Geneva’s Bliss Beauty has new owner

These days, you'll typically find Caitlin Krell's hair pulled up into a claw clip. And as the owner of Geneva's Bliss Beauty Salon, that's just fine with Krell; her clients come first.

Sometimes though, if she's feeling a little bit fancy, she'll throw in a few curls.

"Have you heard the phrase about the mechanic always working on their car last?" Krell said. "Yeah, that’s my hair, especially with having a one-year-old at home."

Like most would, she often has to pinch herself when using her very own salon keys. Especially so early in her career!

"I have been at Bliss Beauty for about three years already," she said. "When the Wayne family reached out to me, I was so scared to take this big leap. My wedding was just a couple of weeks away and it was a crazy time in our lives, but I figured if I waited until the right time, it would never happen."

For Krell, it's been such an honor to follow in the former salon owner's footsteps. Trisha set the bar pretty high and did a "phenomenal job."

"I am grateful for all of the people who have helped me in my career, to get me where I am today," she said.

Now, with Geneva's plans to give the downtown sidewalks a makeover, it will add even more sparkle to this dream job come true. And, it will most definitely help some guests have easier access to the salon. Always a plus in her book.

"I have always wanted to be a hairstylist. Growing up, my two older sisters were always messing with my hair and makeup," she said. "Then, I started to do theirs and really enjoyed it. Throughout high school, I experimented with my own hair quite a bit and realized I wanted to learn much more about it! I job shadowed a stylist and knew that’s what I wanted to do."

Add in the fact that her appointment book has remained consistently full and she's a pretty happy camper. She remains over the moon for this unexpected, ongoing support.

"Before coming to Bliss Beauty, I worked at a salon in Albert Lea for five years," she said. "I didn’t think I would be so busy in a small town, but I was wrong about that! Everyone is great about supporting local and I have some amazing loyal guests."

At times, however, it can get a little lonely, so she's thinking of renting out a chair to another hairstylist in the future. Her clients may even stumble upon a new retail area sometime soon as well. Who knows with Krell; her mind is always spinning.

And so is her salon chair.

"I cut and style hair for men and women," she said. "I work by myself now, and, while I do love doing my own thing, I often miss the girls I used to work for and with!"

Krell added, "I try to really connect with my clients and get to know their personality and style. Then I go from there and give suggestions on what I think would fit their lifestyle best."

With every clip and color, she is truly tickled pink. Helping people feel great in their own skin is her absolute favorite part of the job.

The more the merrier too!

"Come on in," she says to those tentative guests.

Not only would she like to get to know you, she would love to possibly do a classic highlight and lowlight. The dimension it creates gives her unbelievable satisfaction.

"I have some people that stick with the same cut and color, but some love suggestions on something different such as changing color or going for a 'big chop,' which scares me a little sometimes," she said. "I always triple check that it’s what they want to do and I love how it turns out!"

The variety just keeps on comin' too, with 2025's winter hair color schemes going off their normal chart.

"Many people are going lighter with their color this year for winter," she said. "Usually people go darker as it gets colder, but I’m here for it!"

For those a little bit apprehensive turning a different shade, she has some ammonia-free color options available. Don't be afraid to inquire about this, especially if pregnancy is a factor. Even those who are sensitive to smells may benefit from this option as well.

"I am always looking into better, healthier options of coloring with less chemicals," she said.

Don't be shy about curls, braids or buns either. If she has a picture to reference your vision for either a wedding or special occasion, that's where the magic can begin.

She's got this.

"I went to college at Riverland in Austin to achieve my Cosmetology license," she said. "I also have to renew my license every three years by taking certified CE courses. I do take additional training as well to stay up-to-date on the latest trends."

As a whole, this New Richland native loves seeing new and familiar faces. It's all too bittersweet.

"I’ve come to be very close to some of my clients and consider them good friends," she said. "I even get invited to their life events and it’s such an honor. I love when a client friends me on social media; I like to stay up-to-date on their lives and I truly care about every single one of them!"

Claw clip or not, she will continue to revel in the amount of flexibility Bliss Beauty supplies.

"My husband Noah and I have a one-year-old son named Wylie," she said. "He goes to daycare just a block away from the salon, which has been great!"