The Talent Behind The Chair
Yasmine Kitanovski
OWNER & PLATFORM ARTIST
Yasmine Kitanovski is the founder of YRK Chicago and recognized throughout the beauty industry as a highly skilled hair artist. Her craft is a skillset that is without equal. She is deeply invested in an innovative and creative thinking behind haircutting, coloring, extensions and product knowledge.
With over 20 years of experience as a successful hair stylist and industry educator, Yasmine has worked in Chicago’s most acclaimed hair salons and nationwide with luxury brands.
Named in Allure “Best Of” hair stylists, Yasmine has been featured in Chicago, Time Out Chicago, Michigan Avenue, Chicago Social and Chicago Social Bride.
Yasmine began her career as a hairstylist with Mario Tricoci and became an educator to new hair artists, contributing to the company’s growth. She is the former director of hairstylists at Anthony Cristiano Salon, where she developed new and existing talent.
Upon becoming a working mother dedicated to both her family and career, Yasmine continued to develop her loyal following as an independent hair artist at Paul Rehder Salon and in her own studio.
With industry knowledge and the commitment to excellence, Yasmine is reimagining beauty in Chicago with the creation of YRK Chicago. A space of luxury and comfort that meets all your hair needs.
Fantashia Hauss
HAIR ARTIST
Growing up in a small Midwest town of Ohio, Fantashia always knew that she had this creative, spark and boldness about herself and wanted more! She loved everything about the industry, decided she wanted to become a hairdresser and moved to Chicago. Fantashia started her career at one of the leading salons in Chicago, Marianne Strokirk. Here is where she built a foundation for her career. She worked here for 12 years and received exceptional education. She has been featured in Chicago Magazine as “Chicago best Hairstylist of the year.” Wanting more exposure into fashion shows, photo shoots, and celebrity work- Fantashia moved to Studio 110, another leading salon in the heart of the Gold Coast of Chicago. During this time, she was able to expand her growth and really explore all that the industry had to offer. She was able to attend and work on hair at New York Fashion Week and Miami Fashion Week. And also had the privilege of working on print work for different magazines. She really wanted to expand her horizons of the industry in diff parts of the world and travel globally to see all of what the industry offered. She attended Vidal Sassoon and Davines education classes in London. She has also shadowed for a day at top salon Paris and then in Tokyo.
Wanting to find more independence, she then went to work at Paul Rehder Salon. At this point in her career, she had really expanded her celebrity work, having the opportunity to work with amazing celebrities, such as Sarah Michelle Gellar (her favorite!), Madeline Stowe, Jenny Mollen, women from Nobel peace prize authors to band groups and even a few playboy bunnies. She have been featured in Dynamic Women 2021 for CS Magazine, and also published in Forbes. She loves that this industry has brought her to so many places. As she found herself being independent, she also had more desire to be around more like-minded artists that shared the same desire to grow and evolve- not only professionally, but personally. She has now found herself at YRK Chicago Salon, where she feels at home and can be who she wants to be, where she wants to go and how she wants to get there with the support of other women!
RHEA YBARRA
HAIR ARTIST
In the early days of my career, fueled by an insatiable creative drive, I eagerly embraced every opportunity within the beauty industry, diving in without much guidance. Shortly after obtaining my state license, I found myself on a tour bus, cutting hair for an up-and-coming band. To my astonishment, that same week, they performed on late-night TV, showcasing my work on a national broadcast. Witnessing my artistry on such a platform sparked a mission within me: "I'm going to do it like I'm doing it on TV." This set the stage for packing up my tools once more when one of my favorite bands visited town, leading to a series of backstage haircuts for the lead singer and marking the beginning of a two decade-long journey.
I'm thrilled that every path I've taken has brought me to YRK salon. Finally, I have the environment, opportunity, and a supportive team that enables me to provide my clients with the exceptional experience they genuinely deserve.
