Last February I worked with Rachel, the owner of Salon Le Rae for the first time and ever since we jump at any opportunity. These last few months I have been collaborating with the Salon and a local boutique for some styled shoots (last week I blogged our Audrey Hepburn shoot). Rachel is so talented in her craft, smart and driven. I am honored every chance I get to work with her. Below is a small piece of what Rachel wants our readers to know about herself and her awesome salon!

"I have always had a passion for the beauty industry since I was a young girl, I always knew I would be apart of the industry someday. After graduating from high school at Lyman Hall I went straight  to cosmetology school. I then worked at a salon in Wallingford but after a couple years I decided I wanted to learn more about my industry so I then ventured to a salon in Westport, CT where I went through intense training learning more coloring and hair cutting techniques. After being there for a couple years I began working at a salon in West Hartford, CT where I specialized in weddings. This is where I found my passion, I love nothing more than making a bride feel and look beautiful on her wedding day! In January of 2011 I bought an existing salon in Wallingford. It was so nice to have my own place where I could finally bring everything I had learned throughout my career into my own business. I have always had a special love and connection to Wallingford since I moved here from the Midwest when I was 16 years old. I knew there was no better place to open my salon. There are so many small businesses in Wallingford that are all striving to be successful but the difference with our town is our sense of community we have here. We all want our fellow businesses to succeed, even if we are in the same business! You do not always find that, and that's what makes our town so special. Since opening I have hired five more stylists and we continue to grow every day. We offer all hair services including hair extensions, makeup, spray tanning, eye lash extensions, waxing and specializing in hair and makeup for brides. I love nothing more than having my own business while fulfilling my passion of the beauty industry. I would not have wanted to do it anywhere else but here in Wallingford, CT where I have the love and support from all our local businesses!"

Thank you for your time Rachel! I look forward to our next collaboration and hope our readers enjoyed this weeks Focus on Wallingford excerpt.