Co-Owner/Stylist

photo of Dawn Marie Walstrom, Co-Owner/Stylist Dawn Marie Walstrom
Finesse Spa Salon
2716 Stange Rd
Ames, IA, 50010 USA
515-268-4643

Dawn Marie feels blessed to have an amazing career that she loves!  She started her journey with Finesse in February of 1989, at the ripe age of 18.  For the past 10 years, Dawn Marie has been a co-owner of the salon.  "I am always stiving to learn something new and discover my true purpose."  Her endless passion for learning drove her to become an instructor in 1990.  Her competitive spirit and a push from great mentors lead to testing into the ICE (Iowa Cosmetology Educators) esthetics branch in 1991.  Dawn Marie's fire was stoked by a 1st place make-up competition / class that was lead by one of her first education inspirations, Cheryl Whitten (then of Redken)

In 1991, Dawn Marie joined the National Cosmetology Association, and as an active member, began conducting classes and fundraising events.  She became vice president of the Des Moines NCA affiliate in 1992.  She was elected president of this affiliate in 1993.  In 1992, she interviewed with Redken and became a regional performing artist and support artist for their national and global team of educators.  This honor allowed her to work beside talents like Ruth Roche, Jill Leitz, and Sam Villa.

One of the highlights of Dawn Marie's career was being chosen as part of the staff of the Redken Symposium in 1999.  This bi-yearly showcase of education is held in Las Vegas, Nevada by Redken and draws up to 12,000 cosmetologists from around the world.  This is the creme de la creme of educational events.

Becoming a mother in 1999 shifted Dawn Marie's priorities and thus she started upon a new journey that eventually lead her to becoming co-owner of Finesse in 2003.  "This new position, my experiences and the wonderful mentors in my life lead me to my true calling.  I get to grow people for a living!  I have been blessed to have so many different experiences in my career and to encounter so many different people in my life.  I believe these paths were traveled so that I can share all of my experiences, and the experiences of others, to help people grow into who they want to be."  Dawn Marie continues to be a seeker of courage and experience.  She is very thankful to so many people that have pushed her through fear, lent her their courage, and shared their life experience with her.

In her free time, Dawn Marie enjoys being a mother, and you will find the family at the pool in the summer or on a trail.  She also enjoys music, books, and movies.  "I love listening to a good story and observing people."