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Our Team

Valerie Thompson

I’m Valerie Thompson, owner of Studio V Hair & Nails – est. in 2015. I’ve been a stylist for 24 years. Opening Studio V Hair was the biggest accomplishment I have ever done in the industry. I have been married to my best friend Phil since 2001 and I am a very proud mom of 2 of the most beautiful young ladies, Alexis and Alayna. Besides coloring, cutting, and styling hair I also enjoy being with my friends and family at the dragstrip in the summertime and the bowling alley with friends and family in the winter.

Rylee Kunde

I’m Rylee, an independent color specialist in a suite at Studio V! The suite life is the best life, giving clients an intimate and quieter salon experience. Color is my passion; I’ve spent my whole career perfecting my color techniques, leaving clients with the hair of their dreams. My job is my hobby, and I’m blessed to be doing what I love while making people feel great doing it. Can’t wait to see you in my chair!

Michelle DeCheney

My name is Michelle, and with over 30 years in the industry, I can honestly say that I still love what I do. I’ve always made education a priority, it has kept me current and excited about what I do. Over the years I have been an educator for two different color companies. Being able to help hairdressers become better colorists and get them excited about new techniques was very rewarding. Though color is my specialty I love all aspects of hairdressing. Doing something you love to do as a job is amazing. I do love exercising and also spending summers at the dragstrip watching my husband and other family member’s race. My advice to my kids has always been find something you love and find a way to make a living doing it. That’s what I have done, and it’s been an amazing life so far.

Erica Savage

With over two decades of experience in the beauty industry, Erica has established a reputation for precision, creativity, and exceptional customer service. Specializing in a variety of advanced techniques, Erica offers a diverse range of services designed to enhance the natural beauty of every client.

Specialties:

  • Hand-Tied Wefts: Mastery in hand-tied extensions for a seamless, natural look with long-lasting results.
  • Keratin Extensions: Expertise in keratin-based extensions, providing added volume and length while maintaining the health of natural hair.
  • Blondes: From icy platinum to golden beachy tones, Erica has perfected the art of blonde hair, creating custom hues that complement each client’s skin tone and personality.
  • Men’s Haircuts: Specializing in sharp, tailored cuts for men, from classic styles to modern, edgy looks, ensuring a clean and polished finish every time.

Whether you’re looking for a new hairstyle, a fresh color, or flawless extensions, Erica brings a personalized touch and a wealth of knowledge to each service, delivering exceptional results tailored to your unique needs. Let Erica be your trusted stylist, bringing your hair goals to life!

To book an appointment with Erica please text or call her directly. 231 206 0158

Kelly Zalsman

My name is Kelly Zalsman. I’ve been a Master Hair Stylist for 38 years and currently work at Studio V Hair and Nails. I work with the most wonderful group of ladies! Through the years I have gained knowledge in men’s haircutting, women’s haircutting, haircoloring, and color correcting. My first 18 years in the industry I worked at Panopoulos Salons. Their educational classes were a large part of my learning how to be the best stylist I could be! I enjoy living in the country with my husband of 11 years, spending time with my 2 daughters, 4 grandchildren, and my 2 dogs. My hobbies are playing the piano, singing, and exercising regularly on my Peloton bike!

Stephanie Kieft

Hello, my name is Stephanie. I am professional stylist at Studio V Hair & Nails. My passion is helping others look and feel more beautiful on the inside and out. I love doing all things beauty; haircuts, color, hair styles, up-do’s, nails, makeup and more. I also love special occasion’s and getting others ready for their big day. I really enjoy getting to know my clients. Understanding their personality and lifestyle helps me to create the best look for each individual. I strive to listen to my clients and always have them leaving my chair happy and satisfied. I would say I am a very creative and inspiring person and stylist. I always love learning and trying new things. I look forward to creating styles for others while giving them tips and tricks on how to achieve the look at home. Some of my favorite things are braids, bright fashion colors and airbrush makeup. Some other services I offer include: Brazilian Blowouts, No-chip Manicures, Extensions, Scalp Treatments, Waxing, and more. Be your own kind of beautiful and book your appointment with me today!

