40 UNDER 40: Kacie Owens

Kacie Owens grew up surrounded by strong women in the beauty industry.

“Watching my mom and sister build their careers showed me the value of hard work, creativity and client relationships from an early age,” she said. 

The women in Owens’ life inspired her to follow in their footsteps. 

At 18 years old, she left college to pursue a business opportunity and owned and operated a local tanning and wellness salon. At 20, she went to cosmetology school. By the age of 22, she sold her first business to focus fully on building her career behind the chair. 

Owens opened her dream salon in 2025, Rae & Co. Salon in Post Falls. 

“My education gave me foundational business and technical skills, but real-world experience has shaped me the most,” she said. “Growing up around strong women in the beauty industry and owning a business at a young age taught me leadership, financial responsibility and the importance of community.” 

Owens said she sees herself starting a family over the next five to 10 years while continuing to grow and refine her salon. She’s open to expanding into additional locations in the future. 

“My focus will be on strengthening our team, creating opportunities for them to grow professionally and financially, and building a strong, sustainable culture,” she said. 

She said she’d like to tell her younger self to stop hesitating and just follow her dreams. 

“Don’t let fear or ‘what ifs’ hold you back from opportunities,” Owens said. “If something presents itself, trust that it’s there for a reason. You’ll grow, adapt, and figure it out along the way. Trust your instincts, take the risk, and believe that it will work out.”