Cierra Murphy
Owner
Brookings & Watertown
Hey there, thanks for stopping by. My name is Cierra and I am the owner of Blu Salon + Spa. I have three wildly adorable littles and a fabulous husband that mean the world to me. I have a degree from South Dakota State University (yes, I #bleedblue) in Sociology with an emphasis in Human Resources and minor in Communication Studies along with a Cosmetology license from Stewarts School in Sioux Falls. With the combination of these degrees and the love for my family I have created Blu Salon + Spa to really be both a great family orientated place to work (with flexibility to keep family life at the forefront) and a great place to come and feel pampered with your mom, dad, or even sister! The reason I created this space is to bring a relaxing getaway right here to our community. Brookings + Watertown and surrounding communities all deserve a place to go to get the pampering you deserve with the customer care you deserve! We all need a time to give ourselves some love and find our own true beauty. We got our name from the idea that true beauty lies underneath (see what we did there?). And maybe I’m just a little biased to the Jacks. Blu is a welcoming, warm place with professional staff to greet you at the door with a smile and cup of joe. We want you to feel like you’re always welcome and a part of the Blu family! If you are looking for a facial, full spa day, or just a trim, our doors are open to you! Come be pampered with us at Blu.
Chellsy
Manager
Brookings & Watertown
Chellsy comes to us from working several years at Brookings Vision Center, which we just love! She is the one who keeps everything in line! Chellsy does so much for blu we wouldn't even be able to list them in this paragraph. She replies to our emails, does most customer service relations, and keeps Cierra in check. While Chellsy is not at Blu, you can find her cheering on her daughter in volleyball or with her son at Tae kwan Do. She enjoys going to different locations for a good nature climb or walk with her main dude, Dustin! We cannot appreciate all that Chellsy does for us any more than we do. She is terrific and helps blu in more ways than we could list.
Michaela
Stylist
Brookings
Michaela is a stylist who loves helping people feel beautiful. She specializes in blondes and loves to get creative with colors, highlights, and balayage. Michaela also does a mean blunt cut, so if that’s your thing; she’s your girl. Michaela and her husband have 3 adorable kids who are full of life and energy and live in Brookings. Michaela graduated from Stewart School with a Cosmetology license in 2016. When she’s not working, Michaela is definitely with her family… and maybe watching HGTV.
Kelsey
Stylist
Brookings
Kelsey is a stylist at Blu. She loves to provide Haircuts for the whole family! She also loves a beautiful formal updo. She really loves big changes and helping clients try something new! Lately Kelsey has been focusing on Hand Tied Weft Extensions. We like to think she’s one of the best around! Kelsey takes great pride in making her clients feel loved from the moment they walk in the door to the second they leave. Kelsey attended Stewart’s School of Cosmetology and has worked in Brookings for the last 7 years. Kelsey enjoys spending time with her husband and family and watching some Augie basketball (we’ll let that one slide only because we just love her dad, Coach B)!
Korissa
Stylist
Brookings
Korissa loves to provide men’s haircuts and all things nails. Korissa has become one of the top mens’ stylists in this area and we couldn’t be more proud. She also does a wonderful pedicure if you're in need of some cute toes! Korissa was born and raised in Brookings. Korissa attended Lake Area Tech for Cosmetology and graduated in 2018. Upon returning home, Korissa worked in town for a couple of years until finding her home with us at Blu! When she’s not at Blu, Korissa is a social butterfly and also loves to run with her dog, Gracie.
Courtney
Stylist
Brookings
Courtney grew up on a farm outside of Balaton, Minnesota. She attended Stewart School in Sioux Falls and graduated in 2019. Courtney has grown into a fantastic stylist who is LOVING the colors. Getting the fun fall effects and blending is her passion. Courtney’s focuses at Blu are balayage, highlights, colors, and cuts!. Courtney now lives in Brookings with her husband, Levi. Levi and Courtney love having sauna sessions at Blu as some time to relax, recoup and rejuvenate. *if that’s not your hint to take a break with your spouse in the sauna, I don’t know what is?! Courtney loves making people feel great about themselves and truly cares about each and every single client that sits in her chair!