Laura Castle

My name is Laura Castle and I have been a licensed cosmetologist for 38 years. After graduating from Peggy White’s School of Beauty and Design in Muskegon Heights. I am married to my childhood sweetheart and together we have 3 sons, 2 daughters, and 8 grandchildren. I am very well educated in this industry. I carry my cosmetology instructor’s license through the State of Michigan and was employed first as an instructor and then as the manager of Brighton Institute of Cosmetology in Brighton, MI. I love every aspect of the industry. I crave color education, application, formulation, consultation, all of it. I also enjoy doing perms. The creative part of my brain gets fed well by formal hairstyling, haircuts, and all aspects of color. And I am skilled and experienced hairstylist with clients that have thick curly hair. I love to travel. Retirement will be spent on the road. I am also a fan of my fairy garden, hosting parties, my hot tub, going to church, singing in the church choir, and of course my grandchildren.

Janet stevens

Hello I am Janet Stevens and have 37 years in this amazing industry. I am honored to earn the trust and experience the friendship that comes when making people look and feel their best. Continuing education is a great key in keeping up with the ever changing industry. I value teamwork within the salon and encourage personal and professional growth. I started at a local salon back in 1987 and have also worked in the US Virgin Islands as well as Traverse City. I enjoy cutting, coloring, and highlighting hair. Love doing a relaxing shampoo blowout that will keep you bouncing for days.  Well versed in perming as well as Brazilian Blowout smoothing. Mani/pedi and Plexigel overlay to add a three week durability to your nails. Brow shaping and lamination as well as eyelash lift and tint. Add in a relaxing facial and you could spend the whole day with me.

Alayna Thompson

Hi, I my name is Alayna Thompson. I am 16 years old, and I have been working as a receptionist here for the past couple of years. I am the owner’s daughter, and I really enjoy working here alongside her, my sister, and this amazing team! I’ve lived in grand haven my whole life but throughout the year you can find me traveling around the Great Lakes competing in bowling tournaments! In the summer you’ll find me at the racetrack drag racing, and in the spring, I’m out on the field playing lacrosse! I am looking forward to greeting you at your next visit here at Studio V!

Abbie House

Hey, I’m Abbie House, your local hairstylist with 3+ years of rocking hairdos! I’m all about colors, cuts, waxing, and fab updos. When I’m not at the salon, I’m off exploring or hanging with loved ones. Newcomers get a sweet 20% off. Can’t wait to meet you and work some hair magic!

Alexis Thompson

My name is Alexis Thompson, and I am a licensed esthetician and lash artist as of January 2022, I attended French Academy of Cosmetology! I am now accepting new clients! My mom owns the studio, and I really enjoy working here and all of the amazing women I work with! I have lived in Grand Haven all my life. In the summer you will find me at the drag strip every weekend I can get there! In the winter I love to spend my free time at the bowling alley with friends and family!

Karlee orr

My name is Karlee, I’m a licensed cosmetologist, I’ve been practicing for 2 years now! I specialize in all things nails and makeup! While doing haircuts that I love to do as well! I love to make people feel beautiful while also loving the experience here at Studio V! I would love to get you in my chair and build a bond that’ll never be broken!

Audra Joy

Hello there! I am Audra, I am a bit of a mastermind when it comes to massage, as I start the second decade of this wonderful career, let me tell you why it also brings me so much joy. Each one of you is a puzzle and my approach is to listen to your wants and in needs for the current state of your body in this space. The human body is one of my favorite subjects to learn about, there is still so much to learn! And yours changes so much day to day, year to year. I offer a safe space for your nervous system to settle back into its function so that you may relax in the home that is yourself. How you are and your muscles and bones and tissue have held up to the test of time is the puzzle. I care! I also really like giraffes, and nature, and traveling. 

Hannah Marie

Hello everyone! I’m Hannah Marie, your local haircare professional. I’ve been behind the chair since 2020, specializing in custom color, blonding, vivid’s, and styling. I’m passionate about designing looks that reflect your unique style. To me, each appointment is more than just about hair, it’s an opportunity to build a relationship, ensuring you leave feeling confident, understood, and well cared for. I’m always learning and evolving my techniques to provide the very best for my clients. I’m excited to share stories, create memories, and welcome you to my chair! Accepting new clients!

Linda Myers

My name is Linda Myers, I am one of the receptionists at the salon and love my work family. When I am not at the salon I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend. We love to go camping and ride our motorcycle. I keep pretty busy with family and my grandkids too. My job is to keep the salon running smoothly, keeping it tidy, and to keep our clients happy and to feel welcomed.