SARA Finan
she/her
Sara has been a stylist by trade for over 25 years and by passion since cutting her friends’ hair in middle school. Though well-educated as a master colorist, her passion is cutting. “Nothing can replace a great cut,” says Sara. In short, it’s about crafting the best look for you, her client, taking your ever-evolving style into consideration with every visit. She specializes in curly hairstyles, but enjoys working with all hair types.
She wants you to be the best version of yourself. Whether that means providing a safe space for a gender-affirming style, or embracing where you are in life with grey- blending color services. Every person’s style affirms who they are on the inside.
She enjoys cultivating strong relationships with her guests–established and new. While she stays current on new trends, she embraces the old-fashioned ideal of quality customer service. In life outside of the salon, Sara is the wife of a chef; a mother of two humans, two cats and a dog; an impressive handy(wo)man; excellent cook; and a therapist for her friends.
KARRIE Hutchinson
she/her
Karrie began her salon career in 2008, graduating from the Douglas J/Aveda Institute in Grand Rapids. Fellow class-mate Elle Yared led her to Rubies Salon where over the past 12 years she has been continually educated with classes, experiences, and the professionals that she has worked with. She is proudly certified by Surface Hair Health educators and proud to be in this industry.
Karrie says, “I am happiest working with my guests to get the desired look, whether it’s a big change or just a refresher!”
She has come full circle in taking over the space at 907 Cherry St. with her colleague, Sara, with whom she worked alongside at Rubies in previous years. “I love the location in East Hills and we want our guests to feel just as at home as we do there.”
MELODY Marmont
she/her
Melody is fun and creative and has a great sense of style. Her cuts are above and beyond and she’s always up for something new. Her laugh is infectious and you will be giggling along to her latest stories about her sweet puppy Quinn.
With the senior most years in the industry of all the Cerise staff, Mel still loves the challenge of creating a new you. Her knowledge and experience is a great resource to us at Cerise.
She welcomes new clients and looks forward to continuing to serve the clients she knows and loves her with us at Cerise.
JESSICA Vannetten
she/her
Originally a fine art painter and makeup artist for local films, Jessica has always been involved in creative artistry. With her love for color design and fashion in play, becoming a stylist was a decision based on passion.
She got her start as a stylist at “Scavenger Hunt,” a vintage shop in downtown GR where punk aesthetic and 70’s influence was prevalent. From brilliant blondes and 70’s shags to rainbow mohawks and leopard print hair painting, she is open to both classic and adventurous projects.
Her favorite part of being in this industry is making people feel beautiful and confident in their own skin and simply having a blast with self-expression.
KIP Grant
he/him
Kip has a passion for hair and a keen eye for detail. He brings a certain flair to the salon experience with his creativity, uniqueness, nerve and talent, specializing in lived-in color, short cuts, and blondes. Inclusivity is the backbone of his business model, while behind the chair, building trust and making every visit relaxing and enjoyable is his goal.
Whether you’re looking for a fresh cut, vibrant color, or a complete transformation, Kip’s here to help you on your journey to your desired look!
ALYSSA Knapp
she/they
Alyssa’s love for makeup and skincare began with the tiny Avon lipstick and lotion samples from the early ’90s that her favorite aunt used to save and smuggle to her. After years of patience and practice on friends and family she began doing makeup professionally in 2010 and has never looked back.
As her clientele continued to grow in West Michigan’s bustling bridal industry, Alyssa branched out and expanded into the world of photography doing work for boudoir, portrait, video, avant-garde, corporate, and commercial photo shoots, along with fashion shows and charity events.
“The beauty industry has the capability to truly transform people. But it’s not all about vanity. Makeup has the power to help us feel more like who we were born to be—who we are supposed to be. It can take someone from shy and quiet to something powerful. You really can change people.”
Alyssa’s desire for knowledge led her to go back to school in 2018 at The Salon Professional Academy in Holland Michigan to earn her Esthetician’s License and further her interest in skincare. She has trained extensively in some of the best skincare products available on the market and is continuously learning about the latest and greatest in skincare technology. She looks forward to utilizing her extensive knowledge and to help solve your skincare problems while also making you feel pampered and completely at ease.
JOHN Richardson
he/him
John creates a healing environment that is comfortable and relaxing. “My focus is on massage with intent,” says John. “I search for muscles that are stuck and or painful, then apply appropriate techniques, to release and relax them.” He’s been a massage therapist for almost 7 years gaining experience from working with spas, chiropractors, and even a physical therapist.
John studied massage therapy at Lansing Community College, gaining a deep understanding of anatomy and physiology. His training in sports, trigger point, deep tissue massage, and stretching techniques focus on addressing the root cause of the pain.