The Wells County Chamber of Commerce staff and ambassadors gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome the newest member of the business community, Bethanie Burns, owner of Beauty from Ashes Studio. The event celebrated the opening of the studio, which is conveniently located at 122 North Johnson St. in Bluffton.
Bethanie Burns brings 25 years of experience in the hair industry, and her journey to opening Beauty from Ashes Studio is nothing short of inspiring. Having started her career from her own home, Bethanie believed that chapter had come to a close. However, her passion for helping others led her to work on the Grace & Mercy Transitional Housing program, where she discovered an opportunity to support women in need.
“One of the things I saw as a need for women in the program at Grace & Mercy is to safely get them back to work in the community,” Bethanie explained. “Some women had a career in cosmetology, but their past charges prevented them from working in the industry. I have a beauty instructor license and can provide training and education. I am now able to help these ladies get their licenses back, even if they have a felony charge or are on probation.”
With unwavering faith and determination, Bethanie and her husband embarked on a journey that led them to open Beauty from Ashes Studio. Karley Vaughn, one of their stylists, successfully graduated from the Grace & Mercy program and now manages the studio. Karley shares Bethanie’s passion for making a positive impact in the community and helping women who have faced similar challenges.
The studio has become a safe haven, offering a chance for women to rebuild their lives and careers. Deanna Speidel, another stylist on the team, shares the same dedication to empowering others and making them feel beautiful. Courtney Lesh, stylist, with her passion for recovery, offers a range of services including massages, pedicures, and manicures.
Bethanie emphasized the importance of creating a safe space for their clients, saying, “We pour our passion and dedication into our work, and we’ve been truly blessed by the journey. We created the space, and it’s as if it was destined for these remarkable women who have now joined us. Deanna is also part of our team, and her unwavering commitment to uplifting others and enhancing their beauty is truly inspiring.”
The name Beauty from Ashes reflects the studio’s deep-rooted belief that transformation is possible for everyone. “There’s no life that can’t be transformed, and God can make something beautiful out of it,” Bethanie shared. “That is simply the heart of our place here, to bring something beautiful to the community.”
The studio underwent cosmetic renovations, including painting and workstation upgrades, to create a welcoming and attractive space for customers. Beauty from Ashes Studio offers a wide range of services, including haircuts, color, hair extensions, massages, waxing, facials, pedicures, men’s haircuts, and beard grooming. They exclusively use Milkshake products, an Italian haircare line known for its natural ingredients and hair-friendly formulas.
Beauty from Ashes Studio is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments with their talented stylists can be booked through their Facebook page.
