I was thrilled when Marie Rasmussen Frawley and Jeff Frawley volunteered to share their story! To avoid confusion as the couple’s stories intertwine, I’ll be telling Marie’s story using italics and will tell Jeff’s story in “regular” print.
In high school, Marie states, “I loved band! I played trumpet and was in the drum and bugle corps with Capital Sound in Madison the summer before my senior year.
“One of my favorite high school memories was waiting through two days of tryouts for ‘The Leader of the Pack,’ a musical produced during my senior year. I went last during tryouts because I was so nervous. When I started singing, Mr. Aamot stopped playing the piano and said, ‘Why aren’t you in my choir?’ I gained confidence during that time, and best of all, I did make the play and had many solos to sing!”
Born and raised in Menomonie, Jeff spent his childhood casting spinning gear into local waters, unaware of the flyfishing paradise right in his own backyard. After serving two deployments with the 82nd Airborne Infantry Division in Iraq and Afghanistan, Jeff returned home with a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of western Wisconsin.
Since they were both in the same class, I asked Marie if they had started dating in high school. “No, we didn’t. But we had an interest in each other starting at our 5-year class reunion. Three years after the reunion, they reconnected. “Jeff looked just like Ryan Gosling, so I couldn’t resist! (Ha Ha) We’ve now been together for 12.5 amazing years.”
They both have interesting careers, so I asked Marie how she got her start in the beauty business.
“My journey began with a drawing I made when I was seven years old—a vision of my dream salon! Today I’m proud to own two thriving Estilo locations in Eau Claire and Menomonie, where the dream is my daily reality!
“After starting my career in 2004 and managing Estilo, I became its owner when I was 23. A decade later, I expanded, opening a second salon just days after my wedding. My mission has always been to provide every guest with an exceptional experience — and to empower my team to grow into confident, successful professionals. In 2022, I became one of only 30 stylists nationwide chosen as an Aveda Haircut & Style Purefessional. I now educate and mentor stylists across the country, helping them build their skills and passion.”
Marie describes herself as “a wife, a mom, a mentor, and a forever student of my craft. I believe in creating a space where guests feel pampered, heard, and confident — and where stylists are equipped to reach their full potential. When you sit in my chair, I promise the best haircut of your life — one you’ll feel great recreating at home.”
Jeff found his career aspiration during a spontaneous fly fishing road trip with Marie on Colorado’s Frying Pan River. That experience changed everything! From that moment on, Jeff was hooked—literally. What followed was a decade-long, unconventional journey of self-taught fly fishing driven by curiosity, trial and error, and a relentless love for the sport. Jeff is the owner of Red Cedar Fly Fishing—opening soon at 300 Crescent Street in the former Union Phillips 76 building. An Open House is being planned for October.
With experience fishing on three continents, Jeff believes Wisconsin is one of the most unique fly fishing destinations in the world. From bass and musky to trout and panfish, he’s passionate about helping others discover the diversity and richness of Wisconsin’s waters.
Marie proudly shared this about their businesses: “We renovated both of our businesses by ourselves. (Mostly Jeff!) Doing renovations is a passion for both Frawleys. Marie pointed out that “Estilo” means style and that she designed both of her salon buildings and the couple did all the renovations.
“Jeff and I have a daughter Marley who is 6. We love traveling the world together – fishing almost everywhere we go. Marley does pretty much all of life with us. She has been to Poland to visit her 100-year-old great grandma twice, Brazil, Belize, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica. When she grows up, she plans to be a hairstylist/fly fishing guide! A perfect blending of her parents’ professions!” The family has lived on Lake Tainter for 12 years and is heavily involved in the Menomonie and Eau Claire communities.
Jeff served for 6 years on the Downtown Menomonie Board. He’s also served as Vice Chair and representative for DECI (Downtown Eau Claire Inc.), served on the Water Street Bid Board and on The Murals in Menomonie committee. Jeff and Marie are proud to be lifelong Menomonie residents, and we’re so glad they are! The Frawleys encourage you to stop in for a visit!
Estilo:
Address: 303 Main St. E, Menomonie & 438 Water St, Eau Claire; web: estilo-salon.com; email: [email protected]; phone: 715-309-4840
Red Cedar Flyfishing
Address: 300 Crescent St., Menomonie; web: redcedarflyfishing.com; email: [email protected]
