Starting the Year with Intention

Steele Hair Gallery
Jan 1
5 min read

January always feels a little quieter in the salon.

The pace slows. Conversations linger. There’s room to exhale after the holidays and take stock of what we’ve built — not in a rush to change anything, but with curiosity about what we want to carry forward.

At Steele Hair Gallery, a new year has never been about becoming someone new. It’s about continuing to grow with care, staying rooted in our values, and showing up fully for the people who trust us with their hair — and their time.

What 2025 Gave Us

Looking back, 2025 was shaped less by big announcements and more by meaningful moments.

Month after month, our community showed up for our giving drives — bringing in dignity items, school supplies, food, socks, and seasonal essentials. These efforts were a constant reminder that what happens in this space has always been about more than just hair. It’s about care, connection, and choosing to show up for one another in tangible ways.

We also leaned into sustainability with the launch of our BYOB refill program, inviting guests to refill their shampoo and conditioner bottles instead of tossing them. It was a simple shift, but one that reflected something important to us: that thoughtful, responsible choices can still feel elevated and intentional.

We also welcomed Aluram and Shibui into the salon — two product lines that quickly became client favorites. Both lines align with what we care about most: high-performing products, thoughtful ingredients, and routines that support long-term hair health. Watching guests find products they truly love (and actually use) has been one of the most satisfying parts of the year.

There were moments of fun and connection too — like our Valentine’s Sip & Shop happy hour, an evening that blended community, local businesses, and a little celebration. It reminded us how much we love creating opportunities for people to gather in ways that feel relaxed, welcoming, and human — something we’re excited to do more of.

As the year came to a close, our annual 12 Days of Cheer became a celebration of gratitude. Over the course of those days, we gave away more than $1,000 in services and products, simply as a way to say thank you to the people who support us all year long. Moving into 2026, we’re carrying the intention to keep that energy going — not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.

We also want to give a heartfelt shout-out to Ashton Rail Photography, who helped capture so many moments this year. From team photos to creative shoots, Ashton has played a huge role in keeping our website and social media feeling aligned, elevated, and true to who we are. Her work has helped us tell our story visually, and we’re so grateful for that partnership.

And if you spent time in the salon this year, you probably noticed that my long-standing habit (some would call it an obsession) of redecorating was alive and well. From small details to bigger shifts, 2025 brought plenty of moments where the space evolved alongside us. Creating an environment that feels warm, intentional, and reflective of who we are will always be part of the process.

At the center of everything, our team continued to grow in ways that felt aligned and meaningful.

Michelle Davis joined Steele bringing a confident, expressive approach behind the chair. Her work spans natural hair, braiding, and retwists, paired with strong, intentional haircutting and a love for edgier, alternative styles. She has an eye for shape and individuality, and her work reflects that. As she continues expanding her color education, she’s currently welcoming color models, and we’re excited to support that next chapter of her growth.

Ashlynn Ruhstorfer brought a calm, intuitive energy into the salon and quickly became known for her ability to create lived-in color and seamless grey blending. Her transformations feel effortless and modern — hair that grows out beautifully and fits into real life. She has a gift for helping guests feel like themselves again, and the trust she’s built shows in the results.

We also celebrated long-standing relationships that mean everything to us. Tati celebrated 11 years at Steele, a bond that goes far beyond coworkers and into chosen family. Nicole rang in 5 years here, a reflection of her consistency, adaptability, and dedication through many chapters of the salon’s growth.

And while Haley moved back to Louisiana this year, she remains part of the Steele story. Her time here mattered, and we’re grateful for the care, energy, and support she brought during her chapter with us.

January’s Focus: A Warm Start

As we step into the new year, our January giving focus is Warm Start.

Throughout the month, we’re collecting new socks, gloves, scarves, and beanies to donate to local street outreach programs and shelters. Even in Florida, these small items can make a meaningful difference during cooler months.

As a thank-you, guests who donate three or more items will receive a complimentary Scalp Reset + Blowout.

Donations can be dropped off anytime during January — whether you’re coming in for an appointment or simply stopping by.

A Holiday Reset for Your Hair

January is also a natural time to reset routines.

After weeks of holiday heat styling, dry air, hats, and busy schedules, hair and scalp health often need a little extra care. All month long, we’re offering 10% off detox products, clarifying products, scalp care, and at-home treatments.

These foundational pieces support long-term hair health — not just how your hair looks the day of your appointment, but how it feels weeks later. As always, your stylist will guide you toward what makes the most sense for your hair right now.

Steele Rewards

This year also marks the launch of Steele Rewards, our new loyalty program.

Every guest is automatically enrolled and starts in our Insider tier — no sign-ups, no cards, no extra steps. Insider members receive a one-time 10% off their first product purchase, along with ongoing rewards for services and retail.

It’s simple, intentional, and designed as a genuine thank-you for supporting a small, local business built on relationships.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, we’re setting intentions — thoughtfully and without rushing.

As our team grows, we’re beginning conversations around extended hours and the possibility of additional appointment days in the future, allowing us to better support our clients’ schedules while still protecting balance for our team.

We’re also feeling called to return to our roots — and yes, the pun is absolutely intended. Years ago, Steele hosted in-salon classes, movie nights, and community gatherings that people still talk about to this day. We’re excited to start bringing back inclusive, all-are-welcome events like blowout classes, movie nights, and other ways to gather that feel fun, relaxed, and connective.

We’re even dreaming up a networking-style event that doesn’t feel stiff or transactional — something that brings people together in a way that feels easy and enjoyable.

And if you’ve been thinking about new headshots or a profile photo that actually feels like you, we’re working on a fun photo event with Ashton Rail Photography, designed specifically for our community. Nothing finalized yet — just lots of excitement and ideas taking shape.

Behind the scenes, we’re also quietly exploring what it could look like to create more space in the future — space for our team, for education, for comfort, and for the experience we’ve always envisioned. Nothing immediate, nothing announced — just long-term vision and intentional planning.

Growth, for us, isn’t about change for the sake of it. It’s about making room in a way that still feels like home.

Thank You for Being Here

Whether you’ve been with us for years or just found your way into our chairs, thank you.

Thank you for trusting us, supporting our team, participating in our giving efforts, and growing alongside us. Steele Hair Gallery exists because of the people who fill this space, and we don’t take that lightly.