Studio 39 on 39th Street
Kansas City Salon History
Gemy Chiarizio began her career as a hair cutting specialist at Mario Tricoci’s. 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, so connecting through salon services became our purpose. As a result, we offer active military and police 10% off as a thank you for their dedication to community and local business.
Kansas City Salon Buzz.
Specialty work in Kansas City was rare 20 years ago, so Gemy’s work gained attention. Hiring cosmetology graduates helped her manage a growing clientele, and it also helped develop them into accomplished stylists. Cultivating success by mentoring created consistency, so our reputation grew.
West Side Studio 39
Local Business
The 2008 recession affected local business, 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 permanent space the salon would not outgrow.
Building a Downtown Kansas City Salon
Before the recession, Downtown Kansas City development was booming, but by 2010 it had come to a halt. But Gemy saw opportunity in an empty 4,000 ft.² warehouse, and so she transformed it into Studio 39 Salon. The result was a purpose-built Downtown Kansas City salon thoughtfully designed to support education, mentorship, and client experience. That space continues to anchor Studio 39 as an established part of the Kansas City salon community today.
Our Community
Giving back has always been part of Studio 39’s culture. For many years, Gemy volunteered in the oncology wing at Children’s Mercy Hospital, spending time with children in treatment, particularly those in isolation.
Creative play and imagination are essential to childhood development, and they become even more meaningful for kids navigating long hospital stays. Offering moments of normalcy, expression, and connection was a small but important way to support families during difficult seasons.
Giving Back
Children’s Mercy Hospital is a vital part of the Kansas City community, which is why Stock the Shoppe remains one of Studio 39’s favorite seasonal charities. Founded by former Kansas City Chiefs player and cancer survivor Eric Berry, Stock the Shoppe provides a free, in-hospital “toy store” for families facing extended treatment.
Within the safety of the hospital, family’s can Christmas shop donated items to create memories with dignity and togetherness, without ever having to leave the care environment.
Walk the Walk
In 2015, Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce launched the first Walk the Walk fashion show through his foundation, 87 & Running. Studio 39 Salon was honored to be invited as the sponsor salon for the inaugural event. Over the years, Walk the Walk grew into the largest NFL endorsed charity fashion, bringing the Kansas City community together through philanthropy to support local youth.
The event concluded in 2022, marking eight successful years. While Walk the Walk has since come to a close, Travis Kelce continues ongoing benefit events supporting Operation Breakthrough. Walk the Walk was the first of these and Studio 39 Salon is proud to have supported the event from it’s start.
Our goal is for salon visitors to feel at home. When a guest mentions the positive feeling and authenticity of the salon team, it means so much because we want you to feel at home here too!