RICHARD SETTLEMIRE
COLOR ARTIST
Growing up in rural Ohio, Richard knew at a very young age he was destined to live in a large city. He started his career at Charles Ifergan Salon on Oak Street in Chicago. Seeking other opportunities, he decided to progress his career at Felipe Salon in Oakbrook. Here is where he ascended to "Director of Color" and continued on this path for many years. Wanting to explore more, he took his career and life and moved to Europe for 2.5 years. while living in Greece and Germany, he became a Haircolor Platform Artist and Educator for Wella. He elevated his career through contributions to German magazines and a range of other publications. Richard felt his experience was fulfilled and decided to come back. With his passion for high fashion, he opened a retail boutique on Oak Street, carrying the highest designers such as Valentino, Dolce Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli, and Ferragamo, to name a few. He owned his boutique for many years as he continued excelling in his craft at Felipe Salon. Always knowing that city life is where his heart was, he stumbled upon YRK Chicago Salon, truly by accident. He was not looking for a change but knew his heart lived in that large city life, YRK took him by surprise. The detail he saw, emulated the detail that was of him. His attention to detail in his artistry of Hair Color would compliment himself and his work. Working his way back to life in the city only fuels his passion for his career as he creates his new path. “Working at YRK Chicago Salon not only allows me to continue my specialty in natural hair color but also to continue to take my career to the highest level.”
VIVIANA HERNANDEZ
HAIR ARTIST
Viviana, an aspiring hair artist in the industry, began her career at Zano Salon in downtown Naperville and included experience at a local salon in River North. She has enhanced her skills through Redken education and mentorship under Daniel Manson, along with studying Bellami Hair Extensions. Viviana holds certifications in Brazilian Blowout, Magic Sleek, and Keratin Complex, and she previously served as a care coach for Kerastase. Viviana is actively building her clientele through engaging content, staying current with the latest hair trends while documenting her professional journey online. Her vibrant presence on social media showcases her latest work and serves as a platform for continuous learning and improvement.
Her passion for expanding her hair knowledge is boundless; she is currently pursuing certification in IBE extension methods. Specializing in color, she is dedicated to helping clients achieve their hair goals while maintaining optimal hair health. Viviana loves transforming her clients’ looks, finishing off with stunning colors and her exceptional updos or haircuts. Education is a key priority for her—she aims not only to make her clients look beautiful but also to empower them with practical tips and techniques for maintaining their styles.
Beyond hair, Viviana enjoys reading and watching movies, with a particular fondness for romance and mystery novels. She embraces wellness as a holistic practice, incorporating skincare, makeup, and enjoys working out. Viviana prioritizes activities that nourish her body and soul. Her creative side flourishes through painting and pottery, often inspired by her visits to vintage shops and her travels. She approaches life with an adventurous spirit and a willingness to explore new things.
ALEXIA CAMACHO
EMERGING HAIR ARTIST
Alexia Camacho is a talented and passionate hair artist making waves at our salon as a fresh, rising artist offering haircutting, color, and extension services. Inspired by her mother’s love for fashion and beauty, Alexia found her calling behind the chair, creating stunning looks that bring confidence and joy to her clients. She specializes in color and loves to execute a flawless balayage but her favorite part of doing hair is simply making her clients smile, and go home feeling and looking beautiful. Always eager to grow, Alexia is currently expanding her skillset in extensions, she is already certified in various methods and will continue by adding Invisible Bead Extensions Method (IBE) to her portfolio. She is also inspired by travel personally and professionally, she enjoys and hopes to continue to bring a global perspective to her work, drawing creativity from travel and different cultures. She recently traveled to London to further her haircutting education and refine her craft with a full week of training under Hair Artist Cristian Balan.
Outside the salon, Alexia has a vibrant and active lifestyle. She grew up dancing, and she still enjoys movement through pilates and running. And of course her love for travel and adventure. Alexia’s drive, creativity, and warm spirit make her a standout not only as a person, but as a person.
ERIN KENNICK
HAIR ARTIST ASSISTANT
Erin is a rising talent at YRK Chicago salon, known for her fresh energy, precision, and creative approach to hairstyling. Specializing in cutting, color, and styling, she brings a personalized and thoughtful touch to every client she works with. Erin’s goal is not only to create beautiful, wearable looks—but to ensure her clients feel confident, empowered, and educated about their hair.
A passionate learner, Erin is committed to staying on top of the latest trends and techniques through ongoing education and industry events. Her drive to grow and evolve allows her to deliver modern, customized results while keeping hair health at the forefront. Whether you’re making a bold change or maintaining a signature style, Erin ensures you leave the salon feeling your absolute best.
Her background in dance plays a key role in her creative process, inspiring a sense of movement, balance, and flow in the styles she creates. This unique perspective adds dimension and grace to her work, setting her apart as an artist behind the chair.
When she’s not in the salon, Erin enjoys relaxing with her beloved fur babies, attending live music events, and spending time outdoors. A lover of travel and new experiences, she finds inspiration in exploring new cities and cultures—always bringing fresh ideas back to her craft.
Above all, Erin values connection—with her clients, her craft, and the community around her. She believes that great hair starts with trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for what’s possible.