Staff
Richard Dion — Owner/Master Stylist
Email RichardRichard Dion's hairstyling career began in Los Angeles during the mid-1970's; a highly-influential era widely regarded as the "Renaissance of Hair." He had the privilege of obtaining an apprenticeship with the leading platform artist for Vidal Sassoon, whose creative genius led the way for the dramatic change in the world of hair.
The same methods Dion learned that brought Sassoon international acclaim, remain a timeless gold standard for the industry.
It wasn't long before Richard's talents helped him become a salon owner in the Los Angeles area. He owned two California salons before opening Dion's South in Franklin, Tennessee. In all of his salons, both past and present, he trains his own apprentices in the classic Sassoon method as well as teaching his own systems. Richard continues to translate his methodology to current trends, always offering his clients something new and exciting.
Dion was consecutively voted Nashville's TOP Stylist by the Nashville Scene's "Best of 2006" and "Best of 2007" Reader's Polls, and has been ranked in the top three numerous times.
Dion's South is ever-evolving as Richard artistically encourages, challenges, and educates his staff.
Erica Hause — Senior Stylist
After leaving her hometown of Kansas City, Missouri, Erica moved to Nashville in 2002 to pursue her dream of becoming a hairstylist. She was trained in Nashville at a pivot point school, where she received her cosmetology license. Soon after, she joined the team at Dion's, and began her salon training under owner, Richard Dion.
She loves Nashville and all of the opportunities it has given her. Since moving to Nashville, she has been able to do hair for many local Christian Artists, as well as Pop Star Lance Bass, of N'Sync fame. Erica loves using her creativity on location by being a part of photo shoots for print work. She also specializes in bridal hair and formal styles. She claims that modern trends and styles are what drives her. She loves to create fresh new looks mixed with classic style. Erica enjoys what she does, loves her clients, and gives thanks to God for her talents and success thus far in her career.
Erica at a glance...
- Hometown:
Kansas City, Missouri - Cosmetology Education:
New Directions Hair Academy | Nashville, TN - Professional service:
2002 - With Dion's since:
2002 - Extended Education:
Cut/Color/Style training at the 2007 Mondial Coiffure Beaute, Paris; Bumble & bumble training classes; Keratin training courses - Professional Specialties:
Cut/Color/Styling; Razor cuts - Personal Philosophy/Motivation:
To be a part of her client’s lives in a positive way. - Just for fun
Spending time with her baby, familiy & friuends; BBQ'ing, hanging out on the back porch; Also, Nashville’s Cheekwood Botanical Gardens is one of Erica’s favorite spots - Hairstyle you’d like to see revived?
The Classic Bouffant/French Roll (Behive) - Professional style: edgy, modern, or classic?
Classic
Val Petty — Senior Stylist
Val attended and graduated from New Directions Hair Academy in Nashville. After Cosmetology school she assisted Richard Dion, and trained under his expertise. Originally from Nashville, Val graduated from Christ Presbyterian Academy in 1996. She went on to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, graduating in 2000 with a degree in Business. After college, she decided to pursue her true passion, doing hair.
Val at a glance...
- Hometown:
Nashville, Tennessee - Cosmetology Education:
New Directions Hair Academy | Nashville, TN - Professional since:
2001 - With Dion's since:
2001 - Professional Specialties:
Keratin Smoothing Treatments - Personal Philosophy/Motivation:
Being connected to her clients. - Just for Fun
Spending time with her baby and family; Val also loves cooking and reading - Hairstyle you’d like to see revived?
The classic 1960s side-ponytail! - Professional style: edgy, modern, or classic?
Most definitely, classic
Courtney Ray — Senior Stylist
Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, Courtney moved to Nashville to attend MTSU in 1997. She continued her education and graduated from Volunteer Beauty Academy in 2003, then started the salon internship program under salon owner, Richard Dion.
Courtney wants her "clients to leave the salon not only loving their hair, but knowing how to style it as well."
She loves her clients, treats them with the upmost importance and strives to be a positive part of their day.
Courtney is a Senior Stylist who specializes in all forms of hair cutting, hair color analysis and keratin smoothing treatments.
Courtney at a glance...
- Hometown:
Jackson, Mississippi - Cosmetology Education:
Volunteer Beauty Academy | Nashville, TN - Professional since:
2001 - With Dion's since:
2004 - Extended Education:
Cut/Color/Style classes with Richard Dion - Professional Specialties:
Keratin Smoothing treatments - Personal Philosophy/Motivation:
Loving the ever-changing nature of hairstyles - Just for fun
Music - Hairstyle you’d like to see revived?
“None, really. I appreciate change; it’s always a good thing, no matter the season” - Professional style: edgy, modern, or classic?
Edgy/Modern
Lynette Winters - Senior Stylist
At the age of 18, Lynnette became a licensed professional cosmetologist, graduating from of the International Academy in Daytona Beach, Florida. A Chicago native, in 2007 she came to nashville to join her good friend, Meg Howe as a member of the Dion’s team. Lynnette has years of experience specializing in all areas of the beauty industry, including color analysis cutting and waxing.
