Salon Fusion

Ricky Newton

I would say that my style is non-specific and eccentric,” said Newton. “If something looks and fits well, that is the most important.” A love for creativity and style led him to college, but without a clear path on what he wanted to do for a career. “I’ve always been creative and was a dancer, and at the time a friend said to try hair school,” he said. “I tried it and I loved it!” A degree from Capitol School of Hairstyling, working with Rusk, and numerous training courses has led him to an incredibly satisfying career. “We are constantly receiving education through the salon and on our own motivation as well.” In the end, styling is truly the reason why he loves his job. “Part of why I do hair is for all the different styles that can be achieved.

Allison Slonecker

A love for the service industry gave Allison Slonecker all the motivation she needed to get into styling. “I always knew I wanted to be involved in fashion,” she said. “The beauty industry is broad and there is always an opportunity to do something new.” Studying at Xenon International School of Hair Design, Slonecker was given a firm foundation in the styling industry. And learning hasn’t stopped with a degree. “We are fortunate enough to have a boss that provides us with Redken educators that come to Omaha,” she said. “They teach us new, innovative techniques in an intimate setting.”

Jamie Dunne

A fashion nightmare ignited a styling spark in Dunne, carving a career path out of a potentially horrific embarrassment. “In high school I rescued my sister from her senior prom salon nightmare,” she said. “She came home crying and I fixed it for her.” Dunne also enjoyed styling her hair and cutting the hair of some of her “brave friends.” Educated at Capitol School of Hairstyling, Dunne has traveled to New York to style hair for runway models, as well as trained in Las Vegas and Chicago. She enjoys a challenge, which is why she said her celebrity choice for styling hair would be “The Trump! Need I say more?”

Joy Peterson

Hairstyling has long been a passion for Peterson, even before she could pick up the shears. “I’ve always wanted to do hair,” she said. “Even as a child, since I was BORN.” A graduate of Capitol School of Hairstyling, Peterson enjoys her career as a stylist because “I love making people feel good about their hair and watching them smile.” Salon Fusion is proud to have experienced and highly trained stylists on their floor, so trainings and classes are something Peterson looks forward to in order to increase her versatility as a stylist.

April Prauner

April Prauner knew that the key to getting into the fashion world was by working from the ground up. “I have always been fascinated with the fashion industry, and found an interest in hairstyling,” she said. “After gaining knowledge working as a receptionist in several salons, I knew I wanted to further my career behind the chair.” With an education background from Xenon International, and continuing education at the Midwest Hair show and the Redken Symposium, Prauner has put her styling career as her first priority. Fashion has also been a passion for Prauner, leading her to work for 89 Talent Management. “I educated the young on current trends, as well as fine tuning each individual’s personal style,” she said. Prauner brings with her both passion and experience to Salon Fusion, making it one of the top Salons in Omaha.

Kelsi Baltzell

Styling hair has been a hobby for Kelsi Baltzell since she was young. “I was always the girl who wanted to do my friends’ and sisters’ hair,” she said. “I taught myself to braid and how to do new styles on my dolls; it eventually evolved into my career path.” Attending the Xenon International School of Hair Design, Baltzell has gone on to take several courses in styling as well as attended hair shows. Her drive to learn as much as she can about the world of styling is evident in her passion: simply styling. “Any one person’s hair can be a challenge, no matter how conservative or ‘out-there’ they are,” she said. “It is all about using the tools you have and making each person’s individual style shine through.”

Hannah Drozd

The highlight of Hannah Drozd’s career in styling thus far has been the reward of seeing how happy her styles have made her clients. “I have always wanted to do hair, I love it,” she said. “It’s so rewarding to make people gorgeous.” Working as a stylist for three years and a degree from Xenon International Academy has made her well known at Salon Fusion. “I have attended various hair shows and taken classes to further my knowledge in styling,” she said. “Learning new things and gaining new skills is very important to me.”