At the age of 14, Fall City resident Sarah Kieffer was told she had a knack for cutting hair.

Hair design was only her hobby then, but years later, after a taste of college life, she realized her passion could also be a career.

“When I was younger, I had really thick hair. We could only afford one haircut every six months,” Kieffer said. “I would snip on it. My hair dresser said I had a skill and he kind of persuaded and guided me on this journey.”

After taking hair design classes in Seattle and working a booth gig in Bellevue, Kieffer opened Studio 202 in Fall City five years ago. All told, she’s been cutting hair for 17 years.

Originally located in a quaint building on the Preston-Fall City Road next to the Valero Gas Station, Kieffer decided to spread her wings and move to a more spacious building across the street at 4219 Preston-Fall City Rd. S.E. Her business is more visible, and Kieffer can now give clients more privacy with the various nooks and rooms the new building offers.

“It was very hard to leave that location. I could’ve stayed there my whole life,” Kieffer said. “But life is about progression and in this business, it’s really good not to become complacent even if it hurts. You have to do things to stretch and this was me stretching.”

Even with the challenging slope of the economy, Kieffer has found Fall City to be supportive and a unique hub between Redmond, Snoqualmie, Carnation and Interstate 90, where many of her clients hail from and send business her way. Her farthest client travels from New York.

“Our community has supported us since day one,” she said. “It’s so unique that they can get the Seattle/Bellevue experience without going there.”

With a philosophy for creating styles and looks “that enhance what you’ve got,” Kieffer’s team of hair stylists is like a family to her. While many salons have stylists who promote themselves and do business with clients individually, Kieffer said Studio 202 is a team salon experience. Taking classes and attending seminars and general trade shows, the stylists are constantly educating themselves.

“We’re all on the same page and share ideas. It’s a big think tank,” Kieffer said. “If you love your look and I’m gone on vacation, you can get that same look from someone else here.”

Offering hair cuts, styling and soon, natural nail manicures, Studio 202 also gives back to the community that has supported it through the years.

“We are wanting to become more involved,” Kieffer said. “We do a lot of work with local organizations, different Little Leagues and we’re constantly donating haircut services to the community.”

What satisfies Kieffer the most about her passion for hair styling is making her clients happy.

“When somebody’s had a bad day and is unhappy, it’s so fulfilling to turn it around, have them walk out of here going ‘I feel better.’”

• Call Studio 202 at (425) 222-4102.