She’s energetic, ambitious and trendy. Lynnette has always been passionate about learning new techniques and creating hip and funky styles, as well as classic and timeless cuts. She is a true creative stylist who has combined her artistic talent with her cosmetology career to make her clients look and feel great!
Lynnette at a glance...
- Hometown:
Chicago, Illinois - Cosmetology Education:
International Academy | Daytona Beach, Florida - Professional since:
2005 - With Dion's since:
2007 - Extended Education:
Cut/Color/Style training at the 2007 Mondial Coiffure Beaute, Paris; 2009 Creative Cut/Color class at Vidal Sassoon Advanced Academy in London - Professional Specialties:
Waxing and keratin smoothing treatments - Personal Philosophy/Motivation:
“My clients, my family — and hair magazines!” - Just for fun
A hot pink skateboard! - Hairstyle you’d like to see revived?
The styles of the 1940s - Professional style: edgy, modern, or classic?
A little bit of them all — it all depends on what truly meets the clients needs
Lyndsey Brazier — Senior Stylist
Lyndsey is an artist on several levels. She grew up with a love for painting but also sought self-expression through experimenting with her hairstyles. That fascination led her to cosmetology school. When a family friend suggested Dion’s South’s highly-recommended apprenticeship program, she knew that she’d found the place she wanted to be.Now as a senior stylist at Dion’s, Lyndsey offers her extensive experience and training to each of her clients.
Lyndsey at a glance...
- Hometown:
Brentwood, Tennessee - Cosmetology Education:
Career Beauty College | Lawrenceberg, TN - Professional since:
2006 - With Dion's since:
2006 - Extended Education:
Haircutting classes with Richard Dion and Redken Exchange (‘Cutting Over the Top’) in New York; Cut/Color/Style training at the 2007 Mondial Coiffure Beaute, Paris; 2009 Creative Cut/Color class at Vidal Sassoon Advanced Academy in London - Professional Specialties:
Color Corrections - Personal Philosophy/Motivation:
“I enjoy knowing I have given my clients confidence about themselves.” - Just for fun
“My husband and I own a motocross track!” - Hairstyle you’d like to see revived?
"Farrah Fawcett’s Feathered Shag from the 70s." - Professional style: edgy, modern, or classic?
“I’m a bit all three, but a classic look never goes out of style.”
Ashley Owens — Senior Stylist
Ashley Owens is a wonderfully artistic and creative senior hair stylist at Dion’ South...but she probably wouldn’t fare all that poorly as a real estate agent either. Seems Ashley already has that industry’s primary tennet down cold: location, Location, LOCATION!. After graduation from the Paul Mitchell school in Nashville, when Ashley began considering salons to work for the answer seemed obvious.
She came to Dion’s for the outstanding reputation and teaching philosophy of owner, Richard Dion, but she stayed for the LOCATION.
“When I walked into Dion’s South, I was instantly hooked,” Ashley says. “The hardwood floors, the piano, the historical feel of Downtown Franklin; I didn’t want to work anywhere else!”
Ashley at a glance...
- Hometown:
Nashville, Tennessee - Cosmetology Education:
Paul Mitchell, The School | Nashville, Tennessee - Professional since:
2008 - With Dion's since:
2008 - Extended Education:
2009 Creative Cut/Color class at Vidal Sassoon Advanced Academy in London - Professional Specialties:
Keratin Smoothing Treatments - Personal Philosophy/Motivation:
Thinking outside the box; artistic expression; creativity - Just for fun?
“I wanna learn to snowboard!” - Hairstyle you’d like to see revived?
Finger waves - Professional style: edgy, modern, or classic?
Edgy
Mary Bond — Senior Stylist
As a stylist, Mary McNatt is the total package. Prior to completion of her cosmetology training at the Paul Mitchell school in Nashville, she obtained her Bachelors of Arts degree from the Middle Tennessee State University School of Fashion Design. Additionally, having completed an apprenticeship under salon owner Richard Dion, Mary has engaged in numerous training endeavors, both in the U.S. and abroad.
As a senior stylist at Dion’s South, she has the training, experience, and proven talent to make her clients look their absolute best!
Mary at a glance...
- Hometown:
Columbia, Tennessee - Cosmetology Education:
Paul Mitchell, The School | Nashville, Tennessee - Professional since:
2008 - With Dion's since:
2009 - Extended Education:
Paul Mitchell Platform Artist Haircutting courses; Apprenticeship program with Richard Dion;
2009 Creative Cut/Color class at Vidal Sassoon Advanced Academy in London - Professional Specialties:
Keratin Smoothing Treatments - Personal Philosophy/Motivation:
“My parents, and I also, the satisfaction of seeing my clients feeling good about themselves as they leave the salon.” - Just for fun?
A purple and turquoise skateboard from Enjoi - Hairstyle you’d like to see revived?
The hairstyles of the 1940s - Professional style: edgy, modern, or classic?
