Looking the latest fashion trends? Well Dawn’s Style has you covered with unique clothing, purses, jewelry, stylish Peepers glasses and of course Lampe Berger. We sit down with owner Dawn Bella to learn all about her and her charming salon and boutique.
Q. How did you get your start in the hair industry?
Dawn: I started working in a salon at the age of 15 as a shampoo/clean up girl at the Flair. I instantly saw how happy people were coming to a salon. Frank Fani taught me so much and I eventually started an apprenticeship for cosmetology.
After years of working there, I moved to The Mens Room Barbershop and began an apprenticeship in Barbering. I worked under Don Stella and Alex Barca and learned so much with clipper cutting and men’s haircuts. 18 years ago I decided it was time to take the next step and rent a chair inside of a salon. Back then there was only 2 shops in town that rented chairs, I chose the one downtown. Renting gave me the taste of ownership. All the things that go with it: paperwork, taxes, ordering all the supplies. Plus all the things that you don’t expect. Once I mastered that, I decided to find my own store front and finally open my own shop. Six years ago I decided to take the big chance and open my own space!
Q. Your shop offers much more than just hair, what other products do you offer?
Dawn: I see a gap and an opportunity here in Kenosha to provide French Knot gloves, Myra Bags, Peepers Readers, Moroccanoil hair and body products, more unique clothing, accessories and the Lampe Berger products – that is where I really want to grow my business. The boutique gives me the same opportunity to interact with people and help them look and feel their best and that is so fulfilling.
Lampe Berger is such a fantastic product! I am so passionate about it and have used them for over 21 years. Lynn Fox had introduced Kenosha and myself to Lampe Berger years ago and when she retired I bought it.
Lampe Berger is a purification system that was invented in 1898 in France for the purpose of purifying the air in hospitals. In the early 1920’s the company added fragrance, and people began to use them in their homes. 
Lampe Bergers come in many shapes and sizes. The fragrances are so rich and wonderful. Fragrances also change with the seasons. When I started using mine 20 years ago I could cook fish in the house again! After cleaning up the kitchen I light my Lampe and let it go for at least an hour and it fills my whole house with the fragrance of my choice.
You light the lampe for two minutes and blow it out and it works without any flame. So you don’t have to watch it like you would a candle. And it does fill your whole home. You can also add a neutral to any fragrance if is too strong for your space.
The first thing people usually say when they walk into Dawn’s Style is, “Wow! it smells amazing in here,” and then I show them all about it.
I am very proud of the fact that I have been #1 in sales of Lampe Berger products for the state of Wisconsin for 4 years now. I believe in it.
Q. What items at Dawn’s Style would make the perfect holiday gift?
Dawn: Lampe Berger (of course), A nice cozy sweater, or gloves. A nice Myra Bag (travel bag). Moroccanoil luxury shampoo, conditioner, soap, body lotion, body fragrance. Fun t-towel, a sassy coaster, a beautiful scarf. You just never know what you will find – or to make sure a person will love that gift, you can just pick up a gift certificate.
Q. Can you walk us through a typical day at Dawn’s Style?
Dawn: My days are usually filled with clients for hair cuts and colors. So, there is always conversations going on, along with laughter. The door is always open to shoppers as well. So, the fragrance of Lampe Berger in the air, and people walking threw and trying on scarfs and sweaters, or smelling the testers for LB.
When people are checking out their purchases we always ask where are you going next? We are always excited direct the new shoppers to other fantastic shops in the area. 
Q. Why did you choose Downtown Kenosha for your business.
Dawn: I always remember shopping downtown with my mom and dad as a child and going with friends when I was a teenager. I love to see the progress of Downtown and all the new restaurants and bars/breweries. The small sweet shops, mens clothing, the bookstore, and plant store! I think all the shop owners here really respect each other. When downtown went through our hard times the last few years, I really felt the sense of community. We all came together and helped each other. I feel so lucky to be a part of this neighborhood.
Dawn’s Style is located at 633 58th Street. – 262-914-5718
For all the latest styles follow Dawn’s Style on Facebook & Instagram
Q&A and photos by Donny Stancato
Edited by Jason Hedman
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For everything Kenosha see visitkenosha.com
(This article first appeared in the winter 2022 Downtown Kenosha Magazine)
