Crystal Skull Studio was founded in 2016 by Cherish Baser and Gina Ruggirello after meeting in Ann Arbor, working under Cookie Gomez to specialize in curly hair. Together, they worked in some of the top curly salons in Ann Arbor and had a stronger desire for community and creativity. By networking with other artists and local small businesses they created a space that is integrative and unbiased. Crystal Skull spent three lovely years’ operating out of Ann Arbor. in 2018 Gina continued on their journey in Austin, tx, and has since opened Symbolica Salon. cherish relocated crystal skull in 2019 to a storefront in historic depot town, ypsilanti.

currently the salon is in a fun and judgement free atmosphere that specializes in curly and natural texture, as well as creative cuts and color.  It is important that you leave with a positive attitude and a radical hairstyle!  We are networking with local artists and small businesses to provide a unique experience for our guests. We're serving locally brewed coffee, tea, and beer.  Rotating local artwork reinvents the atmosphere bi-monthly, so if you're interested in getting involved, fill out an application form!  With an eclectic passion for music, we set the vibe with a variety of tunes at all times. Crystal skull studio would like to establish an environment that offers more than just great hair!

CHERISH.

she/her

Cherish is the owner and lead stylist of Crystal Skull Studio with 15 years of training under her belt. She specializes in curly hair, craft color, and precision cutting and that is what drives her passion for hair. All her life she has had a love for art, music and education and sees hair as a means to create. She is inspired by her guest's personal style. Customizing every hair service to your hair type, lifestyle and personality.Whether sculpting curls, painting hair, or high fashion cutting, her goal is to help guide through the journey of  self expression. 

She started her cosmetology career at 15 years old, pursuing a vocational program through high school and continued her education at the prestigious Douglas J Aveda Institute after, where she graduated with highest client retention of her class. After graduating, she established herself working in her hometown of  Lansing for 10 years as an independent stylist, all the while keeping up with continued education honing in on curly hair, creative color, and barbering courses. 

When Cherish moved to Ann Arbor she worked in two different salons specializing in curly hair, where she met her former business partner Gina at Above Ground. Crystal Skull Studio was started 2 years later by Cherish and Gina in salon suite in Ann Arbor, driven by the idea to connect more with Ann Arbor community. The vibrant, diverse Ypsilanti community and the need for growth pushed her to open a store front in Historic Depot Town. As an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, supporter of small business, and event coordinator, she is always looking for collaboration with local artists and community events to help maintain the vibrant ecosystem within our community. 

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Cassandra.

they/he

Cassandra is a non-binary stylist based out of Ypsilanti, MI. Cassandra has had an interest in hair, makeup, and fashion that dates back to their childhood. Inspired by the punk and grunge scene, they began dabbling in creative haircuts and colour at a young age. After doing their friends' hair and their own hair for years, they started their professional journey at the well-known Douglas J Aveda institute of Ann Arbor, where they quickly established a loyal clientele. Cassandra’s main goal when doing hair is to make you feel like the best possible version of yourself; ensuring your hairstyle is catered to your lifestyle, personality, and personal hair care routine. With a passion for continued education and growth, Cassandra is very excited to be working under Cherish’s expertise to learn about curly hair in every form, as well as advanced colouring techniques. You can check out some of their work on Instagram, under the handle @cutsbycassandra. While in training they will be taking appointments by request. Contact the salon to schedule an appointment with Cassandra. If you are interested in being a model, reach out. You may have a hair type we are expanding our knowledge around. 

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