About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Born out of love for everything about the beauty industry, Reese Marie brings you dedication in every step towards looking your best. Proudly partnered with Aveda.
Our Story
Our mission at Reese Marie Salon is to enhance one's beauty and confidence by creating consistent service and trusting relationships.
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After years in the beauty industry learning the ins and outs - the good and the challenging - Reese Marie was born out of desire to take quality care of each and every guest that walks into our space; a need to create and manage a salon space that feels better than home, and leaves you looking and feeling your best. Our vision is to discover unique concepts that present untouched opportunities for both our team and our guests alike. Our #1 priority is you!
Sarah- Historic Valley Junction
Hair Artist, Esthi Bestie, & Salon Operations Coordinator
Sarah, a West Des Moines native, is a passionate and dedicated beauty professional with a strong foundation in both cosmetology and esthetics!
After graduating from the Aveda Institute in 2016 and 2017, she honed her expertise while continuing with Aveda. Specializing in facials and hair color, Sarah is deeply committed to helping each guest feel their most beautiful and confident.
In addition to her salon work, Sarah is Reese Marie's Salon Operations Coordinator. In this role, she specializes in overall guest experience, and new talent operations. She thrives in educating the next generation of beauty professionals, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for the industry.
Outside of her career, Sarah enjoys exploring new restaurants with friends, relaxing on patios, or staying cozy indoors playing games when the Iowa weather doesn’t cooperate. With a passion for both beauty and education, Sarah continues to inspire and make a positive impact wherever she goes.
Kaylynn- Historic Valley Junction
Hair Artist
Kaylynn has been a stylist in the Des Moines metro since 2014, bringing a wealth of knowledge and passion to her craft. She is dedicated to helping her guests create their perfect look from start to finish, offering a full range of services, with a particular talent for all types of haircuts.
Kaylynn holds a certification in sew-in extensions and has received advanced training in a variety of cutting techniques, including French, Sassoon, Curly Girl Method, American Crew, and Aveda. With six years of experience on an artistic team, Kaylynn has collaborated on seasonal editorial photoshoots and participated in both national and international competitions. She was most recently a finalist in the 2020 Intercoiffure Nouveau Competition, a prestigious achievement that highlights her exceptional skill and creativity. Throughout her career, Kaylynn has had the privilege of working with renowned artists, including Anna Pacito, the global director for Davines and Intercoiffure, Ara Sassoonian, one of the most awarded photographers for NAHA, and Ekaterina Ulanoff, Canadian Makeup Artist of the Year.
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Her commitment to excellence and continued pursuit of education make Kaylynn a standout professional in the beauty industry, and she is known for bringing a high level of artistry and expertise to every client she works with.
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Outside of the salon you can find Kaylynn catching a yoga or pilates class, grabbing a coffee at her fave local shop in Valley Junction, or hanging out with her dog, Harlow.
Sydney- Historic Valley Junction
Hair Artist
Sydney’s journey in the beauty industry began with a prestigious achievement — receiving the Horst Rechelbacher Scholarship to attend the Aveda Institute of Chapel Hill. That honor marked the beginning of her connection to Aveda’s mission of wellness, artistry, and environmental responsibility.
After graduating in 2020, Sydney began her career as a stylist at an Aveda salon, where she quickly gained a reputation for her attention to detail, creativity, and ability to help clients feel confident and cared for. In 2023, she broadened her experience by managing a European Wax Center, further developing her leadership skills and deepening her commitment to client experience.
Sydney’s passion for education led her to become a cosmetology educator in 2024, a role at the Aveda Institute of Des Moines, where she was able to mentor and inspire the next generation of beauty professionals. She is also a certified MUD (Make-Up Designory) instructor, with expertise in camera-ready makeup for both natural and editorial looks.
Whether she’s behind the chair or in the classroom, Sydney brings a mix of technical skill, professionalism, and genuine care to everything she does. Her clients love her for her warm personality, creative eye, and her ability to bring their vision to life.
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Amanda- Historic Valley Junction
Hair Artist
Bio Coming Soon...
Savana- Middlebrook
Hair Artist
What began as a role at the front desk quickly turned into a full-blown passion for the art of hair. Savana first joined the team at Reese Marie as a concierge, where she discovered a love for salon life—connecting with guests and even caring for the salon’s lush collection of plants. Surrounded by creativity and community, she felt inspired to take her next step: becoming a stylist.
Motivated and ambitious, Savana graduated early from Norwalk High School to attend the Aveda Institute, where she completed her training in December. Now behind the chair, she brings a deep passion for texture—specializing in waves, curls, and coils. She’s dedicated to creating customized haircuts, styles, and colors that are uniquely tailored to each guest’s natural beauty and lifestyle.
