We recently connected with Rachel Arnett and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, thanks for joining us today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

Creating a safe and welcoming environment, especially for marginalized communities, has always been a priority in my life. When I had the opportunity to open my own salon, my top priority was ensuring that every stylist who works here shares these core values. My salon is an LGBTQ+ safe space.

My vision is to build a space rooted in acceptance, empowerment, love, and equality—a legacy I hope will outlast me. My goal is for this salon to create ripples of positive change, not only within our immediate community but beyond.

I want people to remember me as someone who was deeply committed to fostering an affirming and inclusive environment where hate had no place. It’s important to me that every person who has sat in our chairs feels confident, valued, and accepted. Ultimately, I hope my legacy reflects authenticity, love, and the courage to always stand up for what is right.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi there! My name is Rachel Arnett, and I’m the proud owner of Citrus & Cinnamon Salon in Dayton, Ohio. I’ve been in the hair industry for 12 years, and I specialize in vivid colors, coppers, and alternative haircuts—though I truly enjoy doing a little bit of everything! I’ve also been lucky enough to have my work featured in magazines and nominated in world wide competitions a few times over my career.

I opened Citrus & Cinnamon in September of this year, just 11 days before my husband Aaron and I got married. Planning a wedding and renovating a salon at the same time is not for the faint of heart, but Aaron’s constant belief in me made it possible. He never once doubted that we could make this dream a reality. With his love and support, along with the encouragement of our friends and family, I was able to create the beautiful space I’d envisioned.

My inspiration for hard work and determination comes from my parents. I was fortunate to witness them build a successful business from the ground up, starting in the spare bedroom of my childhood home. My dad worked two full-time jobs to support us while growing his dream, which eventually expanded into a large warehouse with over 15 employees. Over the past 20+ years, I’ve learned so much from his work ethic, passion, and perseverance.

My parents always encouraged me to follow my own dreams, even if that meant stepping away from the family business. I’ve carried the values they instilled in me—dedication, integrity, and resilience—into my career. My dad worked hard in the construction and build out of my salon. It truly would not have been possible without his dedication to my success.

Thanks to my loyal clientele, many of whom have been with me since the beginning of my journey, I was able to purchase my first home at 22 and, nine years later, open my own salon. It hasn’t always been easy, and I’ve made sacrifices along the way, but I wouldn’t change a thing about the path that brought me here. I know that I have worked very hard, but I believe that without the support of my community I wouldn’t be where I am!

I’m also incredibly grateful for every single stylist who I have the privilege of working with. Jordan, Willow, Gail, Sierra, Kaila and my best friend, Drake, who has been by my side throughout my career. Over the past eight years, she and I have worked together at countless salons, and her unwavering support was instrumental in helping me open Citrus & Cinnamon. Being able to share a space with so many talented, kind and hardworking stylists is something I will never take for granted and I feel so lucky to know them all.

At the heart of everything I do is a genuine passion for helping people. I take pride in creating a space where my clients feel more confident, comfortable, and cared for. Above all, I strive to be a “day maker,” bringing positivity and connection into every appointment.

I love this craft and am constantly inspired by how much the hair industry has evolved over the years. I’m excited to see where the next 12 years take me as a stylist, salon owner, and part of this ever-changing industry!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the most profoundly devastating experiences of my life was surviving a mass shooting with my best friends in 2019. The aftermath shook me to my core, forcing me to confront my own mortality and the fragility of life. Through therapy and self-reflection, I came to understand just how temporary and precious life truly is.

Even before the shooting, I struggled with my mental health. Years of anxiety and self-loathing had taken their toll. I coped by throwing myself into work—sometimes working 14-16 hour days. While not the healthiest way to manage my emotions, doing hair brought me joy, even on the hardest days.

After the shooting, I realized I couldn’t keep ignoring my mental health. I made the difficult decision to step back, reduce my hours, and prioritize therapy. That choice changed everything. It gave me the space to grow, to practice self-acceptance, and ultimately led me to meet my husband and open my own salon.

Surviving the shooting, my mental health journey, and my career are all deeply intertwined. When I began the process of opening Citrus & Cinnamon, I knew that creating a safe and affirming space was a top priority. That vision stems not only from my experiences but also from my resilience and desire to foster connection, healing, and acceptance in everything I do.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

For the past eight years, I’ve consistently been fully booked 3–4 months in advance. Much of my success comes from the lessons I learned while assisting old-school stylists.

There are three key principles I’ve embraced as a stylist that I believe have helped me maintain a full schedule:

1. Building Strong Relationships
I make it a priority to build genuine connections with my clients. Listening to them, remembering details about their lives, and showing that I care beyond the service itself makes a huge difference. I also am dedicated to being a LGBTQ+ safe stylist. For many people, getting their hair done is about more than just the result—it’s about the experience and human connection. I often remind myself that, for some clients, I might be one of their strongest support systems.

2. Prebooking
One of the most valuable pieces of advice I’ve learned is to always prebook my clients’ next appointment before they leave. Most people don’t realize they need a hair appointment until it’s too late. For example, if a client who needs a root touch-up every 6–8 weeks doesn’t prebook, they might wait 12 weeks, look in the mirror, and realize it’s overdue. If they then try to book with me but I can’t fit them in for two weeks, the likelihood of them going to another stylist increases significantly. Prebooking solves this issue and keeps our schedule on track.

3. Avoiding Stagnation
I believe in constantly evolving as a stylist. I make it a priority to learn new trends and techniques, practice whenever possible, and ask questions of my peers. Staying curious and committed to growth ensures I’m always offering my clients the best service possible.

By continuing my education, embracing innovation, making deep connections with my clients, and prioritizing prebooking, I’ve been able to grow a loyal clientele and maintain a fully booked schedule.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairbyraynhigh/profilecard/?igsh=ZG1pbjFzdmp0czdq
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GkKtJNQJY/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: Salon instagram:
  https://www.instagram.com/citrusandcinnamonsalon/profilecard/?igsh=cTg4YTRsMnZucG96