Hidden Gems: Meet Stephanie Zwolenik of Golden Hour Salon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Zwolenik.

Hi Stephanie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey in the beauty industry began in high school, when I enrolled in the cosmetology program at Normandy High School. I started my career in 2012, and what initially drew me to the industry was the opportunity to be creative while connecting with people. Over the years, that passion has grown into something much bigger than I could have imagined.

Throughout my career, I’ve always been interested in exploring everything the beauty industry has to offer. While I specialize in blonding, lived-in color, extensions, and bridal styling, I’ve also found a passion for editorial work, fashion, and education. I’ve been fortunate enough to work backstage at fashion weeks in Paris, Puerto Rico, New York and (Milan next year) collaborating with incredibly talented artists and designers and continuing to push myself creatively.

In October 2024, I opened Golden Hour Salon in Parma, Ohio. My vision was to create something that felt different from a traditional salon. I loved the freedom and individuality of an open-concept studio, but I also missed the collaboration, energy, and community that come with working alongside other artists. I wanted to bring those two worlds together.

More than anything, I wanted Golden Hour to feel like walking into your best friend’s apartment. Somewhere comfortable, cozy, welcoming, and effortlessly cool. A place where clients could relax and feel at home, while the artists working there could maintain their independence without sacrificing the support and creativity of a team environment.

Building a business while being a mom and continuing to grow my career has definitely come with challenges. There have been plenty of moments that have pushed me outside my comfort zone, both personally and professionally. But those experiences have also taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of creating a life and career that genuinely feel like my own.

Today, I get to wear a lot of different hats: hairstylist, makeup artist, salon owner, educator, creative collaborator, and mom. I love that my career allows me to move between working behind the chair in my hometown and being backstage at fashion shows in different parts of the world.

I’m proud of everything I’ve built so far, but I still have so many ideas and goals I’m working toward. If there’s one thing I’ve learned since starting this journey in 2012, it’s that your career doesn’t have to fit into one specific box. You can continue evolving, exploring new opportunities, and redefining what success looks like along the way.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. I think one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth and challenges tend to go hand in hand.

Building a career in the beauty industry has required a lot of patience, adaptability, and the willingness to take risks. Opening Golden Hour was a huge leap, especially while balancing motherhood, my career behind the chair, and everything else life throws your way. There’s a lot that goes into owning a business that people don’t necessarily see, and learning to navigate those responsibilities while still finding time to be creative has been an adjustment.

I’ve also experienced some significant personal challenges throughout my journey. There have been times when life looked very different from what I had planned, and I’ve had to figure out how to move forward while continuing to show up for my son, my clients, and myself. Those experiences have shaped me just as much as my professional accomplishments have.

One of the harder things I’ve had to learn is that you can be proud of what you’ve built and still feel overwhelmed by everything it takes to maintain it. I’ve had to become comfortable with uncertainty, trust my own decisions, and accept that not everything is going to happen on the timeline I originally imagined.

Looking back, I think the challenges have given me a different perspective on success. It’s not just about reaching a certain milestone or having everything figured out. Sometimes it’s about continuing to build something meaningful, even when life isn’t particularly easy.

We’ve been impressed with Golden Hour Salon, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Golden Hour Salon is an independent, open-concept salon located in Parma, Ohio, that I opened in October 2024. I wanted to create a space that brought together the best parts of two different salon environments: the independence and individuality of a studio setting with the collaboration and community of a traditional salon.

The inspiration behind Golden Hour was always about creating a feeling rather than just a beautiful space. I wanted walking through our doors to feel like stepping into your best friend’s apartment. Somewhere cozy, comfortable, effortlessly cool, and welcoming. A place where you can show up exactly as you are, feel taken care of, and genuinely enjoy spending time.

What makes Golden Hour unique is the balance between independence and community. Each artist has the freedom to build their own business, develop their personal style, and create their own client experience, while still being surrounded by other creatives who encourage and inspire one another. I never wanted the salon to feel overly corporate or traditional. I wanted it to feel lived-in, personal, and collaborative.

Personally, I specialize in blonding, lived-in color, hair extensions, and bridal hair and makeup. My approach has always been about creating looks that feel elevated but wearable, whether that’s a dimensional blonde, effortless bridal styling, or something more editorial.

Outside of the salon, a huge part of my career is dedicated to fashion, editorial work, and education. I’ve had the opportunity to work backstage at New York, Paris, and Puerto Rico Fashion Weeks, including stepping into a leadership role as a hair team lead for Puerto Rico Fashion Week. I’ve also worked as a platform artist at the Beauty and Barber Expo, where I was able to share my techniques, creativity, and passion for the industry in an educational setting. These experiences have allowed me to collaborate with talented artists and designers, continue challenging myself creatively, and bring fresh inspiration back to my work behind the chair. I love being able to take what I’ve learned through these opportunities and share it with other beauty professionals.

What I’m most proud of is that Golden Hour has become a reflection of the kind of environment I always wanted to work in. It’s a space that celebrates individuality without sacrificing community. I love that the artists who work here can have their own identities and businesses while still feeling like they’re part of something together.

Ultimately, I want people to know that Golden Hour is more than just a place to get your hair done. It’s a space built around creativity, connection, and the idea that you can be independent without having to do everything alone.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
One of my favorite things about Cleveland is that you get a little bit of everything. We have incredible restaurants, beautiful lakefront views, amazing arts and cultural experiences, and a strong sense of community. There’s always something new to discover, but it still feels like home.

If there’s one thing I’d love to see change, it’s more recognition and opportunities for our local creative talent. I think Cleveland has the potential to become an even bigger destination for fashion, beauty, and the arts. I’d love to see more events, collaborations, and spaces that give local artists a platform to showcase their work. There’s so much talent here, and I think we should be celebrating it on a much larger scale.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://goldenhoursalon.comb.works/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/szohiohair
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/151RbgG7fCW/?mibextid=wwXIfr