I recently became a client of a new local salon and quickly discovered the vibe and experience were quite different than others I’d been to. Nestled in the corner spot of the Riverview shopping center at Friant and Fort Washington , The Gallery isn’t your typical salon; it’s both upscale, aesthetic, and modern, yet offers a completely family-like atmosphere where clients and stylists alike can feel at home and welcome. I spoke with Owner Ray Royce, who opened the salon last month, to learn about the story behind the creation of The Gallery and how he created such a luxe yet friendly hair salon. Ray Royce seated in his new NE Fresno salon The Gallery Ray explained that he envisioned a place where every guest not only leaves looking fabulous but feels part of something special and can truly enjoy their time spent in their stylist’s chair. As we chatted, Ray’s passion for creating a close-knit, supportive environment that prioritizes both high-quality artistry and a genuine community vibe came through in every answer. Ray’s journey into the beauty industry is a story of unexpected beginnings and inspiration. Originally, he didn’t see himself as a stylist, lacking the confidence to take that step. But a move to Los Angeles changed everything. “I ended up working at the front desk of a salon, almost out of desperation,” he laughs. But this humble start opened his eyes to the endless possibilities within the field. Watching skilled stylists work their magic, including on celebrity clients, witnessing the wide range of services, and seeing the profound impact a good stylist could have on a client’s confidence and happiness—it all planted a seed. The salon is both functional and beautiful so you can enjoy your service experience As he became more immersed in the industry, Ray found himself drawn to the creative energy and the depth of connection that could exist between stylists and clients. He realized he didn’t just want to be part of this world; he wanted to create a space that fostered it—a salon where stylists weren’t just coworkers but friends, where clients felt like family, and where everyone could truly feel at home, yet still enjoy an upscale environment and top-quality service. This vision eventually blossomed into The Gallery. A Salon That’s Close-Knit, Classy, and Collaborative One thing Ray emphasized was the genuine bond between the stylists at The Gallery. “Everyone here is friends, no egos. We’re all here to help each other succeed,” he said. In an industry that can sometimes lean competitive, Ray’s team stands out for their mutual support, frequently consulting one another, sharing insights, and celebrating each other’s successes. This supportive dynamic extends to clients, who can expect friendly banter, shared stories, and a welcoming smile from every stylist in the room, including Ray who goes from chair to chair greeting each client. Ray designed the interior to be luxe yet not detract for the art of the styles being created “The Gallery is classy, but there’s no pretentiousness here,” Ray noted. The beautiful aesthetic and thoughtful minimalist decor (all hand selected by Ray) complement the artistry happening in each chair, without overpowering it. The name, The Gallery, captures the salon’s essence as a place where hair is showcased as art, a theme that runs through every design detail. As Ray explains, “I really liked the word studio, but it felt overused in the salon industry, and then I came upon the word Gallery which felt perfect because hair is our art, and a gallery is where you display beautiful art.” Artful Transformations and the Beauty of “Pretty Hair” With years of experience and a deep love for the craft, Ray has developed a particular fondness for what he calls “pretty, lived-in color” styles. “I love making people feel beautiful,” he said. Specializing in feminine styles that add a touch of elegance to each client’s look, Ray is all about creating soft, natural, and stunning color transformations that stand the test of time. For Ray, every day in the salon is memorable. “I don’t come to just clock into a job; I come to spend time with friends and hear about their lives, I get to celebrate their milestones with them” he told me. A High-End Product Line You Won’t Find Anywhere Else in Fresno The Gallery stands out not just for its talented stylists and community atmosphere, but also for the exclusive, top-tier products they use. After careful research, Ray chose Milbon, a Japanese haircare line that’s hard to find outside Beverly Hills, and not carried in any other Fresno-area salon. Ray loved that Milbon (which is a Japanese product line) offers highly customizable solutions for every hair type. Whereas many product lines will offer a smoothing or volumizing product line, Milbon offers a smoothing line for fine hair, a smoothing line for course hair, and so on so that every hair type. By carrying a product line this specific, The Gallery ensures clients get customized treatments that truly address their individual hair needs. The Future of The Gallery: Classes, Merch, and More As for the future, Ray has big plans to make The Gallery a hub of learning and creativity. With a grand opening event planned for January and new merchandise on the way, The Gallery is gearing up to become even more of a community staple. Ray also hopes to give back to the Valley’s stylist community by hosting training sessions and skill-building classes throughout 2025, creating a ripple effect of creativity and inspiration in Fresno’s beauty scene. In a world where salons can sometimes feel transactional, The Gallery offers something refreshing: a space where clients feel like family, stylists cheer each other on, and everyone leaves with not only beautiful hair but an uplifted spirit. If you’re looking for a great new salon and The Gallery sounds like a perfect fit for you, check out their stylists’ work on Instagram and reach out directly via DM to book.