What exactly does it take to own a top salon in Chattanooga?

Hard work, dedication, passion for the art, and the desire to make each client leave feeling like a million bucks. Rose Riley, owner and creator of StyleBAR located in downtown Chattanooga, TN, knows all too well that running your own business is a labor of love. The Chattanooga native began her journey when she was 15 years old after deciding that hair was her calling and was just 18 when she started working in her first salon. Since then, she has trained with some of the most reputable people at top tier schools, and was recognized as one of the top industry leaders in North America in 2020.

StyleBAR started in 2009 when Rose decided to reconnect with her creative side and pursue an environment dedicated to the art of hairstyling.

After powering through many obstacles, she finally was given the opportunity to open her salon. After working by herself for several months, she began to build her team of committed hairstylists and grow her clientele into what is now a thriving, full-service salon. Her experience in the field also sparked another passion—education. “The passion of what I do is a little bit more than just going to school to be a hair stylist,” she explained.

Like everything else in the salon, only the best hair products and services are offered, which is why Rose fell in love with Natural Beaded Row extensions. After training with the creator of NBR, Danielle White, she decided this was the method she would use in her salon. Noticing how it improved the quality of life of clients that received the extensions, she was amazed.

“When you’re able to change someone's outlook and the way they feel about themselves, that’s huge,” she said.

Chattanooga is known for having many unique small businesses and StyleBAR no doubt has a distinct vibe of its own, distinguishing it from other salons in the area. “I think that the salon really speaks a lot of my personality” Rose remarked. “I’m a character, I’m a little different, so there’s not gonna be anything else like me or my salon.” Rose is involved in every aspect of the salon, and she knows that while StyleBAR keeps it professional, it’s also very relaxed in a way that clients, hairstylists, and anyone else who steps foot in the salon can forget about their worries for just a moment and take time for themselves. “We have the best personalities and those who are in tune with their craft and passionate about it, and that really shows and shines through,” Rose said.

Between the unmatched talent, carefree attitudes, breezy music, and good conversation, the StyleBAR experience is most certainly one-of-a-kind and truly a treat for the hair and soul.