CASSIDY WARD
Owner
Cassidy has been in the hair industry for over 13 years. She has a great passion for hair and wants everyone to feel comfortable and confident when they come to see her. She strives to make you feel important and beautiful, every time you visit!
BLAKE BRYANT
Director of social media & marketing
Blake has worked in and around salons since she was 16 years old. She began working for Rooted a little over two years ago, and hopes to maybe one day become a stylist! She doubles as a stay at home mom to her three kids!
DEIDRE CLARK
ADMINISTRATIVE Assistant
At a young age, Deidre discovered her passion for entrepreneurship. Her mother owned a hair salon and worked long hours behind the chair, while also running the business side of the salon. That was the beginning of her desire to help local entrepreneurs and professionals achieve their goals by providing them the best administrative support. In her spare time, she enjoys meeting new people, reading, writing, and traveling.
MICHAELA PAPAC
STYLIST
Michaela was a chemistry major in college and was going to pursue cosmetic chemistry because she always was interested in the beauty industry. Halfway through college, COVID hit and affected her entire experience, so she decided to take the leap and go to cosmetology school. She fell in love with hair and has been in the industry ever since (about two and a half years!)
ELLE CARDENAS
STYLIST
Elle has 15 years of experience in the beauty industry and brings a wealth of expertise and passion for creating stunning, personalized looks for every client. She specializes in transformational cutting, color, and extension services. She is dedicated to staying on top of the latest trends and techniques through continuous education and training. Elle loves helping clients think outside the box with specialized techniques such as color analysis and style essence analysis, expanding and challenging the options of styles and colors clients can explore.
When Elle isn’t working magic in the salon, you can find her at the pool or on a play date with her two sweet kiddos. As a side passion and hobby, she does commission floral and abstract paintings.
HANNAH VALENTE
STYLIST
Hannah moved to Georgia almost 10 years ago from New Jersey after graduating high school with her cosmetology license. She is a lifelong learner - In her free time. she is probably diving into books on psychology and self-growth, or watching videos on new techniques she can use to create more effortlessly beautiful looks for her clients. Hannah specializes in blonding, extensions, and lived in color. Her goal is to provide a luxury experience that leaves everyone feeling confident and radiant!
DONNÉ CALDWELL
assistant
Donné moved to America at the age of two, but was born in Africa. She graduated from Paul Mitchell in 2024, and has been assisting Cassidy during her time at Rooted! Donné is working to become a stylist of her own, while also working in our scalp spa!
MOLLY TATE
STYLIST
Molly has grown up in and around hair salons, and has been licensed for almost a year now! She is passionate about hair but also loves the business side of of things! In her free time, you will probably find Molly with her family and friends, or more specifically her niece! Molly has a goal to one day open a salon and be a successful hairdresser!
NICOLE VARUOLO
STYLIST
Nik brings 16 years of industry experience working alongside top names in the industry such as Redken, Toni & Guy, Aveda, Goody & Solano. She is passionate about beauty & wellbeing and continues to build on her knowledge through continuing education, specializing in low maintenance color, grey blending and textured cuts. Nik lives in East Cobb with her blended family of 7 and 3 pups! She is looking forward to meeting you in the chair!
EVA THAYER
assistant
Eva has lived in Marietta since she was two and recently graduated from Wheeler High School with plans to pursue a career in the beauty industry. She has always had a passion for hair—especially bridal styling. Before starting at the salon, Eva worked as a nanny for several years. She is so excited to be at Rooted Salon and the opportunity to work toward an apprenticeship, to become a licensed stylist, and to enjoy both the salon and bridal industries.
ELLIE WATKINS
SCALP SPA SPECIALIST
Ellie is a beauty professional specializing in skin health. She is obsessed with all things skin, wellness, and relaxation. Come see her for deep relaxation, improved scalp health, and the clean, refreshed hair you’ve been craving!
TIFFANY DAVIS
ASSISTANT
Tiffany is a licensed esthetician with a deep love for the beauty industry and all things wellness. She is constantly studying holistic practices, elevating her craft, and learning anything that helps her show up as the best version of myself. Outside of work, she enjoys photography, being outdoors, and anything that keeps her close to water (the beach is her absolute favorite place).
JESSICA DODSON
SALON COORDINATOR
Jessica is a motivated professional who strives for success + supports businesses by using her leadership and administrative skills to assist with business growth. She is passionate, innovative, empathetic, and genuinely enjoys listening to others and helping people reach their goals (both individually and as a team). She does her best work in collaborative environments where she can problem-solve, build better systems, and make a positive impact. After 18 years as a leader in the logistics industry, Jessica is eager to join the beauty industry and The Rooted Salon, while spending more time with her husband, two girls, and three dogs. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys gardening, camping, and cheering for her girls in softball and competitive gymnastics.
