Kansas City Salon History

In a Kansas City salon called Mario Tricoci’s, Gemy Chiarizio began her career as a cutting specialist. She opened Studio 39 in a loft on 39th street in July of 2001.

Eight weeks later 9/11 occurred and lifting the spirits and confidence of others became her goal. When we feel our best, we’re better prepared to meet a challenge. Personal care helps us feel our best, so connecting through hair service became our purpose.

Kansas City Salon Buzz. 

Specialty work in Kansas City was rare 20 years ago, so her methods got attention. Hiring cosmetology graduates helped her manage a growing clientele, but also developed them into stylists.

Cultivating success by mentoring created service consistency, so our reputation for quality grew. Honoring the men and women in service has remained since September 11, 2001. Active military, police officers and first responders receive a 10% salon discount.

Studio 39 & KC neighborhoods.

The 2008 recession affected local businesses, but when many were downsizing, the salon experienced growth. After finding a gallery space in the West Side/Crossroads area, Gemy supervised salon construction for the move off 39th street. Within 2 years they outgrew their space again, so she searched for a their forever building.

Kansas City Salon Flagship.

Before the recession, Downtown Kansas City development was booming, but by 2010 it had come to a halt, making the search for a large space difficult.

But Gemy’s construction background & creativity made an empty 4,000 square foot warehouse into S39 Downtown KC.

Building began in the fall of 2012 in the historic Bottling District on Broadway and I35 on her largest salon build. Three months later January 2nd, 2013 Studio 39 Salon re-opened at our 614 W.26th Street location. 

Our Community

Gemy was a play volunteer in the oncology wing at Children’s Mercy Hospital for many years. Giving kids a chance to take their mind off their circumstances with creativity is important for healing and development. Especially for kids in treatment isolation.

CMH is an asset to our community, so Stock The Shoppe is a favorite S39 seasonal charity. Created by former Chiefs player (and cancer survivor) Eric Berry, Stock the Shoppe offers a free “toy store” for  families in extended treatment. Within the safety of the hospital, families in treatment can have the experience of Christmas shopping together without the added stress of leaving the hospital.

Travis Kelce & Walk the Walk

In 2015 Chiefs player Travis Kelce hosted the first Walk the Walk fashion show through his foundation 87 & Running. S39 had the honor to be invited as the sponsor salon. 2022 was the last year for the event, it became the largest charity fashion event in Kansas City.

Travis still does benefit events for the kids of Operation Breakthrough.  It Walk The Walk was the first of these, and ran for 7 years. It was an honor to be part of this endeavor during it’s entirety.   Learn more here.