At ExecuStyle Salon, owner Contessa Michel creates the latest looks

By Laura Briedis

ExecuStyle Salon owner Contessa Michel takes a cue from French fashion designer Coco Chanel who so famously said, “The best color in the world is the one that looks good on you.”

From expertly coloring hair to flawlessly applying makeup, she consults with each client to choose a palette that best complements individual features.

“Every client is unique and special in his or her own way, so I customize each style to the client’s personality,” says Contessa. “I look at their facial shape and skin tone, as well as their lifestyle, so I can create styles that are easy for them to maintain at home.”

A hair designer and makeup artist for more than 25 years, hairstyling is in Contessa’s bloodline. A fifth-generation hairstylist, her mom inspired her to be a hairdresser, following in her grandmother’s footsteps, a hairdresser in Germany, and her great-great grandfather, a barber in Chicago.

Celebrating ExecuStyle’s one-year anniversary, Contessa opened the salon on Valentine’s Day last year to provide a place to showcase fashion-forward styles.

With vintage furniture and Hollywood glam sprinkled throughout the 1,200-square-foot salon, clients feel glamorous and pampered here.

“I wanted to design a space that is welcoming, where clients can come in and take time to relax,” says Contessa, who has an artistic decorating flair and also enjoys painting and drawing.

Housed in a charming old home turned retail space, clients feel at home with comfy leather couches and vintage vanities and dressers used as styling stations. And there is bling everywhere, from hairpins, tiaras and other hair jewelry on display, to wall art adorned with crystals.

Contessa offers haircuts for both men and women, as well as hair color, blowouts and smoothing treatments, custom wigs, hair extensions, updos and braids. For special occasions, professional makeup provides the finishing touch.

“I specialize in bridal, corporate and special event hairstyles,” Contessa says, noting she has often traveled to Chicago and other cities for corporate events and to do client makeovers. “From creating an elegant bridal updo to a prom style that wows, a sophisticated haircut for corporate branding and hair color that shines at a black-tie event, I prime clients for the big stage.”

“I consult with many businessmen and women to provide options for corporate styling and do makeovers,” says Contessa. “I regularly travel on location to do hair and makeup for clients before a photo shoot, business conference, fundraiser or other event.”

A professional educator for Mirabella, a mineral-based makeup line, Contessa also helps clients create a flawless canvas with foundation and then adds a pop of color with a colorful palette of eye shadows, blushes, lipsticks and lip glosses.

“The makeup products are gluten-free, paraben-free and talc-free,” she notes. “I am not only passionate about creating styles that make people feel beautiful inside and out, but also contribute to their overall wellness.”

A boutique salon conveniently located in Broadview Heights near I-77, ExecuStyle offers booth rentals for hairstylists and makeup artists who are looking for a trendy salon. “Working here affords the opportunity for someone to be a sole entrepreneur but still part of a team,” says Contessa.

In addition to helping other stylists grow their business, Contessa helps support Perfectly Pretty, which is located upstairs. Perfectly Pretty features organic spray tanning and vegan eyelash extensions, to offer clients additional beauty services in one convenient location.

ExecuStyle Salon is located at 8047 Broadview Road in Broadview Heights. Hours are by appointment. For more information, call 440-736-7644 or visit ExecuStyleSalon.com.