Grassroots A Salon » admin http://www.grassrootsasalon.com where style grows Fri, 03 Sep 2010 03:11:48 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Nature Mandala Art by Mark Gehrke http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2010/08/nature-mandala-art-by-mark-gehrke/ http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2010/08/nature-mandala-art-by-mark-gehrke/#comments Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:35:18 +0000 admin http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/?p=1443 Nature’s Magnificence…  Magnified!
Stop in to Grassroots to see Mark Gehrke’s beautiful artwork, featured now through September.
Inspired by the immense beauty of nature’s magnificence, Mark began creating Nature Mandala art in 2004 after moving to the Garden Island of Kauai.
With the island as his muse, he captured thousands of nature moments on camera.  On Kauai, Mother Nature is hard to miss.  She is all around; with each and every glance one’s eyes drink in another more beautiful vision than the last.
Mark started playing with his creative side and blended that with his talent for the technological.  Weaving his love of nature, expressive creativity and skilled technical side together, his Mandala Art began to take shape.
The beauty of this artwork is that Mother Nature takes over at one point, offering the viewer the invitation to take a closer look as surprises reveal themselves within the piece as it is created.
A kaleidoscope of rich color, interesting shapes and subtle nuances draw us in…conjuring deep feelings of connection and realization of the beauty that surrounds us on this amazing Planet Earth.

Bird of Paradise Mandala

All of Mark’s Nature Mandalas are sourced from nature photography he has captured through his camera lens which follows his appreciative eye for the brilliant beauty he finds surrounding him.  Nature is his source, his connection to all that is ‘right’ in life.  His mandalas are an expression of his love and appreciation for nature.  Each piece is multi-layered…beginning as a still photo and metamorphosing into a magnificently grander expression.
The word Mandala in Sanskrit literally means center and circle.  The center represents the eternal now.  The circumference reflects its infinite potential, as well as its boundaries.  Mandala is essence + having or containing.  In many sacred traditions and religions, mandalas are used as a tool of mediation, giving the meditator something to focus upon to clear the mind.
It is Mark’s wish that those who experience his Mandalas see them as a window to the majestic, magical beauty of our natural world.
For ordering information contact:  Mark or Debra Gehrke 920-779-3007

Mark Paddling

About Mark

A Fox Valley Native, Mark & his family are happy to call a couple of gorgeous wooded acres atop a hill in Hortonville home.

Mark has a loving appreciation for nature & finds creative inspiration as well as relaxation while exploring the great outdoors.
His current passion is kayaking.  Taking to the waters as often as he can, paddling feeds his spirit, rests his soul & renews his creativity.
When Mark’s not paddling or creating mandalas, he can be found carving custom wood paddles, spending time with his family, caring for his sanctuary in the woods and tending to his clients needs as a consultant/coach for small business entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the waters of Social Media to reach their audience & tell their story.


]]> http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2010/08/nature-mandala-art-by-mark-gehrke/feed/ 0 Tracey’s Inner Rihanna Revealed ~ Makeover by Debra Gehrke http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2010/02/traceys-inner-rihanna-revealed-makeover-by-debra-gehrke/ http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2010/02/traceys-inner-rihanna-revealed-makeover-by-debra-gehrke/#comments Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:59:26 +0000 admin http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/?p=1279 You’ve got to see this GREAT video segment!!!

Fox 11′s ‘Living with Amy’ show invited me to create a segment for their “Things We Love” show. In my book, everyone LOVES a new ‘do…

So here’s Tracey Drews, our very own owner of Grassroots a Salon getting her Rihanna on!

Deb & Tracey Fox 11~Living w/Amy Show

I had so much FUN creating this versatile cut for Tracey! Folks at home have enjoyed it too…a couple have already been in to get their perfect version of this fun, funky style.

How about you?  Are you feelin’ this for your ‘love a new ‘do…out of the winter doldrums and into spring look’?

Thanks for being a GREAT model, Tracey. You look fabulous!! :)

Here’s the video!

…enJOY!  (Amy’s expression in the beginning of the clip is priceless!  I think we surprised her!  …how about you?)

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]]> http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2010/02/traceys-inner-rihanna-revealed-makeover-by-debra-gehrke/feed/ 0 Busy Mom Gets Makeover with Debra Gehrke http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2010/01/busy-mom-gets-makeover-with-debra-gehrke/ http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2010/01/busy-mom-gets-makeover-with-debra-gehrke/#comments Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:38:24 +0000 admin http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/?p=1236 Amy Hanten of Fox 11′s Living with Amy show invited me to help a busy mom make her life easier with a new ‘do.

I knew the perfect mom to deserve such a thing, my sister-in-law, Jamie.  Jamie is a busy mom to three amazing kiddos, age 3 1/2, 2 and 2 months!  That qualifies, don’t you think?!

Watch what we did to take Jamie’s thick (and gorgeous) hair from a bob that felt a little overwhelming and required a little too much of Jamie’s time to a happy, hip new shorter ‘do that’s easy to style and still offers some flexibility.

Busy Mom Gets a New ‘Do!

I hope you enJOY the video as much as we enjoyed creating it together with the camera crew from Living with Amy!