Savana is especially passionate about continued education and is always seeking new ways to refine and elevate her craft. Her goal is to not only make clients look amazing, but to help them feel seen, understood, and confident in their style.
When she’s not in the salon, you can find her at the gym, doing her nails, tending to her plants, taking nature walks, or curating content for her Instagram: @savanastyless. Wherever she is, Savana brings creativity, warmth, and intention to everything she does.
At Reese Marie, Savana is known for building genuine connections, offering thoughtful service, and delivering styles that feel effortless.
Cassidy- Middlebrook
Hair Artist
Cassidy graduated from the Aveda Institute Des Moines in spring 2025, but her passion for beauty started long before that! She has always loved creating and experimenting with makeup, hairstyles, color and hair cutting since she was little.
Cassidy loves all things cosmetology, but especially exceeds at custom colors, specifically vibrants, and clipper cuts. She strives to continue learning and creating a welcoming, personalized experience where every guest leaves feeling better than they came.
She has had the opportunity to grow her skills in exciting settings, including working backstage at the Kansas City Fashion Show and also earning recognition as one of the top 5 candidates for Earth Jam 2025. These experiences continue to inspire her creativity and push her to stay on top of trends while refining her craft.
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Cassidy stays busy outside of the salon, so you may find her at the clinic caring for animals, as she is also a Veterinary Technician! When she spends her time relaxing with a good book, indulging in her love for theatre especially horror movies and spending time with her fiancé and their dog, Rosie and cat, Ollie.
Gerrii- Historic Valley Junction
Massage Therapist
Gerrii Olson, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist | Occupational Therapy Practitioner | Naturopath Doctor Candidate
With more than 33 years of experience in holistic health and wellness, Gerrii Olson offers a deeply integrative approach to care. She is a licensed massage therapist, occupational therapy professional, and soon-to-be a Naturopath Doctor—all roles that reflect her dedication to supporting others in living healthier, more empowered lives.
Gerrii was the CEO and founder of Time Away Therapeutic Massage in Ottumwa, Iowa, where she led the business for over 25 +years, building a trusted reputation in her community through skilled bodywork and personalized client treatment
Currently completing her Naturopath Doctor degree, which she will finish in Fall 2025, Gerrii continues to expand her passion for natural, holistic healing.
She currently practices massage therapy at these locations in Iowa and Georgia:
• Reese Marie Salon & Spa– Valley Junction, West Des Moines, IA
• Synergy Wellness Clinic – Ottumwa, IA
• Amplify Naturally – Sylvester, GA
Destiny- Historic Valley Junction
Hair Artist
Bio Coming Soon...
Maya- Historic Valley Junction & Middlebrook
Co-Founder & Glamor Guru
Maya is a proud Norwalk native with a passion for the beauty industry that began in high school through an interest in makeup. She pursued her dream, by completing the Aveda Institute Des Moines’ cosmetology program, where she also discovered her love for all aspects of beauty.
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Since launching her professional career in 2021, Maya has continuously invested in advancing her expertise. She has completed a master certification in hair extensions through Bellami and pursued advanced training in cutting and bridal artistry to perfect her skills. Her dedication to continued growth is evident, and she is committed to staying on top of the latest trends and techniques in the beauty industry.
Maya specializes in hair color, extensions, and bridal hair and makeup artistry, bringing a refined, detailed touch to every service she provides.
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In addition to her work as a stylist, Maya plays other essential roles at the salon, such as coaching and training new talent in career building, and advanced color placement, as well as special event coordination.
Outside of the salon, Maya enjoys staying active through CrossFit, visiting Chicago and going to Cubs games with her family, and spending time with her two dogs, Fish and Chip.
Jen- Historic Valley Junction
Co-Founder & Beauty Expert
Jen's passion for the beauty industry and commitment to exceptional guest service have played a pivotal role in her successful 20+ year career in the Des Moines area. Her creativity and meticulous eye for detail allow her to craft personalized, one-of-a-kind results for every guest who sits in her chair.
Jen has continually expanded her expertise by traveling to numerous cities across North America, receiving advanced training from world-renowned artists. Throughout her distinguished career, Jen has had the opportunity to participate in events such as New York Fashion Week and directing her own editorial photoshoots, further showcasing her exceptional skill and visions.
Beyond her work as a stylist, Jen serves as the director of the coaching and development program for new talent at our salon, where she plays an integral role in mentoring and guiding emerging professionals to achieve success. Her unwavering dedication to her craft, coupled with her passion for mentorship, makes Jen an invaluable member of our team and a respected leader in the beauty community.
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Outside of the salon, Jen enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, traveling to new destinations, and immersing herself in live music experiences.
