By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Citys newest salon has rustic flair
In bizzniss pic
Joyce Velarde is new to Turlock, but already, she knows its tastes. Her salon, Rustic Raes Hair Salon, has a farmhouse feel and will celebrate its grand opening Nov. 4. - photo by ANGELINA MARTIN/The Journal

Name of business: Rustic Rae’s Hair Salon

Type of business: Salon

Location: 1040 W. Monte Vista Ave.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday – Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Contact information: 209-620-8484

Specialty: Full-service hair care

History of business:

Joyce Velarde may have only recently moved from Newman to Turlock, but already, she knows what the City is about.

“Everything here seems like it’s rustic-themed,” she said. “I love that it’s a small town, but it still has everything you could need.”

A licensed cosmetologist for over 20 years, Velarde kept Turlock’s rustic roots in mind when she opened her new salon, Rustic Rae’s Hair Salon, earlier this month. With wood-paneling and corrugated metal adorning the walls, wrought iron chairs for guests to sit in and greenery making visitors feel welcome, the salon has a farmhouse feel that can only be found in the Central Valley.

Velarde also co-owns a salon in Newman, but wanted to break away from the old with her new venture in Turlock. Her other salon boasts a safari theme, she said, inspiring her to try something completely different in the new space, located near Stanislaus State.

“Two of my sons graduated from Stanislaus State and now live here,” said Velarde. “They said, ‘Mom, you have to come here an open up a salon.’”

Rustic Rae’s is a full-service salon, offering hair services like balayage, perms and color correction, and also offers waxing services. Soon, Velarde hopes to hire a barber, as well as a nail technician.

Students have begun trickling in to receive haircuts, she added, and the local neighborhood is ecstatic to have a salon within walking distance of their homes.

“I’ve had the neighbors come in and say, ‘This is so nice, we don’t have to drive all the way across town to get a haircut,’” said Velarde.

The salon is also tech-savvy, allowing customers to book their appointments in advance, thanks to the website Vagaro. Users can simply search for Rustic Rae’s, then select which service they would like and when they want to receive it.

On Nov. 4, the salon will celebrate its grand opening, which will feature discounts, raffle prizes and food all day. While Velarde is looking forward to meeting new customers, she already feels at home in Turlock.

“I love it here,” she said.