Thanks to Amy Hanten, Living with Amy and Fox 11 for giving us this opportunity!

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]]> http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2010/01/busy-mom-gets-makeover-with-debra-gehrke/feed/ 2 Give Your Style Some JOY this Holiday Season http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2009/12/give-your-style-some-joy-this-holiday-season/ http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2009/12/give-your-style-some-joy-this-holiday-season/#comments Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:17:48 +0000 admin http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/?p=1186

Ever wonder just how to give short hair that added extra flair for your Holiday parties?

Want to put a little JOY in your Holiday ‘Do?

Debra Gehrke, stylist at Grassroots a Salon, shares some tips on Amy Hanten’s ‘Living with Amy’ show on Fox 11.

Tracey Jenks gets her JOY on!

Tracey Jenks gets her JOY on!

Here’s the video that aired on today’s show:

Thanks to Amy Hanten for inviting me on the show!  Great FUN as always!

Be sure to watch ‘Living with Amy’ this coming Friday morning (Dec. 18th) between 9 and 10 a.m. for another Festive Hair segment featuring stylists Deann Kelley and Debra Gehrke of Grassroots a Salon.

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]]> http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2009/12/give-your-style-some-joy-this-holiday-season/feed/ 0 Change for Change Makeover by Debra Gehrke http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2009/12/change-for-change-makeover-by-debra-gehrke/ http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2009/12/change-for-change-makeover-by-debra-gehrke/#comments Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:45:26 +0000 admin http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/?p=1157 It all started a few weeks back with some compliments and some wishes from some teachers that they could get a makeover.

A great client of mine, Jennifer Peterson is the media specialist at Butte des Morts Elementary in Menasha. When she returned to school following her hair appointment with me, her fellow staff members responded with ooo’s and aaah’s. They stated they wished they could get a makeover too.

Hair Raising Change for Change Makeover Contest

Say no more. Jennifer and I whipped up a fancy little makeover contest… Well, really Jennifer did the whipping up and organizing of the contest, all I had to do was show up this past Saturday to make the actual makeover happen!

Makeover Winner Andie Plachetka Before

Makeover Winner Andie Plachetka Before

Makeover Winner Andie Plachetka After

Makeover Winner Andie Plachetka After

We created a video of the event and we’re excited to share it with you here! Details of the contest are mentioned within the video. (And if you’re curious about more of the back story on how this whole little makeover contest sprouted from a tweet on Twitter that led Jennifer to me in the first place, you’ll want to click here to read all about it!)

Thanks to Jennifer Peterson, Andie Plachetka~our makeover winner, & the staff & students at Butte des Morts Elementary who participated in this JOYful FUNd-raising event benefiting Toys for Tots.

And now… Enjoy the Video!

We sure had FUN creating it!

Change for Change Makeover with Debra Gehrke from Mark Gehrke on Vimeo.

Video created by:  Mark Gehrke of Mandala Life Media

PS~ Mrs. Plachetka… You were a MOST FUN Makeover candidate!  Thanks for being so willing to change and for being so naturally gorgeous and an all around lovely person.

Makeover Video Fun x 2

Mrs. Peterson video tracked the contest start to finish as well.  Here’s her super fun rendition:

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]]> http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2009/12/change-for-change-makeover-by-debra-gehrke/feed/ 2 Hair Raising Makeover Contest Sprouts from Twitter! http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2009/11/hair-raising-makeover-contest-sprouts-from-twitter/ http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2009/11/hair-raising-makeover-contest-sprouts-from-twitter/#comments Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:12:58 +0000 admin http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/?p=1126 Stylist Post~ Debra Gehrke

Ever wonder if being on Twitter is worth your time?  Ever wonder why anyone would want to tweet?

Stylist at Grassroots & Joy of Brilliance Coach

Stylist at Grassroots & Joy of Brilliance Coach

I’ve been on Twitter as @debsoul for almost a year now.  My first tweet was on New Year’s day, 2009.  I love it.  I’ve found friends so uniquely matched to my interests from all around the world.

One of the things I love the most about Twitter is the generous, giving nature of the Tweeps I meet.

On a recent Saturday I had the pleasure of meeting one fine tweep in person at the salon.  She happened to tweet that she needed a new ‘do.  I was already at the salon bringing forth the full beauty of another client when Mark (@kalalea), my dedicated hubby saw @hostageek’s tweet.  He wrote back to Jen and mentioned I had an opening if she was available a little later that day.

History in the Making

And that’s how we embarked on this history in the making!

@hostageek loved her hair…we gave her curly locks a fresh layered cut and added some spicy, warm chocolate haircolor for this wonderful fall moving into the holiday season.  Upon returning to school the next Monday (she’s a librarian) she was met with ooo’s and ahhh’s and some ‘oh, I wish I could do that too’…which led to  a conversation about getting a makeover from me.

You see, I was the original Monday Morning Makeover Queen on Fox11.  Some may remember that.  :)

Jennifer Twittered me to tell me of the excited buzz around the school and to ask if I was interested in doing a makeover for one of the teachers.

I emphatically replied, “Heck yeah!  Let’s make it some sort of fun contest that also makes a difference…”  And @hostageek ran with it!

