Community Highlights: Meet Kelsey Petersen of Studio33 Men’s Salon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Petersen.

Hi Kelsey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I think my first haircut was when I was about 10 years old. My uncle let me cut his hair in his garage, and somehow I convinced him a rat tail was a good idea. It was hilarious — definitely not my best work, but technically my first client long before I ever considered doing hair professionally.

In high school I started experimenting more seriously, practicing on friends, family, and even one of my teachers. I loved the creativity of it and became obsessed with learning through trial and error. After graduating, I attended Paul Mitchell The School in Costa Mesa and completed the program within a year.

At that time, I was heavily drawn to fashion and editorial work. I spent a lot of time doing shoots while also consistently cutting hair out of my parents’ backyard. It was an exciting period of my life where I really allowed my passions and interests to guide me creatively.

I eventually started working at the Drybar salon in West Hollywood, where I learned how to style hair quickly and efficiently. That experience became incredibly valuable for working in fashion and on set. Through the people I met along the way, doors started opening in the production world, leading to opportunities where I got to style hair for music videos, commercials, film, and television.

Even while working on set, I’d often end up cutting hair, especially for men who constantly needed maintenance trims during production. People regularly asked if I worked in a salon somewhere, but at the time I was still mainly doing backyard haircuts while focusing most of my energy on set work.

Eventually, I hit a point of burnout in the production world and decided to make a major pivot. I wanted to focus solely on men’s grooming and build something more personal and long-term. That led me to Unison, a luxury men’s salon that felt like the perfect environment for me to grow both creatively and professionally.

After three years there, I finally felt ready to branch out on my own and open a private studio space, something that stayed true to the elevated men’s salon experience I had envisioned since day one.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s definitely been a journey! I’m incredibly grateful to be where I am now, even having the opportunity to do this interview. I feel very blessed, so thank you for your time.

There have been many challenges and struggles along the way, but most of them, I’d say, were self-imposed — whether from a fear of failure or even success, doubts about my own worthiness, or anxiety surrounding finances. What has kept me grounded and growing throughout the years is maintaining a deep sense of gratitude in my heart, so that with every perceived setback, I choose to believe it’s happening for me, not to me.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Studio33 Men’s Salon?
I own a private men’s studio called Studio33 Men’s Salon, located within the Sola Salon Suites on Miracle Mile, where I specialize in tailored men’s haircuts in an elevated, personalized setting. I value creating a space where clients can feel both relaxed and restored during and after their experience. Being of service to others is deeply important to me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to my community through my work.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Just go for it. Dream big, work hard, stay grateful, and keep your faith strong. Stay in your own lane and don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Trust that you are exactly where you’re meant to be right now.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.studio33salon.com
• Instagram: @kelseypetersen_hair
• Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KkqEDmnc8wPmLCDz9?g_st=ic

Image Credits
Daniel Kim, Lenne Chai, Randy Tran