Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsie Schoenecker.
Hi Kelsie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my career in the beauty industry in 2010 with a passion for helping people feel confident and beautiful. From the beginning, I loved not only the creative side of doing hair, but also the relationships and connections that came with it. Over the years, I worked hard to continue growing my skills, building a loyal clientele, and learning every aspect of the salon industry.
In August of 2019, I took one of the biggest leaps of my career and purchased Natural Roots Salon. Our first location was right off Highway 25 in Buffalo, and while it was exciting, I always had a bigger vision for what the salon could become.
In 2022, we made another huge move and relocated to our current downtown Buffalo location. That move allowed us to expand not only our space, but also our services, team, and overall vision for the business. Today, Natural Roots has grown into more than just a salon—we offer hair services, tanning, salon suite rentals, and retail, all while creating a welcoming, community-focused environment for both clients and our team.
Education and growth have always been incredibly important to me, and I’ve continued investing in advanced training, certifications, and industry events across the country—and even internationally through education opportunities in Italy. One of the things I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve created at Natural Roots. Watching our team grow, mentoring stylists, and building long-term relationships with clients has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
I’ve also loved blending business with family and community involvement—from speaking at local schools about careers in the beauty industry to supporting my daughter Taylin’s in-salon boutique, T Boutique.
Like any small business owner, the journey hasn’t always been easy. There have been long hours, challenges, and a lot of learning experiences along the way, but every step has helped shape both the business and the person I am today. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported me throughout this journey and excited for what’s still to come.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like most small business owners, there have been a lot of challenges along the way. One of the biggest has been managing a large team and balancing so many moving parts at once. When you’re running a salon, every single day can bring a new “dumpster fire” that needs to be put out—whether it’s staffing issues, scheduling conflicts, equipment problems, customer concerns, or just the unexpected things that come with owning and operating a busy business.
There have been moments that were stressful and overwhelming, especially while also trying to balance being a business owner, stylist, wife, and mom. But through all of those challenges, I’ve learned how important adaptability, communication, and perseverance really are. Every obstacle has taught me something valuable and helped me grow both personally and professionally.
At the end of the day, the hard moments make the rewarding ones even more meaningful. Watching the salon continue to grow, seeing our team succeed, and knowing we’ve built something that positively impacts our community makes all of the struggles worth it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m the owner of Natural Roots Salon
in downtown Buffalo, and behind the chair I specialize in dimensional color, blonding, balayage, and hair extensions. I’m certified in multiple extension methods, including IBE® (Invisible Bead Extensions)
, and I love creating transformations that not only look beautiful but also help women feel confident and empowered. I’m also passionate about education and staying current in the industry, which has taken me everywhere from advanced trainings in Italy with AlterEgo Italy to major beauty shows and extension certifications across the country.
What I’m most proud of is what we’ve built at Natural Roots Salon. When I purchased the salon in 2019, we started in a much smaller location on Highway 25 in Buffalo, and in 2022 we moved into our downtown space and continued growing into what it is today. We’ve created more than just a salon — it’s a place where clients can relax, connect, and feel taken care of, and where our team can grow both personally and professionally. I’m incredibly proud of the culture we’ve built and the relationships we’ve created within our community.
I think what sets me apart is that I truly care about the full experience — not just the hair. I’m very hands-on as an owner, I still work behind the chair, and I genuinely love mentoring and supporting my team while also building strong relationships with clients. I’ve always believed that authenticity, hard work, and creating a welcoming environment matter just as much as technical skill. Whether it’s educating my staff, traveling for continued education, supporting local events, or helping clients feel their absolute best, I pour my heart into everything I do.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about Buffalo is the sense of community. It truly feels like family here. People are welcoming, supportive, and genuinely want to see each other succeed. As a small business owner, I’ve felt so much encouragement not only from our clients, but from other local businesses and community members as well. There’s something really special about being part of a town where people show up for each other, support local, and build lasting relationships.
One challenge, especially within the beauty industry, is how saturated the market has become. While growth and new businesses are important, it can be difficult when there are so many salons opening within such a close proximity. It creates a lot of competition for existing small businesses that have spent years building their teams, clientele, and presence in the community. Supporting long-standing local businesses while still encouraging growth is such an important balance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.naturalrootssalon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturalrootssalon
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ZJVXnf53e/
