curriculum—there’s real science and anatomy involved, and it challenged me in all the right ways. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.”

My Cosmetique Pro

Kristen Miller opened My Cosmetique Pro in February 2021 with a mission to "make life easier" for her clients. What inspired this mission? “My goal is to simplify beauty routines while helping clients achieve flawless, youthful skin effortlessly.”

“Services like lash extensions, permanent makeup, and skincare treatments are designed to minimize daily effort while maximizing confidence. This philosophy shapes every aspect of my business, from personalized consultations to innovative treatments tailored to individual needs.”

Sallese & Co.

What inspired Chelsea Sallese to open Sallese & Co.? “My daughter’s cancer journey was my biggest inspiration. It opened my eyes to the importance of safe, clean, and mindful beauty practices.”

“I wanted to create a space where people could come in, feel beautiful, and know that the products and services they were receiving weren’t centered on the toxic and wasteful beauty cultures we’ve become accustomed to.”

Salon All Star

“The opening of Salon All Star was inspired by a passion to provide professional cosmetology and barber services in a safe and inclusive space,” according to owners Laura Berzin and Vian May.

How do they build relationships with their clients to make them feel like "All Stars"? According to Laura, “Both Vian and I take great pride in the fact that we’ve forged amazing relationships with all of our long-term clients, and in the same way, we strive to make our newest clients feel as though they are as important as our long-term clients—because they are!”

The Salon Professional Academy of Kenosha

Whether you seek hair, skin, or nail services – or you want to learn how to provide these services – check out The Salon Professional Academy of Kenosha. What makes TSPA different from other beauty schools?

Dedicated instructor April Fees shares: “Our graduates are ready to work—many open their own businesses or jump into salons right out of school. We give them technical skills, soft skills, and business tools they need to thrive. Our aesthetics students even train with technology other schools barely touch.”

Wink Beauty Boutique

Wink Beauty Boutique is more than just a business to its owner Sarah Neahous. It’s a place of connection. Many clients have become dear friends, sharing life’s highs and lows in her treatment chair. When her father passed away, she was overwhelmed with love from her clients, who filled her space with cards and flowers. That sense of community is what makes Wink truly special.

Special thanks to my colleague Donny Stancato for getting the scoop from these places.

More Salons

We also work with: Faded Barbershop for Men, Janice Hair Design & Boutique, Moda Bella Salon and Spa, Perfect 10 Salon & Spa, Ruffolo's Salon & Spa, Salon on Sixth, and The Beauty Lofts.

Go to VisitKenosha.com/Wellness to learn more about these places mentioned.

Previously published in Smart Reader (a Kenosha publication produced by Happenings Magazine) – November 6, 2025 issue