Business Spotlight: The Bladed Raven Studio
By Jennifer Lane, Editor
A new hair salon and spa is opening in Rosiclare! Stephanie Hayes is a Professional Licensed Cosmetologist and has been practicing since 2012. Stephanie has been an educator in cosmetology since 2013. After working several years enhancing her services and style at two different salons, she can now add business owner to her list of qualifications as she has opened The Bladed Raven Studio in Rosiclare.
Over the past ten years, Stephanie has continuously worked in a salon setting behind the chair, and has served as manager, district manager, and educator for SmartStyle located in Walmart stores. She has had many returning clients from the local area, and has clients that come see her from several different states.
Stephanie has taught at Shawnee Community College for four years in Cosmetology and Nail Technology and previously at Southeastern Illinois College, taking the Nail Technology program to state and winning 1st place.
This year Stephanie became an Illinois Continuing Education sponsor and is a founder of the Southern Illinois Cosmetology Group which brings continued education to this region for licensed professionals. She plans to teach continuing education from her shop and other locations throughout Illinois. She plans to do some coaching for new and seasoned stylists, nail technicians and estheticians and will host interns.
Not only does Stephanie like to teach, but she likes to learn.
She said, “I still get super excited when doing a new technique, completing a transformation, or when I have creative freedom.”
“I am always taking classes and gaining certifications to further my knowledge in the beauty industry,” said Stephanie. “ I take pride in teaching not only my students, but also fellow industry professionals and clients. I feel like my passion for this industry, helping people, and the commitment to my clients truly distinguishes myself and my studio.”
Stephanie loves it when clients bring in photos they’ve clipped from a magazine or took screen shots of on their phone. She encourages clients to bring it in, talk about it and see how she can create a new look for them.
Stephanie apologizes in advance for singing. She said she may not have a voice meant for the big stage, but she has been known to hum or sing while she is “in the zone” creating a new look.
Sanitation is very important to Stephanie so she wants her clients to rest assured knowing that the tools and modalities she uses are clean.
Stephanie thoroughly enjoys her profession, and that is how the idea of the Bladed Raven Studio came to fruition. It’s an extension of Stephanie’s hard work and ambition to give clients a unique experience rooted in sheer beauty, creativity, relaxation, knowledge and healing. Stephanie describes her studio as a one-of-a-kind combination of salon, day spa, therapy center, classroom, and barbershop. Yes, she’s not only here for the women, but the men too! She will carry a full line of products for men and provide men’s treatments and waxing.
Stephanie has poured out her heart and put in a lot elbow grease and personal touches creating a perfect atmosphere in her new building that was delivered next to her home. It was once an empty shell, now a stylist’s dream. She didn’t do it alone though, her mom and dad, Debra and Norman Cubley, have been by her side every step of the way. Stephanie said, “They helped make my dream come true and my vision come to life.” Stephanie’s sister, Sherrie, helped her come up with her logo and business marketing. Stephanie has had lots of support from her friends, family and clients. She said it’s definitely been a family event and they are all eager for her to open.
Stephanie is flowing with ideas of what she wants to do as a businesswoman in Hardin County. She shared bits and pieces of ideas with me. Stay tuned!
Stephanie, who recently fought cancer herself, plans to offer a special non-profit service called Raven’s Haven to help those in the community fighting cancer and losing their hair from treatments. Stephanie will set up private sessions to help women or men achieve their new look while going through the emotional process of losing their hair. The session belongs to them, so they can bring in a photographer, their family, supporters, or whatever they need for that transition.
When Stephanie is not in the salon, you can find her in nature – hiking or kayaking. She also enjoys reading and painting. She loves to spending time with her family and friends and attending live music venues, festivals, or taking adventures off the beaten path. Stephanie is currently single, but is the proud mom of Brooklynn and Nevon.
Celebrate the official opening day of the Bladed Raven Studio on Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and chat with Stephanie. An Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held that day too. A drawing will be held so be sure and visit that day to register for free services and prizes. Stephanie’s shop is located at 314 Williams Street, Rosiclare, Illinois, 62982.
The Bladed Raven Studio hours are convenient for those with busy schedules:
• Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Walk-Ins are welcome!
• Appointments are available after hours.
Call or text (618) 253-9488. Find The Bladed Raven Studio on Facebook. Stephanie accepts credit/debit cards or cash.
See The Bladed Raven Studio advertisement on the back page and scan the barcode to see Stephanie’s full menu of services. (Point your smart phone’s camera and allow it to focus on the barcode. Tap on the link that appears to see the Bladed Raven Studio’s services.)
Attention Hardin County Business Owners: If you would like to have your Hardin County business featured in a Business Spotlight article, call Jennifer Lane at the Hardin County Independent, 618-287-2361.
update….
Stephanie Hayes held an Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Saturday, October 7, 2023 in celebration of her new Rosiclare business “The Bladed Raven Studio”. Her business was featured in a Business Spotlight article in the September 28 issues of the Hardin County Independent.
During the Open House she held drawings and the winners were:
• Susan Jones, Kentucky, Facial Service
• Lillian Prohaska, Kentucky, 30 minute relaxation treatment
• Ernestine Mitchell, Illinois, Shampoo, cut and style
You can find the The Bladed Raven Studio on facebook or read the full story
