About Us

Dancing Cranes Salon & Apothecary is committed to creating a salon environment that is nurturing, replenishing, and uplifting. Through experience, education, and an atmosphere of creative interaction, the staff provides a welcoming and caring space for all. We value the journey of individual expression and growth, emphasizing inner beauty to be as important as outer beauty through the balance of mind, body, and spirit.

Inspired by travels to India and Indonesia, Dancing Cranes has an eclectic atmosphere that appeals to all senses: innovative music, natural aromas, and a unique interior designed by friends and local artisans. Our space has been created by pureness of heart and openness to the creative process.

We are frequently asked, “What is an apothecary?”
Historically, an apothecary was a source for natural remedies and information about heath and wellness. Our apothecary builds upon this tradition; we carry natural plant-based products from around the world to nurture and heal the hair, skin, and body.

Meet Our Staff

Michele
Senior Stylist

Michele came to us with ten years experience in the industry, including five years as a participant in the Aveda Coach Program as a color educator. She has taken numerous classes with Aveda, as well as Goldwell, Fermici and Joico. Michele sees herself as a social person and enjoys the people she works with at Dancing Cranes, as well as the salon’s atmosphere. Her artistic nature and sense of style make her a great addition to the salon. Outside of work, you can find Michele playing roller derby, dancing ballroom and Latin styles, and involving herself in Kalamazoo’s music scene. Shaun describes Michele as a firecracker!

Ashley
Guest Coordinator

As one of our newest guest coordinators, Ashley is enjoying the people at Dancing Cranes. “I never feel like I’m at work,” she says. Ashley is an early-childhood major at Western Michigan University and an avid shopper, reader, runner, and food enthusiast! She brings energy to the salon and Miranda describes Ashley as animated.

Miranda
Salon Manager

Miranda brings management experience from Water Street Coffee Joint to the front desk at Dancing Cranes. She is currently studying art history at Kendall College of Art and Design. Last October, she completed Strategies’ “High Performance Front Desk Training” for salons and spas in Centerbrook, CT. Her favorite things about the salon are the pleasant smells and its close proximity to her home. When not at work, Miranda enjoys cooking, making mixed tapes, inline skating, and visiting small Michigan towns. She sees herself as equal parts silly and serious, but Suzanne fondly describes her as zany.

Stephanie
Guest Coordinator

One of our lovely guest coordinators is Bridget Bardot reincarnated. Stephanie is currently a student of Art History and French at W.M.U. Some of what she enjoys about working at Dancing Cranes are the international product lines, as well as the involvement Dancing Cranes has with other local businesses, and of course working with all our wonderful guests. When not at work, Stephanie loves traveling the globe, painting, reading, sailing, and spending time with her family and friends. She describes herself as laid-back and classy, but Ashley describes her as mysterious.

Leslie
Guest Coordinator

The multi-talented Leslie joins our team of guest coordinators. Leslie holds two B.A.’s from W.M.U. in French and English with a secondary education certification. She also accomplished a license in cosmetology through an apprenticeship. Much of what Leslie likes about working for Dancing Cranes are what she calls “The three P’s”: the people, the paint job, and of course, the peerless service and artistic approach to beauty. Leslie spends her time as lead vocalist/songwriter for modern music ensemble Blue Dahlia. She also enjoys painting, gardening, good home cooking, collecting superballs, rocks, and the little stickers that come on fruit. What she loves most is raising her son. Stephanie describes Leslie as dynamic.

Crystal
Stylist

A graduate of Chic and just completing our New Talent training program, she is now one our talented Stylists. Crystal has done advanced training with Aveda, Goldwell, Phyto, Redken, Schwarkof and recently attended a hands-on cutting and color placement class with Oscar and Wendy Bond. She has an amazing eye for color, shape, and design. Crystal finds working at Dancing Cranes to be relaxed and creative—she enjoys the eclectic atmosphere. Her obsession is fashion with a penchant for shoes. Her hobbies are hiking and camping with her husband and soon to arrive baby! After the baby is born, she looks forward to training for triathlons and of course, shopping. Leslie describes Crystal as chic.

Shaun
Proprietor/Senior Stylist

Our co-owner is talented, witty, and as many would describe—a tall glass of water. Shaun has been designing hair for over 18 years. His approach to hair is curious, classic, and precise. He loves education and continues to attend Sassoon, Goldwell, and Aveda classes. Shaun’s hobbies are traveling, exploring good cooking, and reading biographies of early American presidents. Shaun describes himself as tall and easygoing; Miranda believes gregarious is most apropos.

Stacy
Stylist

Stacy is one of our talented Stylists, graduating from Chic and completing our New Talent program. Stacy is on her way to becoming a master colorist through the Goldwell color academy. She has also attended several Vidal Sassoon cutting classes. Stacy explains what she enjoys most about working at Dancing Cranes: “I love my clients. Not only do they inspire me as an artist, but also as a human being. I like our commitment to the community. And of course my co-workers, the fearless art-makers, and the passion with which they pursue their craft is an endless source of inspiration.” When playing, Stacy enjoys learning about wine and of course tasting it as well! She also loves mountain biking and running. Leslie would describe Stacy as classic with a twist.

Suzanne
Proprietor/Senior Stylist

Our proprietor, Suzanne, has been designing hair for over 18 years. She has trained with Aveda since 1990 and considers founder Horst Rechelbacher to be one of her greatest influences. Suzanne says: “When I first read Horst’s book Rejuvenation, I was 21 years old. It was then I realized there were balanced ways to create wellness in our lives and that everything truly is interconnected. If we as hair designers can create wellness in our own lives first, we can teach others and be great healers of people and the planet—this is what I strive for.” Suzanne’s inspiration comes from her clients, talented friends, and co-workers, as well as her travels and meditation practice. She describes her style of cutting as wash and wear and loves natural hair with an edge. Stacy describes Suzanne as wholesome.