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Rose Steffes knew from an early age that she’d want to pursue a career in the beauty industry — specifically in styling hair.
“I knew ever since I was a child,” she said. “Whether I was doing my Barbie’s hair, my sister’s hair or my own hair, it was just my calling. I love having the ability to make people look and feel good about themselves. There is nothing more gratifying.”
The 38-year-old who calls Hazel Green, Wis., home can most often be found behind her swivel chair at Zen Salon, located at 3338 Center Grove Drive, Suite 108, in Dubuque, which is owned by another stylist, Kim Walker.
A native of Southwest Wisconsin, Steffes described herself as an “agriculture kid,” helping out on her family’s crop farm while growing up.
“It was a good childhood,” she said. “I spent a lot of quality time with my family.”
A graduate of Cuba City (Wis.) High School in 2004 before attending Capri College in Dubuque, Steffes was quick to follow her passion in beauty and hair-styling, beginning to build her clientele at Zen Salon upon graduating.
“It’s has a warm, welcoming and community vibe, where people can just walk in and relax,” she said of the salon. “A lot of my clients have come by recommendations from friends and word-of-mouth.”
Steffes also is a single mom to three children — ages 8, 11 and 13.
Working at the salon has enabled her to maintain a flexible schedule, while simultaneously parenting.
“I work while the kids are in school or if they’re with their dad,” Steffes said. “The flexible schedule has helped when life throws me the unexpected, and the clients have always been wonderful and very supportive.”
Steffes’ clients range from youth through adults, women and men.
While her education at Capri College readied her skill set for a variety of tasks when it comes to hair, one of her specialties is in hair coloring.
“One of the great things about Capri was that the school made sure you were trained to do it all well,” Steffes said. “But I enjoy coloring — blonding hair, especially.”
When it comes to hair trends, Steffes added that these days, clients are looking for haircare solutions that are convenient and also keep them looking their best.
“People are busy,” she said. “They want something that is natural and that requires less maintenance to suit their lifestyles.”
Steffes said variations of the bob haircut remain popular, as well as layering.
“People also are paying more attention to products,” she said. “They are more aware of their health and want to make sure the products being used are of a good and high quality. They want to work with someone, over time, who knows their hair and knows what it can and can’t do. And they want to go home feeling and looking good.”
When not busy at the salon or being an active mom to her three children, Steffes also is passionate about health and fitness, as well as cooking, keeping a clean and well-organized home, working in her yard, traveling and reading.
“You’ve got to have fun in life,” she said.
But she thrives on her busy salon schedule.
“You can never underestimate what a good cut and color can do for your self-esteem,” she said. “I love the work I do and am very passionate about it.”
Megan Gloss writes for the Telegraph Herald.
