News

Carlisle Sentinel - November 14, 2005

Surging demand leads salon to relocate

By Christine McIlhenny, November 14, 2005

A little more than a year ago, Studio 3 styling salon opened its doors for business at 29 W. High St. in Carlisle, specializing in the latest techniques of “dimensional coloring” as well as styling.

Studio 3 not only succeeded, it exceeded its goals, growing at such a rate that owner Justin Kelly has relocated to a much larger facility at 1412 Trindle Road in the Fairview Storage Center complex.

With a list of clientele numbering more than 1,000, Kelly not only needed to find a larger space for his salon but added four more stylists to handle the demand.

“When you see an opportunity, you just have to take it,” Kelly says, explaining that this move was made when a friend referred him to the new location east of Carlisle.

The facility not only offers more space to work but also the spaciousness and feel, of a loft, with its high ceilings and exposed steel beams that seem to contrast and complement the creative flow of space and energy below them.

“I wanted to create an atmosphere that felt a little like Soho in Carlisle,” Kelly says. “My goal is to provide the clients with an experience they wouldn’t normally have. I want it to be a fun, professional, unique and unconventional experience.”

Own products offered

Relocating is not his only new move. He is launching his own line of hair care products called “Justin, Signature Collection.”

The custom formulations are Kelly’s own blends, which are made for him by a California laboratory.

Not satisfied with even the most expensive brands on the market, Kelly says he wanted to tackle some very basics in hair care. He said the Studio 3 Signature Collection does just that and more.

“Even with the best lines of products, there is always a niche to be filled,” he says. “Every product I’ve developed will do what it says it will do and will work for just about all types of hair textures.”

In addition to the new stylists already hired, Kelly plans to add more after New Year’s Day.

Advantages of new site

“Prior to this move, customers would normally park on High Street. It was not always easy to find a space and of course, there were meters and time to contend with,” he says.

The new facility offers private parking at no charge.

Fairview Storage Center is close to the new Kohl’s, which Kelly feels is a plus, as clients may want to combine their shopping time with their salon visits. He feels it will not only benefit his existing customers but bring in new ones.

“We already have clients coming in from Camp Hill, Harrisburg, Chambersburg, Shippensburg, Boiling Springs and more,” he says.

On Friday Kelly and his staff staged a grand opening celebration that included a disc jockey, food, gift card prizes and more.

“I want to take Carlisle by storm,” Kelly says. “I want all our clients to have a unique and enjoyable experience here.”

On the Web: www.studio3salon.net.

FYI

Studio 3 is open for business from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. To request a “menu” of service or make an appointment, call 245-0690.

©2005 The Sentinel, Carlisle, Pa.

Carlisle Sentinel - September 2, 2004

Downtown hair salon offers youthful twist

By Christine McIlhenny, September 2, 2004

One of the newest businesses in downtown Carlisle is owned by one of the youngest businessmen there.

Justin Kelly, 22, opened a salon called Studio 3 this week.

The Newville man is a Big Spring High School graduate who trained professionally at Empire Beauty School in Harrisburg. He is licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology and says he has been "designing" hair for five years in several area salons.

He says he choose a career in hair care because of both his artistic ability and his need for a creative outlet.

"I get instant gratification seeing the look on people's faces when you've given them something new and different," he says enthusiastically.

Although he specializes in "hair design and dimensional coloring," Kelly believes stylists also should be well rounded and experienced in all applications of hair care.

Encouragement offered

He credits his customers and his new staff for motivating him to open his own place. "I never imagined that at 22 I would own and operate my own salon," he says. "This is a huge endeavor for me."

It was one of his staff members who noticed a vacant space on West High Street across from Carlisle Theatre and called him to suggest it would make a great location for a salon. After visiting the site, he agreed and put the wheels into motion for transforming the space into a salon.

Studio 3 is a "concentrated hair studio," which means it will specialize in hair styling and services with dimensional coloring for all types and textures, bringing their clients the latest trends in cuts as well as coloring techniques.

Promise fulfilled

It boasts a staff of four, all younger than 30.

"I believe that this is the most talented staff of stylists I've ever seen and worked with," Kelly says, describing their natural ability for creativity that he believes cannot be taught.

He says the name of the salon comes from a promise he made to himself and two co-workers that they would work together as long as long as they could. Those two co-worker now are part of his staff.

Studio 3 carries three lines of hair products: Nioxin, Graham Webb and a new series of products from Graham Webb called "Halo," which Kelly says is so exclusive that distributors don't even have it yet.

"It is only being offered by the manufacturer," he says. "And it is just wonderful!"

FYI

Potential customers of Studio 3 may stop in for a menu of services and information regarding business hours, or they can call 245-0690 for more information. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended. Studio 3 is at 29 W. High St., Carlisle.

©2004 The Sentinel, Carlisle, Pa.