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From Small-Town Dreamer to Dual-Creative Force: The Story of David O’Shell
Lancaster, PA —Growing up in the small town of York, Pennsylvania, David O’Shell always dreamed of bright lights and big stages. Inspired by the timeless charm of I Love Lucy, which he watched on repeat with his grandmother, O’Shell shared Lucy Ricardo’s same spark an endless desire to entertain, create, and shine.
As a child, O’Shell performed in countless school plays and talent shows, even auditioning for American Idol and The Voice. But after high school, a dose of parental practicality when his dad said, “Let’s be realistic” led him to pursue what he called his “backup plan”: a career in beauty. That backup plan, however, would soon open doors he never imagined.
After training at the Paul Mitchell School in Downingtown, PA, David discovered a natural gift for hair artistry. Following his 2011 graduation, he honed his craft in local salons including Salon Blu (York, PA) and Envy Studio (Lancaster, PA). His talent and precision led him to become an educator for prestigious brands such as ColorProof and Alfaparf Milano, training stylists across the region.
In 2017, David opened his first salon and by 2020, he expanded to a larger, signature space: The David O’Shell Studio, located on Lancaster’s charming 300 Block of North Queen Street. His vision was clear: to blend nostalgia and modernity in a space “Lucy herself would love to be pampered in.”
The studio’s motto, “Where Classic Meets Current,” captures its essence a timeless, art deco-inspired atmosphere paired with cutting-edge techniques and fashion-forward trends. “I wanted to create a space that feels like a beautiful escape,” says O’Shell, “where Classic music like Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra fill the air, and vintage glamour meets Current artistry.”
At The David O’Shell Studio, David leads a highly talented team all of whom began as his assistants before growing into skilled stylists in their own right. Each brings a unique creative touch, offering clients exceptional artistry and personalized service.
When not at his Lancaster studio, David divides his time between New York City and Los Angeles. In 2021, he was named a top three finalist for “Colorist of the Year” in a national competition hosted by Alfaparf Milano an honor that opened professional doors in both cities. In New York, he’s spent the past three years styling at renowned salons such as Hair Throne and Warren Tricomi, contributing to major events like Broadway Bares, Broadway Backwards, and multiple Fashion Week shows. Most recently, he has worked alongside iconic celebrity hairstylist Sally Hershberger, a legend in the beauty industry.
Still, the dreamer in him never faded. Outside of the salon, O’Shell continues to pursue his first love music. His debut singles, “Too Soon to Be True” and “Say,” are now streaming on all major platforms, accompanied by a cinematic music video on YouTube.
“My ‘backup plan’ gave me everything I needed to chase my true dream,” O’Shell reflects. “It allowed me to build something beautiful, connect with incredible people, and finally step back into the bright lights I always imagined as a kid.”
To celebrate this milestone, The David O’Shell Studio will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Saturday, December 13th at 5:00 PM, in honor of the studio’s five-year anniversary, followed by the annual Christmas Party. Guests are invited to join in the celebration, meet the team, and enjoy an evening of community, gratitude, and holiday cheer.
In the spirit of giving, the studio is also hosting a Holiday Gift Drive to support the moms and children of the Clare House Foundation. A wish list of needed items is available on the studio’s social media pages for anyone who would like to contribute.
From a small town in Pennsylvania to the heart of New York City and now back home celebrating five incredible years David O’Shell is living proof that sometimes your “backup plan” can lead you straight to your destiny.
As O’Shell puts it best: “I’m just getting started. Stay tuned!”
Follow David O’Shell:
Instagram | @thedavidoshellstudio
YouTube | David O’Shell
Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, and all streaming platforms
Location: The David O’Shell Studio, 323 N Queen St, Lancaster, PA
https://www.thedavidoshellstudio.com/
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