Thomas Ciarniello opened the first salon/spa in 1994 in Canfield, Ohio. In the spirit of Horst Rechelbacher, the founder of AVEDA, Thom was committed to the connection between wellness and beauty. His goal was to create an atmosphere where clients could unwind from the stresses of the outside world, find their style, and take home products both natural and essential to maintaining hair and skin health. Above all, the salon/spa would provide the highest level of service to the clients, develop a professional and inspired staff, and be an asset to the community. He made value-added services, such as a complimentary mini massage, a complimentary mini facial, and a complimentary makeup touch–up; part of his commitment to make Casal’s an above and beyond experience for the client.

The Canfield salon/spa thrived, proving too much of a good thing is wonderful. Energized, Thomas and his team opened additional locations in Howland, Ohio (2005) and Arlington, Virginia (2012). The importance of education is essential to the Aveda mission; therefore, salons are closed Monday mornings for staff education. These education classes afford staff the opportunity to hone their talent and expertise. In an effort to educate future professionals in the philosophy of Aveda, Thomas started two Aveda Institutes: Austintown, Ohio (2004) and Las Vegas, Nevada (2006). In recent years Thomas has semi-retired, selling the Institutes to friends who continue the Aveda mission. Thomas, his partner, William McCauley, and his son, Paul Ciarniello, and valued staff and administrators continue in their commitment to excellence. Casal’s continues to thrive because of the loyalty of both staff and clients.