Owning and running a salon can be a rewarding business—but anyone who’s tried it knows it comes with serious challenges: hiring and retaining great staff, managing high overhead, navigating constant turnover, staying current with trends, and still somehow providing an exceptional client experience. We've seen far too many talented professionals burn out or give up—not because they lacked skill or drive, but because the system wasn’t built to support them.

We knew there had to be a better way.

We’re Carla and Baily—entrepreneurs, mothers, and Stillwater locals—who came together with a shared vision: to build something that didn’t exist in our community, but desperately needed to. The Populace was born out of frustration with the status quo and a belief that independent professionals deserve more.

We set out to create not just another salon or co-working space, but a forever home—one that directly addresses the biggest reasons traditional salons fail:

• Staffing challenges? At The Populace, you’re in control. You run your own business, choose your own hours, and serve your clients your way.

• Training and motivation gaps? We foster a collaborative environment where professionals are constantly learning from one another and feel truly supported—not micromanaged.

• Inconsistent income? We eliminate the traditional commission model and give you the tools and freedom to build a loyal client base on your terms.

• Burnout and high turnover? We offer a clean, respectful, and beautifully maintained space designed for longevity, creativity, and balance.

• High overhead and poor management? Our space is professionally run, fully equipped, and tailored to make your work seamless, so you can focus on what you do best.

Greetings, Meet The Founders.

The Populace was created with heart, hustle, and a belief in something bigger than ourselves. We’re two women from different professional backgrounds who trusted each other’s strengths, shared a vision, and decided to build it—together.

Carla and Baily

As entrepreneurs by day and mothers by night, we understand the balance between ambition and care. Born and raised in Stillwater, we saw a need for more than just another salon or workspace. We envisioned a home for passionate, driven professionals who value creativity, professionalism, and community. A place where individuality is celebrated, standards are high, and kindness is the norm.

Our goal was to create a studio culture that feels peaceful, inspiring, and elevated—where clients immediately feel the difference, and providers feel proud to be part of something meaningful. A place where talented individuals grow their businesses with pride, feel supported by a like-minded collective, and deliver elevated experiences grounded in warmth.

The Populace is more than a business—it’s a movement.
Its our forever home!

The Populace is a reflection of everything we hold close: independence, collaboration, creativity, and a strong sense of community. More than just a business, it represents our commitment to building a professional environment rooted in mutual growth and shared success.

The Populace is that vision brought to life—rooted in integrity, fueled by community, and powered by people like you.

A place where independence and support go hand in hand.
Where creativity thrives, and community comes first.
Where professionals don’t just survive—but truly grow and succeed.

Welcome to The Populace
Where we rise together.