Our Story
Born from the principle that beauty is rooted in health, our story began when founder Kara Elaine realized the industry she loved needed a safer alternative. From starting hair school at 16 to opening this sanctuary in 2022, every step has been about creating a healthier standard for our community. Step inside to see how a decades-long passion for artistry became a mission for wellness.
The Beginning
The story of Rooted Organic Beauty didn’t begin in a salon chair; it began at a window. At just 16 years old, Kara Elaine was already peering into the glass of her future hair school in 2007, dreaming of the artistry she would one day create. She started her training that same year, working behind the chair as a junior in high school and becoming officially licensed at 18. This early immersion into the craft gave her a foundational love for the industry.
The Turning Point
For nearly a decade, Kara thrived in her craft. During this time, she successfully opened and operated her own salon in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After building a strong community there, she eventually sold the business and moved to Nashville in 2015 to begin her next chapter. However, years of using traditional, toxic color lines eventually came at a physical cost, leaving her suffering from debilitating migraines after almost every appointment. In 2018, everything changed when she discovered organic color. The pain vanished, her health returned, and she was captivated by the results—softer, shinier hair that her clients loved as much as she did. It was a revelation: beauty should never come at the expense of health.
The Inspiration
In 2019, life shifted again when Kara’s father, Rob, was diagnosed with cancer. She stood by him through an 11-month battle until he passed in 2020. An accountant who had always helped Kara build her dreams and navigate the business world, Rob was her greatest mentor. His legacy of support and his fight for health became the driving force behind her next chapter.
The Birth of R.O.B.
When the opportunity to once again open her own space arrived in 2022, Kara knew it had to be a legacy. Rooted Organic Beauty was born—named in honor of her dad's initials, R.O.B. Today, the salon stands as a tribute to his memory and a sanctuary where beauty and wellness truly intertwine. It is more than just a salon; it is a testament to the vital importance of well-being.
