Building a salon on excellence within an authentic, warm and encouraging atmosphere has been the mission for the past 15 years of Michelle Williamson, owner and master stylist of Bombshells Hair Studio in Murfreesboro.
When opening Bombshells in 2010, Michelle says she set a goal to offer guests the utmost in hair and salon services. "We placed a strong focus on training and ensuring clients always leave feeling satisfied. Now, sometimes clients stop by, outside of their appointments, just to have coffee and chat." (Pssst, by the way, the salon offers gourmet coffee from local Raphael’s Roastery.)
She states she's proud the business is rooted in empowerment and purpose.
While Michelle intentionally invested through the years in coaching other stylists and finetuning an internal mentorship program, she and the team consistently achieved a variety of accomplishments noticed externally, as evidenced by the following 15 examples.
- Operating the 501(c)(3) nonprofit 'A Wigs Story,' through which the salon purchases high-quality wigs or headwear to provide on a complimentary basis, along with professional hair services, to those experiencing hair loss from effects of cancer. Tilina Hill is co-founder and chairs the organization; Olivia Hale is other co-founder, along with Michelle. The mission is to restore a sense of normalcy, dignity and self-confidence to cancer-fighters. Over time, they've provided 150 wigs.
The group's annual fundraiser, An Artisan Affair, is slated for Sept. 13, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the parking lot of Slick Pig BBQ, 1920 E. Main St. - Continuing education is a keystone at this salon, and will continue to be.
- Coaching, goal setting and accountability are practiced through monthly meetings.
- Of 12 team meetings held each year, at least eight include presentations and tips from industry educators and trainers.
- Bombshells was recognized as one of "America's Fastest Growing Salons" by Salon America.
- Michelle's daughter, Bethany, has worked at the salon since she was 16 years old.
- Michelle ensures the salon's work environment is safe, healthy and sustainable while allowing for individual stylist creativity.
- The salon's culture prioritizes a true sense of team as a flexible place where beauty professionals grow both personally and professionally.
- Many of the salon's stylists have worked there for quite some time; in fact, Carrie recently celebrated her 12th year and Casi her 11th year.
- Michelle encourages and demonstrates to stylists how to become financially self-sufficient and to establish a work/life balance.
- Bombshells has received several national and local accolades, including being named one of the Top 200 Salons in America and a multi-year winner of Rutherford County’s Ruthies Award for Favorite Hair Salon.
- The salon is ranked as the No. 1 Keune salon throughout Tennessee.
- Team members support the local community by volunteering for initiatives, such as Operation Thank You with the Rutherford County Chamber.
- One factor that sets the salon apart is the way they combine high-level artistry with deep community impact by giving back through several charitable initiatives, such as raising funds for MSA research.
- The salon has an emotional support pup, Gretta Boo.
Michelle started as a solo stylist and now has 14 stylists bolstering the salon: Bethany Warrick, Carrie Raines, Casi Brown, Tina Diedrick, Kayla Detullio, Dus, Ashley Tejada, Hannah Beasley, Rachel Spann, Missy May, Brianna Nowlin, Ericka Roberts, Courtney Parker-Nather and Amber Anduha.
Some factors come full circle at the salon. Michelle says she became Rachel's stylist when Rachel was 13 years old. Now after coaching Rachel through cosmetology school and buying her first pair of shears, Rachel anchors her hair care services from Bombshell, too. "She's my 'hair baby,'" Michelle quips.
As a multifaceted artist, Rachel shines behind the chair with expertise in blonding, formal styling and modern cuts like the shag and wolf cut. "From crafting personalized fascinators for derby season to creating flawless makeup looks, she brings a distinctive flair to every project," says Michelle. "She’s also a go-to for event planning, with a love for decorating balloon arches, styled tablescapes and themed displays."
Rachel’s colleagues indicate her talent lies in bringing beauty, balance and inspiration to every space she touches.
Another Bombshells designer/stylist colleague, Courtney, is an artistic force with a bold spirit and deep love for creative color, assures Michelle. While Courtney's known for her eccentric style and vivid color mastery, her heart surprisingly leans toward the timeless classics: balayage, blonding and naturally dimensional hues.
"Courtney's approach to hair is both intuitive and intentional, blending technical skill with genuine care. Whether she’s painting a rainbow or refining a sun-kissed blonde, Courtney’s ultimate goal is always to make every guest feel beautiful, relaxed and completely at ease," says Kayla DeTullio, Bombshells salon coordinator.
"At the core of our salon is a commitment to lifting up others, whether it’s clients in our chairs, team members behind the chair or the community around us," assures Michelle, based on her 29-year career.
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"Bombshells Hair Studio was named one of the Top 22 Keune Salons in North America for the second quarter of this year. We couldn’t have done it without our amazing team and incredible clients who make this possible every single day." ~Michelle Williamson