McKenzie
Stylist
Brookings
McKenzie is originally from Volga, South Dakota, but graduated from Josef’s School of Hair Design in 2015. She worked behind the chair in Fargo for 5 years following graduation before moving back to Volga in 2020. McKenzie lives in Volga with her husband and daughter Stevie, who might just be the salon’s favorite 1 year old! McKenzie’s main focuses at Blu are balayage,blondes, womens haircuts, curly hair, and updos. McKenzie can also do some fancy nails! Mckenzie’s passion is hair and she loves making people feel great about themselves.
Adrienne
Stylist
Brookings
Adrienne is originally from Hendricks, Minnesota, but attended Lake Area Tech in Watertown and graduated in 2019. Adrienne now lives in Brookings with her boyfriend and two dogs. She loves meeting people and making them feel comfortable in her chair! She’s very knowledgeable and great at explaining things to clients! Adrienne’s focus at Blu is blonding, balayage, extensions, fashion colors, and facials.
Stephanie
Stylist/Blu Body Crew
Brookings & Watertown
Stephanie is a Brookings native! BORN AND RAISED! Stephanie is a hairstylist that focuses on all types of cuts! She has in the last year really focused on body wraps and all the relaxing spa services, and let me tell you if you enjoy a massage – you must do a body scrub or even wrap with this girl! HEAVEN! Stephanie enjoys riding motorcycle, camping, going to concerts and time with her fiancé! And as you may see a pattern here she also loves time with her pets – a dog + cat!
Nikki
Stylist
Brookings
Nikki is originally from Rock Rapids, IA. She attended the Aveda Institute for Cosmetology, and worked at Rustic Retreat in Rock Rapids after graduation. Nikki loves all things BLONDES!!! She also enjoys working out, photography, and fashion. She fits right in with the crew at Blu because her biggest weakness is animals! Nikki has really become a part of the team and is rocking out some major fashion hair – we are loving it!
Erin
Stylist
Brookings
Erin is a Stewart School graduate that came to us from Rainn Salon and Spa in Sioux Falls. Erin enjoys all things hair and nails. Erin has recently found herself absolutely in LOVE with nails and doing some major fantastic gel nails with designs! If you don’t have her insta page! You may want to search, like now! Erin is just one of those people who you can always see smiling and giving off the best vibe!
Hailie
Stylist/Blu Body Crew
Watertown
Hailie is a Lake Area graduate, who has been a stylist for 6 years. She was born in Minnesota, but has been in SD for about 14 years. Hailie specializes in cuts, waxing, pedicures and manicures! She loves her cat Lilo, traveling, and learning new things. She is just a gem to be around!!
Shelby
Stylist
Watertown
Meet Shelby… In her free time, Shelby enjoys yoga, walks outside, walking barefoot, adventuring with friends, Magic the Gathering, spending time with her boyfriend and family, painting, and alllllllll the snacks. After six previous years in the industry, she is so excited to be offering services locally in Watertown with Blu Salon and Spa and look forward to meeting each and every client that comes through our doors!
Shelon
Stylist
Brookings
Shelon is a native Brookings stylist that strives to deliver high-quality services to help her client’s look and feel their best! She graduated from Black Hills Beauty College in 2013 and is specializing in spa services and lash extensions! She also does some great hair services! Shelon has been known in the wedding industry for six years for her hair and makeup skills; now, expanding those skills into Blu! Shelon has three rambunctious kids and an amazing, supporting husband behind her drive and passion. In her free time (what’s that?!), she enjoys spending time with her family (especially in the mountains)!
Claire
Stylist
Watertown
Hello! Claire is so excited to meet all of you. She is from Hayti, SD and attended LATC for cosmetology! Claire’s specialty is all things nail services and facials. She can’t wait to see you in the salon soon!
Karli
Stylist
Watertown
Karli was born + raised on a small farm in Miller, SD. She recently graduated cosmetology school from Lake Area! She loves all things hair, especially colors and blonding! Karli has been with Blu as a CSS since we opened in October. When she isn’t at Blu, Karli enjoys working out, all things health + wellness, reading a good book, & being at the lake with friends!
Mariah
Stylist
Watertown & Brookings
Mariah begins as a stylist here in July! She joined us as a CSS in January! Mariah was born + raised in Brookings and is excited to go from behind the desk to behind the chair! Mariah loves blonding and lashes (and coffee of course)! Mariah is extremely excited to make some fantastic relationships with clients and of course, friends!
