Leander hair styling duo teams up on their own terms after working together for years

Christian Whisler and Jamie Kalich wanted to set themselves apart from bigger salons when they opened Studio 200 two years ago. While working together at another hair salon, they tossed around the idea of starting their own hair shop that catered to their growing client base.

"We were just playing along with the idea, and next thing you know, we're like, 'OK, we're opening a salon.' It's been uphill ever since then," Whisler said. "Owning my own salon has always been the goal, ever since I was in school."

Making the move to a self-owned salon was challenging but worth the financial gain, Kalich said. The women keep more of the money they make cutting, dyeing and styling hair.

"Our rent was pretty high, so we said, 'What if we did this by ourselves in a smaller place?"' Kalich said. "Financially, it was stupid not to do this."

The duo's combined 20 years of experience in the beauty business made for a smooth transition into an independent salon, Whisler said. Without loyal customers, there would have been no way to support the business.

"It wasn't like we opened up and then were begging people to come through the door. People were telling us to go for it, and they went with us," Whisler said. "I think we were really lucky because Jamie and I both have really good clientele. They talk with their friends, and next thing you know, their friends are coming in, too."

That loyalty spans many years and locations. Clients Kalich met while cutting hair in Northwest Austin still seek her out for hair services, she said, driving from Steiner Ranch to Leander for the perfect cut and color.

But Kalich and Whisler agreed that relationships with their clients go far deeper than haircuts.

"They become family. I just took one of mine to the doctor yesterday," Whisler said. "That's what you do. They support you, and you support them. It's way more than just doing hair. It's the camaraderie of it all."

Studio 200 is open by appointment only and specializes in fashion haircuts, colors, foil highlighting, foil low-lighting, conditioning treatments and waxing. The salon—located in the FM 2243 business park—is set back from the road, away from high volumes of traffic.

But when passers-by notice Studio 200—named after the hair shop's first location near downtown Leander—they are most often curious about its function. From the outside, Kalich said many people can't tell if the salon is an art gallery, dance school or other type of studio.

"We didn't want people to think it was just another hair shop," she said. "I love when people drive up and say, 'Is this a hair salon?' and I'm like, 'Yes, come on in.'"

Studio 200, 11880 Old W. FM 2243, Ste. 107, Leander

• Christian: 971-6442
• Jamie: 743-7400