Modern
Trey Graf — Senior Stylist
Trey is a man who knows what he wants. When he decided to become a stylist, he wanted to learn from the best, so he chose the Paul Mitchell school. When deciding on a place to begin his pro career, he insisted on a creative environment with a reputation for excellence. He chose Dion’s South. Having now completed an apprenticeship with Richard Dion, he wants something else: to offer his clients everything!.
Trey offers all of his creativity and passion for hair, and the benefit of his training, which includes continuing weekly classes with Richard and the additional educational opportunities that lay ahead, afforded to those fortunate enough to work under not only a master stylist, but a master trainer as well
Trey at a glance...
- Hometown:
Nashville, Tennessee - Cosmetology Education:
Paul Mitchell, The School | Nashville, Tennessee - Professional since:
2009 - With Dion's since:
2009 - Extended Education:
Haircutting classes with Richard Dion; Haircutting classes with D.J. Muldoon, Scott Cole, and Stephanie Kocielski at Paul Mitchell - Professional Specialties:
Keratin Smoothing Treatments; Creative Haircutting - Personal Philosophy/Motivation:
Learning new things - Just for fun?
Listening to ive music; Playing guitar (recreationally) - Hairstyle you’d like to see revived?
The mighty 1950s Pompadour - Professional style: edgy, modern, or classic?
‘Classically edgy‘
Ariel Newsom — Senior Stylist
Ariel arrived in Tennessee with her family in 2005 and immediately fell in love with Downtown Franklin. The Plant City, FL native had long since dreamed of being a stylist, and in 2008 entered cosmtology school to make her dream a reality. Since joining Dion’s in 2009, Ariel has plied her craft; adding knowledge in weekly classes with Richard Dion, and offering her own unique sense of style to meet her clients’ needs.
Ariel at a glance...
- Hometown:
Plant City, Florida - Cosmetology Education:
Paul Mitchell, The School | Nashville, Tennessee - Professional since:
2009 - With Dion's since:
2009 - Extended Education:
Paul Mitchell Show in Las Vegas; Haircutting classes with Richard Dion; Bumble and bumble haircutting classes - Professional Specialties:
Up-do styling; color - Personal Philosophy/Motivation:
“Working with people and making them happy; I love what I do!” - Just for fun?
Weekend out-of-town traveling, Home decorating; Baking - Hairstyle you’d like to see revived?
“I like to keep things modern, revisiting pprevious trends only as appropriate.” - Professional style: edgy, modern, or classic?
“A classic/modern mix, but always classy!”
Heather McGregor — Senior Stylist
Bio coming soon.
Kelly Ritchie — Senior Stylist
Having always had a knack for coloring her own hair, Kelly became motivated to take her talent to the next level. After receiving her cosmetology education from the Paul Mitchell school in Nashville, the attraction of Richard Dion’s intern/apprentice program drew her to Franklin, where she has now completed her training and works as a Senior Stylist to share her talent with the greater Nashville community. "I enjoy expressing myself in a creative way that uplifts others," says Kelly. Though she describes her personal style as modern, she'd love to see 1920's finger curls revived.
Hannah Powers — Senior Stylist
Though Hannah was born and raised in Franklin, TN, she graduated from Paul Mitchell Murfreesboro in the Phase II Honors Program.She loves classic and modern hair styles, but if she could to bring back earlier hair fashion it would be the from the 20s through the early 50s.
When asked what her favorite thing about being a hairstylist is she says, "I love the relationships that are developed with the clients." Hannah is also always up for a good challenge, and has a special knack for ethnic hair. When she isn't working at Dion's South she enjoys watching movies, traveling and painting.
Hannah at a glance...
- Hometown:
Padukah, Kentucky - Cosmetology Education:
Empire Beauty School | Brentwood, Tennessee - Professional since:
2010 - With Dion's since:
2010 - Extended Education:
2010 Dion’s Stylist trip to Italy - Professional Specialties:
Cut & Color - Personal Philosophy/Motivation:
“I love working with people and making them feel good about themselves.” - Just for fun?
Hanging with friends and family - Professional style: edgy, modern, or classic?
“A mix of modern and classic.”
Chelsea Ewing — Junior Stylist
Bio Coming Soon.
Kelly Martin — Assistant
Bio Coming Soon.
Austin Thoher — Assistant
Bio Coming Soon.Salon Coordinators
Aimee Roberson — Makeup Artist/Front Desk Coordinator
Bio Coming Soon.
Vanessa Harmon — Salon Manager
Bio Coming Soon.Call Today for an Appointment! 615-794-5649
Mary Bond - Senior StylistNoAs a stylist, Mary McNatt is the total package. Prior to completion of her cosmetology training... (read more)
Lyndsey Brazier - Senior StylistLyndsey is an artist on several levels. She grew up with a love for painting but also sought ... (read more)
Richard Dion - Owner/Master StylistRichard Dion’s hairstyling career began in Los Angeles during the mid-1970’s; a... (read more)
Chelsea Ewing - Junior StylistChelsea is a Junior Stylist at our salon. Full bio coming soon.