Michaela
Stylist
Brookings
Michaela grew up in Arlington, SD and is a little bit native to the Brookings area! She attended SDSU out of highschool then later moved to Sioux Falls. After moving back to Arlington, Michaela was hired to work at Blu as a CSS where she was able to discover a love for this industry! We sure missed her being with us every day, but she has now graduated from Lake Area Tech with her license in cosmetology and will be back with us full time! When not at school or working, Michaela loves spending time with her dogs, her friends, and after starting at Blu she has also found a new love for coffee! No surprise! She is killing the nail game and cannot wait to grow as a stylist and learn from the rest of the staff at blu! We can’t wait to see all you do!
Kylie
Stylist
Brookings & Watertown
Kylie was born & raised in Volga, SD. She recently graduated from Lake Area where she received her Cosmetology License. Kylie loves skin, waxing, and all things hair! When she is not working, she enjoys time with her puppy, Mac, and time at the lake with family + friends. Shopping and making others feel happy are her absolute favorite !
Kylee
Cosmetologist
Watertown
Kylee grew up in a small town called Appleton, MN. She graduated from the salon professional academy in 2018. She then decided to continue her career behind the chair in Fargo. Her favorite services to provide are cuts and coloring blondes. When She’s not working you’ll find me back home spending time with friends and family or golfing.
Grace
Esthetician
Brookings & Watertown
Grace is a licensed esthetician and our go-to gal for all things facials, eyebrows, makeup, and waxing! In the last year Grace has really focused on results based skincare. She is transitioning into more MediSpa practices and we are so excited to showcase her talent even more! Grace went to school at Black Hills Beauty College in Rapid City. Her passion and love for makeup led her to her profession! Grace likes to dive into a good book or take a hike with friends when she’s not performing the services we love (and need!) She may also have a love for all things T. Swift!
Allison
Microblading Specialist
Watertown
Allison was originally from Kerkhoven, MN area, but relocated to Watertown about 7 years ago. She is a lifelong lover of painting and anything involving creating beauty. She is the mother to 4 beautiful children who love growing up in Watertown, the wife of a hardworking welder, and just a gal who enjoys being social. Allison has been doing Microblading for 4 years and it's been one of the best experiences of her life meeting SO many women and putting a pep in their step!
Bre
Massage Therapist
Brookings
Breanna (Bre) is a native to Brookings, but attended massage therapy school at Omaha School of Massage and Healthcare and graduated in 2015. Bre has two of the sweetest girls, and owns her own massage practice in Badger, SD (which she loves). This means that Bre is only at Blu one day a week, but we’re so grateful for those days! Bre brings with her a wealth of knowledge in massage, Young Living oils, and so much more! She loves making a difference in people’s lives and helps them feel their best! When she’s off the clock, Bre enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters, taking care of their animals together, raising and showing sheep with her family, and ice skating. *Bre is also Cierra’s sister-in-law! – “I’m the luckiest to have the sweetest sister-in-law there ever was” Cierra says often!
Jenna
RN
Brookings
Jenna comes to Blu as a very compassionate and fun RN. She is extremely easy to talk to and she knows her tox! Jenna is one of our fantastic injectors here at blu. She upholds the integrity we have created and she does some amazing neurotoxin and filler work. Jenna is a mom of an adorable little lady and another babe on the way. Kevin and Jenna live with their kiddos and love to keep life fun! Come see Jenna in Brookings for your MedSpa needs!
Braxton
Microblading + Personalized Spray Tan Specialist
Brookings
Braxton was our main girl at Blu Brookings front desk, but has now transitioned into one of our microblading specialists and spray tan specialist. Braxton was taught by Emma Harm, of Emma Harm Ink in her Microblading skills. She has also become well known in doing custom airbrush spray tans! She has done spray tans for the beautiful Shania Knutson, Miss South Dakota for several events. We can't wait to see her evolve even more into her new role at Blu. Braxton is from Arlington, she graduated from South Dakota State University (GO JACKS!) with a degree in Exercise Science. She is in the best shape and makes sure we all drink our water 😉 especially after all of the coffee we drink! Braxton has started to do physical training for ArcFit in Brookings as well. We are so lucky to have Braxton.
