Hidden Gems: Meet Bianca Donnelly of Dreamhaus KC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bianca Donnelly

Bianca, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
For as long as I can remember, the beauty industry was something that came naturally to me–makeovers at sleepovers and coloring my friends’ hair in the bathroom. It felt like a no-brainer to pursue cosmetology as my career, and I only fell more in love with the industry in school. I got my license through Paul Mitchell the School of Overland Park, and after working behind the chair at an Aveda salon in my hometown of Utica, New York, I moved back to KC to build my career here.

I opened Dreamhaus KC in November of 2023 with the intention of creating a private, luxurious salon space in which all people and hair textures can be included and celebrated. I love being able to provide my clients not only with their best hair possible, but even more than that, instilling them with an unmatched level of confidence. When you look your best, you feel your best, and I absolutely adore being able to make people feel comfortable and confident in their own skin.

I specialize in custom color, hair extensions, and textured/curly hair. Being a hairstylist, to me, isn’t about just about hair transformations — it’s about creating an experience that leaves a lasting impact. I pride myself in the dedication to my craft and the relationships that I create and maintain with all my clients. It’s a people industry, and I absolutely love my people and the circle I have created in the beauty industry.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing good comes easy. The salon industry can be a catty one, and I had my own share of rough experiences in commission salons before I finally took the leap to go solo. At the end of the day, it’s important to find your niche and your people, and working for myself was always something that appealed to me.

I did not have a full book of clients when I left the commission salon I was working at, but it was time for me to expand my horizons and take my business into my own hands. Any time you relocate, you run the risk of losing clients, but due to the relationships I cultivated behind the chair, I was able to get in touch with my clients and they followed me on my journey. I am still building my clientele, but social media and word-of-mouth are both powerful ways to expose yourself to new clients.

Running a business is stressful, and being a hairstylist is a job that doesn’t stop when you get home. We’re socialites, photographers, videographers, social media influencers, saleswomen and therapists. It’s a job that can quickly overwhelm you if you aren’t careful, and creating a work-life balance is an essential part of longevity in the industry. You have to keep your cup full outside of just work, and making sure I indulge in my favorite things–travel, reading, time with my pets and friends–keeps me sharp when I’m at work and excited to show up and represent myself each day.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Dreamhaus KC was founded with the intention of providing a luxury salon experience in the Northland of KC where all hair textures can be celebrated. In creating my dream salon space, I have been able to provide an excellent level of service for my clients in a quiet, private, and stunning atmosphere. A moody, mid-century modern salon space nods to quiet luxuries and has client comfort at the forefront of design, while still reflecting me and my personality.

I pride myself in creating customized solutions for your hair and style goals, whether it’s through color, cuts, or hair extensions. Being able to understand someone as a whole and create look that not only represents who they are but also works for them in their daily routine is a skill I pride myself on. I want to be known for making people feel good and look even better, while providing a space where people feel comfortable enough to relax and feel welcome.

What were you like growing up?
I was always the kid with her nose buried in a book. It didn’t matter what it was—I was fascinated by everything. I loved losing myself in a story or diving deep into topics I had no business being interested in at my age. Looking back, I realize I was kind of a nerd. My need to know everything made me come across as opinionated and bossy at times, but I think that’s just who I was. I didn’t want to miss out on anything, and I always had strong views and opinions and I made sure people listened to them. Whether they wanted to or not.

One thing that’s always stuck with me, though, is my love for beauty. I was obsessed with makeup, hair, and anything that involved expressing yourself through your appearance. That love followed me throughout my life and shaped my career. Now, as a hairstylist, I get to live that passion every single day.

I spent my early childhood in Southern California, where life was all about the beach, the sun, and outdoor play. It felt like freedom, like the whole world was right there, just waiting to be explored. When I was ten, my family moved to upstate New York, and it was a massive shift. The cold, the pace, the culture—it was all so different. But even in the face of this change, I found comfort in certain things, like the books I’d read or the beauty tips I was always trying out.

Growing up with entrepreneurial parents, especially my mom, left a lasting impression on me. They were always hustling, always pushing to build something of their own, and that drive is what inspired me to open my own salon one day. I wanted to forge my own path, just like they did. Watching them work hard and stay motivated gave me the courage to take that leap when the time came.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dreamhauskc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamhaus.kc/