Our Story

The Bombshell Story

Bombshell: Big Name - Big Story!

In 2021, with some long, sleepless nights, Bombshell was about to meet its new owner. She isn't new to the salon, but her story will explain all that!

Meet Jodi Hammeren!! Jodi grew up watching her grandparents work in the industry. Warren Pratt, Jodi's grandfather, owned Esquire Barbershop in Wahpeton, ND. Jodi loved to watch him cut hair, do straight shaves, and style his haircuts. It was amazing to see how someone could transform while sitting on a chair just by getting a haircut and a shave. Florence Pratt, Jodi's grandmother, owned Florence's Beauty Haven in Wahpeton, ND. At age 3, Jodi would run down to the shop and put on her makeup and wait for her grandmother's first customer to arrive. Jodi had a mannequin head she would roll perm rods on and Grandma Florence would show her how to comb out shampoo sets. Every visit was an opportunity to learn more techniques on the mannequin and she would never miss the opportunity to put that bright blue eyeshadow on! Jodi finished high school and moved to Bismarck to attend college and enrolled at RD Hairstyling College from 2004-2005. Jodi moved to Fargo after graduating from RD to apprentice under Sonja Myhre at SJ Hair Studio. The apprenticeship was a 6-month course and Jodi worked very diligently to learn all the techniques and tools of the trade during that time. Jodi then moved back to Bismarck and worked behind the chair for 2.5 years, ending her career at Identity Salon, due to contact dermatitis on her hands. This was a devastating moment in time and deciding on the next career path was very difficult. Jodi enrolled in college and received her Associate of Science degree in Office Management with Medical Emphasis.

She then went on to achieve her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior. During that time, Jodi met the love of her life, Justin Hammeren. Justin and Jodi became parents to a bright-eyed baby boy named Braydon in June of 2010 as well! He kept them on their toes and showed them the real meaning of love. Justin owned his own rental company, Hammeren Rentals LLC, and taught Jodi everything he knew about owning and operating a business, and everything that owning rental properties was about. Together, they grew the company significantly from 2010-2017. Justin and Jodi were always talking about purchasing a salon and always kept their eyes open for locations in the Bismarck/Mandan area, but they knew they would need the right fit for the salon to be successful. Justin knew how much owning a salon meant to Jodi and that it was a lifelong dream, so he never stopped talking about it or looking for the perfect location. He wanted it to be perfect! The next chapter in this story takes a turn that nobody was ready for...

In April 2017, Justin was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Colorectal Cancer. Justin had the fight of his life ahead of him and the prognosis was very bad. He did not receive hopeful news from any oncologist he sought treatment from. They traveled to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN as well as MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. Justin fought heroically and never gave up. He wanted to fight for his family, his friends, and his child. Justin's heroic battle ended on October 28, 2017. The unknown of the future without Justin became a very harsh reality. The future dreams seemed to disappear very instantly.

Jodi took some much-needed time to grieve and spend time with her family in 2019. She then saw an ad for a Front Desk Coordinator position at Bombshell Salon and realized that working in the salon would be a great atmosphere for her to be in. It would bring back all the great memories of the salon life she had while working at Identity Salon. Jodi met Amanda Faass, Bombshell Salon's original owner, while she was in school at RD Hairstyling College, and worked with her at Identity Salon, so surely, she would appreciate her experience behind the front desk at Bombshell Salon! Jodi interviewed for the position and started working the next day! The excitement was so unbelievable!! Back in the salon - just what the doctor ordered!!

The pandemic shut the salon down for 8 weeks and brought many unknown feelings once everything reopened. Jodi, and previous Bombshell Salon owners Amanda and Chad, discussed future plans and if she ever thought about pursuing salon ownership. This moment in time seemed so surreal - surely this was a sign from a special angel above. The dream of owning a salon was becoming a reality. On February 15, 2021, Bombshell Salon was sold to Ride or Dye Beauty, LLC, owned by Jodi Hammeren. This is the story of how the love of her life never gave up on her dreams for her and even though he is not here to physically help her along the way, he has paved the road for her dreams to become her reality. He surely is busy from above making sure this new business adventure is everything she ever wanted and more!

Bombshell welcomes you to experience what our team has to offer! We guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

Cheers to the past experiences and hooray for the new experiences to come!

Jodi Hammeren

Ride or Dye Beaty, LLC