Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachael Wilhelm
Hi Rachael, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey into hairstyling wasn’t one I planned from the start. At 18, fresh out of high school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my career. I decided to enroll in cosmetology school with the mindset that if I didn’t love it, I could always cut hair on the side while pursuing something else. But once I started, something clicked.
I completed cosmetology school in just 11 months, and two weeks later, I began working as an assistant in a salon. For six months, I shadowed stylists, learned the ins and outs of running a successful business, and truly fell in love with the craft. By the time I started working with my own clients, I knew I had found my path—and I’ve never looked back.
Working as an independent stylist has always been a key part of my journey. Renting a chair allowed me the freedom to shape my own business while taking full responsibility for building it. This freedom gave me space to focus on my strengths: creating customized, low-maintenance looks that fit each client’s unique style and lifestyle.
Over the years, I’ve focused on refining my skills, particularly in creating natural, low-maintenance looks that enhance my clients’ hair and fit their lifestyle. My passion for growth and learning led me to open my own 5 chair salon in Traverse City, Michigan, where I also continued to worked behind the chair for six amazing years.
In July 2024, life brought a big change when my husband’s orthopedic surgery residency took us to Minnesota. For several months, I split my time, driving back and forth to continue working with my loyal clients in Michigan while transitioning ownership of my salon. Saying goodbye to that salon was bittersweet, but it made the transition so much easier knowing it’s now in the hands of one of my stylists who had been with me since the beginning. Seeing her take the reins and continue to grow the salon I built has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
Now, I’m so excited to have my own salon studio in West St. Paul, where I specialize in low-maintenance highlights and extensions, offering techniques like sewn-in wefts and K-Tips to create natural, seamless results that are perfect for fine hair. Every service I provide is fully customized to help my clients achieve beautiful, effortless hair that fits their lifestyle.
Looking back, I never imagined this career would take me so far—from assisting in my first salon to owning my own, balancing two locations, and now building a new business in Minnesota. I’m so grateful for the journey, the clients who trust me, and the opportunity to keep growing while doing what I love every day.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but every challenge has brought growth and new opportunities.
When I started my career at 18, I had zero business knowledge. Taxes, bookkeeping, and managing the business side of being an independent stylist were completely foreign to me. Renting a chair gave me the freedom to build my own brand, but it also came with a steep learning curve. (And yes, when I got my first tax bill, I completely freaked out and had to call my parents for help—an incredibly valuable lesson I won’t forget!) I had to figure out everything, from building a clientele to managing finances, all while balancing my creative passion with the responsibilities of running a business.
Then owning a salon came with its own set of challenges. While it was incredibly rewarding, balancing the role of a stylist with the demands of running a business and leading a team was a constant learning experience. But I truly had the very best team an owner could ever dream of, and I will never take that for granted.
Probably the most difficult time in my career was just recent when we found out where my husband had been placed for his residency and that we’d be moving out of state, I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I was determined to keep the salon open. I had a plan in place, with one of my stylists stepping in to help me manage the salon from afar. Then, within a month of learning about the move, we learned that the building where my salon was located would be going up for sale, which completely changed everything. I started exploring every option to keep the salon going, even considering moving to a new building, which would have meant a complete new buildout.
Ultimately, the building didn’t sell, and I was asked to stay. But during that time of uncertainty, I had already moved to Minnesota and was commuting back and forth each month to continue working in Michigan. It was during those months that I realized, while I wanted to make it work, I was no longer going to be able to be the owner I strived to be if I wasn’t more present. That’s when I made the incredibly hard decision to say goodbye to the salon I had built.
It wasn’t easy, but through it all, things fell into place. One of my stylists—who had been with me since the very beginning—stepped into the role of owner. My team stayed together, and the salon is still thriving under her leadership. Knowing that it’s still going strong and in such capable hands has been one of the most rewarding outcomes of this journey.
Through it all, splitting my time between Michigan and Minnesota while transitioning both my salon and my own career was physically and emotionally demanding. But it also reaffirmed my love for what I do and reminded me of the importance of staying adaptable. Every struggle has taught me resilience, and while the road hasn’t always been smooth, it’s led me to where I am today—and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is all about creating natural, low-maintenance hair that enhances my clients’ beauty while fitting seamlessly into their lifestyle. I specialize in fine hair, low-maintenance highlights, and hair extensions, with a focus on precision and customization. Whether it’s balayage, babylights, teasylights, or extension methods like sewn-in wefts and K-Tips (aka Keratin Bonds), my goal is always to create results that look effortless and grow out beautifully.
I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients over the years. There’s something so rewarding about creating a custom look for someone and seeing their confidence shine. Knowing I’ve helped make someone’s life easier—whether it’s by giving them hair that requires less maintenance or by solving a problem they’ve struggled with—is why I love what I do.
What sets me apart is my detail-oriented approach and my focus on truly getting to know my clients. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all solution; every client’s hair is different, and so is their lifestyle. That’s why I take the time to create looks that not only fit their aesthetic but also their day-to-day needs and lifestyle. I want my clients to leave the chair feeling confident and knowing their hair will work with them, not against them.
I also think my laid-back, no-frills personality brings something unique to the table. I’m not your typical stylist—I’m more likely to chat about your latest hike or travel plans than the latest beauty trends. My clients know they can expect a relaxed, judgment-free atmosphere where we focus on what really matters: creating hair that feels like them.
What truly sets me apart, though, is my commitment to education. After 15 years in the industry, I still strive to keep learning and evolving. I’ve invested heavily in advanced training, particularly with extensions, to ensure I’m always offering the best, most modern solutions for my clients. Customization is the foundation of my work, and the more I learn, the better I can tailor my services to meet each client’s unique needs.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If there’s one thing I’d love to share, it’s this: no matter where you’re at in your career, never stop learning and growing, and don’t be afraid of change. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn something new, and even the hardest decisions can lead you to where you’re meant to be.
Fall in love with a career where you truly love what you do and have the chance to help others. For me, that’s creating hair that makes my clients feel confident and beautiful, but it could be anything for you—just follow your passion.
And here’s something else I’ve learned along the way: just be yourself. If you met me outside of the salon, you might not think I’m a hairstylist—I don’t fit the stereotype, and I’m okay with that. I’m more laid-back, jeans-and-t-shirt, and not someone who’s into the latest beauty trends or high fashion. But by being authentic and embracing who I am, I’ve naturally attracted clients with similar personalities. That’s made my job so much more fun because I get to connect with amazing people who truly feel like my tribe.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to fail. Failure isn’t the end; it’s part of the journey. Every mistake or setback teaches you something valuable, and those lessons will guide you to success. Dream big, work hard, stay true to yourself, and trust the process—you never know what amazing opportunities might be waiting around the corner!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rachaelwilhelmhair.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachael.wilhelm.hair/
