Home › About

About · Formosa Hair Studio

Meet the Studio

A private boutique studio in Erie, PA — personal, unrushed, and built around one client at a time.

  • 20+ years behind the chair
  • Katie & Chelsea
  • One client at a time
Precision women’s haircut being styled at Formosa Hair Studio in Erie, PA

Our Mission

Why Formosa exists

To inspire confidence and beauty through personalized experiences, exceptional service, and a commitment to making every client feel empowered, radiant, and truly their best self.

“Hairdressers are a wonderful breed. You work one-on-one with another human being, and the object is to make them feel so much better and to look at themselves with a twinkle in their eye.”
– Vidal Sassoon

A private studio, not a salon floor. Haircuts, blonding, custom color and curly work for modern women’s hair — personal, unrushed, and built around you.

Healthy hair is the whole point. Every appointment starts with a real consultation: today’s style, plus how to care for it between visits. Eco-conscious professional products protect hair integrity while we get the color where you want it.

You leave knowing why it works. Great hair is a finished look and a routine you can actually keep up at home.

Book Now

The Team

Two stylists, one chair at a time

Formosa is a private studio, so whoever you book, the whole appointment is yours — no double-booking, no handing you off.

Katie Simmons, owner of Formosa Hair Studio, in her studio in Erie, PAKatie in the studio at Formosa Hair Studio, Erie PAKatie, owner of Formosa Hair Studio, hiking on the cliffs

Stylist & Founder

Katie Simmons

Hi, I’m Katie Simmons, founder of Formosa Hair Studio. With over 20 years of experience in the cosmetology industry, my career has been shaped by a love for creativity, connection, and helping people feel confident in their own skin. In the fall of 2024, I brought my vision to life by opening Formosa — a space built around personalized service, thoughtful care, and elevated results.

When I’m not behind the chair, you’ll usually find me binge-watching Netflix, cheering on a good sports game (Go Buckeyes — and yes, still rooting for the Browns), running trails, or spending time with my family, friends, and clients.

I believe great hair should feel effortless, empowering, and completely you — and I can’t wait to help bring your vision to life.

  • 20+ years
  • Ouidad Certified
  • Wella Professional
  • Opened Formosa 2024
Chelsea Oakes, stylist at Formosa Hair Studio in Erie, PAChelsea at a Cleveland Guardians gameChelsea at a car show

Stylist & Trendsetter

Chelsea Oakes

Hi, I’m Chelsea, a stylist at Formosa Hair Studio. I see every client as an individual who is trusting me not only with their hair, but with how they feel when they leave the studio. My approach is rooted in listening first, asking the right questions, and creating a space where clients feel comfortable, understood, and genuinely cared for.

Outside the studio, you’ll usually find me watching baseball (go Cleveland), bowling in a winter league at South Erie–Turner’s, traveling to car shows with my fiancé, or checking out live local music. I’m a cat lover, a classic rock fan, and I’m always ready with a SpongeBob quote when the moment calls for it.

My focus is simple: to provide a relaxed, trustworthy experience where clients feel confident in their choices and supported throughout their hair journey.

  • Cuts & color
  • Blonding
  • Wella Professional
Experience

20+
years behind the chair

Rating

5.0★
from 53 Google reviews

Curls

Ouidad
certified curly cutting

Color

Wella
Professional color

The Duo

The Blonding Specialists

Katie, the Blonding Specialist at Formosa Hair Studio in Erie, PA

Hi, I’m the Blonding Specialist — which basically means I spend my days making strategic life decisions about your highlights.

I believe blonde should look expensive, effortless, and like you “just wake up this way” (even though we both know there was a plan). I pay attention to the little things — where brightness hits, how it frames your face, and how it grows out when real life happens.

If you’re dramatic about your roots, I get it.
If you text me a selfie in bad lighting asking if it’s “too warm,” I also get it.

My goal? For you to leave feeling brighter, lighter, and just slightly more unstoppable than when you walked in.

Because sometimes the right blonde doesn’t just change your hair.
It changes your mood.

Read more on our “Confessions of a Blonde Perfectionist”

Relaxing shampoo and scalp treatment at Formosa Hair Studio
Formosa Hair Studio · Erie, PA

A private boutique studio — personal, unrushed, and built around one client at a time.

Off the Clock

The people behind the chair

Trail runs, ball games, car shows and the odd glass of wine. You get the whole person, not just the stylist.

Katie out hiking on the coast
Katie out hiking on the coast
Katie away from the studio
Katie away from the studio
Chelsea getting ready in the studio
Chelsea getting ready in the studio
Chelsea at a ball game
Chelsea at a ball game
Chelsea at a local car show
Chelsea at a local car show

Ready when you are

Come see the studio for yourself.

Book online, or text 814-873-9434
Katie and Chelsea will help you pick the right first appointment.