Makeover Contest Makes a Difference

Librarians must be creative…at least this one is.  There are eight teachers who decided they wanted to compete to win the makeover.  Jen’s been documenting the entire process.  She came up with a groovy theme and decided that a penny drive was a fun, easy way for the students to get involved in just which teacher wins the makeover.  All the monies collected will go to Toys for Tots!

Each day the pennies (and some larger coins and even a couple bills!) continue to roll in.  The students excitedly add to the bottles and the teachers are eagerly awaiting the final tally on December 3.

One teacher openly talked of her devotion as a Bears fan last week…that led to more pennies in her jar.  Apparently being a Bears fan in Packer country can work in your favor if you’re the one who wants the makeover!

Just One Seed

I love what’s sprouted here.  Something FUN for everyone!  The students are enrolled in making a difference by giving their hard earned pennies to a good cause (Toys for Tots) while they work hard to get a makeover for their favorite teacher.

Thanks to Twitter, Jen and I met…and are now continuing to enJOY our connection while creating a new experience for a teacher friend and making a difference along the way!

@hostageek, you rock!  I’m looking forward to Makeover Day on Dec. 5th at Grassroots a Salon!!  Woo-Hoo!!!  Way to shine your Brilliance.

Take a look at today’s video sharing the up-to-the-minute Hair Raising Makeover progress:

Want to Participate?

If you’d like to donate pennies to one of these fine teachers to help them win the makeover, bring your pennies to the library at Butte Des Morts Elementary school before Dec. 3, 2009.

We’ll be documenting the makeover itself on Makeover Day, December 5, 2009 at Grassroots a Salon.  Stay tuned for a follow up post sharing the highlights!

If you’d like to learn more about me, here’s my BIO.  Do you have a makeover contest idea?  Let’s here it!  Email me at: debra[at]soulitude[dot]com

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]]> http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2009/11/hair-raising-makeover-contest-sprouts-from-twitter/feed/ 1 Learning the Latest Hair Cuts and Colors http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2009/03/learning-the-latest-hair-cuts-and-colors/ http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2009/03/learning-the-latest-hair-cuts-and-colors/#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:58:54 +0000 admin http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/?p=48 Recently the stylists at Grassroots devoted their time on Sunday to learn new long hair hair cutting and coloring techniques.  The class was led by Jessica DeLeon, a hairdresser who has been working in the industry for 13 years, the last 10 years working in New York City.  She has worked back stage with Cynthia Rowley, 33 Degrees and for Lane Bryant fashion shows during Fashion Week.  Styled hair for photo shoots for Cosmo, Cookie and Prevention Magazine.

We enjoyed this experience with Jessica and are excited and inspired by learning the new techniques to service your hair needs.

At Grassroots each of us strive to bring you the best in fashion, urban sophistication and to continue to be one of the best keep secrets of highly trained stylists in the Valley.

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]]> http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2009/03/learning-the-latest-hair-cuts-and-colors/feed/ 0 Wahl Haircutting Class http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2009/03/wahl-haircutting-class/ http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2009/03/wahl-haircutting-class/#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:54:36 +0000 admin http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/?p=113 Kelly Hietpas and Sarah Seymour attended a local Wahl Cutting Class in the month of February.  They learned new techniques of angle haircutting and how they can be utilized to compliment your bone structure and minimize a fuller face.  They also learned helpful tips on how to conceal receding hairlines.  They would love to execute these these new techniques.  Call them today!

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]]> http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2009/03/wahl-haircutting-class/feed/ 0 Josie’s Head Bands http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2009/03/josies-head-bands/ http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2009/03/josies-head-bands/#comments Fri, 13 Mar 2009 01:48:12 +0000 admin http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/?p=57 Josephine is the baby sister to two older brothers, has a mom as a hair dresser and has no hair.  This was the inspiration mom needed to start making these headbands.  During the process of making them and during the first four months of Josephine’s life, two of her family members have survived cancer and three are currently battling cancer.  We decided to donate $1 for every headband purchased for cancer research.   We hope when your precious one wears a Josie’s she will bring a smile, a ray of hope, joy and life to those around her.

Thank you for your purchase!

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]]> http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2009/03/josies-head-bands/feed/ 4 Giving of the Green http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2009/03/giving-of-the-green/ http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/2009/03/giving-of-the-green/#comments Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:14:25 +0000 admin http://www.grassrootsasalon.com/?p=44 The team at Grassroots Salon is once again reaching out to help a worthy cause in our community.  For the next month we will be raising money to help support the homeless.  Did you know that many of our local churches and parishes house overnight individuals?  To date there is no permanent facility to accommodate the homeless.  This Winter alone there have been as many as 19 people in need of a warm place to lay their heads at night.  There is a need for items like pillows, blankets, bus tickets and chaperone’s for evenings.

One of our valued clients, Therese Janssen,  with the enlisted help of countless volunteers has made helping the homeless her passion.  She may be soft spoken, and often found behind the scenes, but make no mistake Therese is driven to help those less fortunate.

We are humbled and grateful for the opportunity along with our Grassroots clients to help make a difference.

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