Tia Mowry
Sienna
Overview
Sienna, the owner of the bustling Divine Beauty Salon is preparing for Atlanta’s Tinsel Ball, where she will be honored for her charitable work in the community. The annual event takes a glamourous turn with the arrival of Lawrence, a charismatic CEO whose family’s wine brand is now co-sponsoring the Ball. Sparks fly between them, but Sienna’s mother Georgia who is the head of the Ball’s committee, worries his involvement may ruin the event’s traditions. As Sienna and Lawrence are unexpectedly paired as dance partners, romance blooms, setting the stage for a steamy romance that challenges Sienna’s thoughts on love and family and makes this year’s Tinsel Ball the most memorable yet.
Cast
7 people
Reviews
5 min readHoliday Gloss, Holiday Ghosts
I’ve seen enough holiday rom-coms to know the drill: mistletoe, a meet-cute that involves a spilled latte (or, in this case, a misplaced curling iron), and a third-act epiphany that arrives just in time for the credits to roll. A Very Merry Beauty Salon doesn’t break the mold—it polishes it, buffs it to a high shine, and then wraps it in a bow. That’s not necessarily a bad thing.
But it does make me wonder: when a film leans this hard into formula, does it risk becoming invisible beneath its own tinsel? The story is pure Lifetime holiday confection: Sienna (Tia Mowry), the owner of Divine Beauty Salon in Atlanta, is preparing for the Tinsel Ball, an event that honors her charitable work in the community. Enter Lawrence (RonReaco Lee), a smooth-talking CEO whose family wine brand is co-sponsoring the ball.
Sparks fly, traditions clash, and by the time the ball rolls around, we’re treated to the kind of slow-dance scene that would make Hallmark executives nod in approval. The film’s Atlanta setting—specifically its Black-owned beauty salon and barbershop milieu—adds a layer of cultural specificity that feels intentional, even if the plot itself doesn’t always rise to the occasion.
What A Very Merry Beauty Salon does well is create a sense of place. The salon isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right, buzzing with the kind of communal energy that feels authentic. You can almost smell the hair products and hear the hum of conversation.
The film’s strongest moments come when it lingers in these spaces—when Sienna banters with her staff, or when her mother, Georgia (Donna Biscoe), drops by to remind her that tradition isn’t just about keeping things the same, but about passing them down. These scenes have a warmth that feels earned, even if the script sometimes struggles to build on it. Mowry, who also executive produced the film as part of her three-picture deal with Lifetime, is the anchor here.
She’s got that rare ability to make even the most clichéd lines feel natural, as if she’s just thinking them up on the spot. There’s a moment early in the film where she’s arguing with her mother about the Tinsel Ball, her hands gesturing emphatically, her voice rising just enough to sell the frustration. It’s a small thing, but it’s the kind of detail that makes a character feel real.
Audience Opinions
Audience 6.3/10
"A lighthearted holiday rom-com with charm but leans too heavily on clichés and sentimentality."
The film delivers a festive, feel-good atmosphere with a focus on community and romance, making it a cozy watch for the holiday season. However, its reliance on predictable tropes and overly sweet moments leaves some wanting more depth and originality. latestnetflix.com's view is that the cast’s chemistry, particularly between Tia Mowry and RonReaco Lee, is a standout, but the story struggles to break free from familiar holiday-movie formulas.
What viewers praise
- Festive atmosphere The holiday setting and cheerful tone create a warm, inviting vibe that aligns well with seasonal expectations.
- Strong lead chemistry Tia Mowry and RonReaco Lee’s interactions feel natural and engaging, adding heart to the romantic plot.
- Lighthearted fun The movie’s breezy pace and comedic moments make it an easy, enjoyable watch for casual viewers.
- Supportive ensemble Side characters, like those played by Cocoa Brown and Donna Biscoe, bring humor and warmth to the story.
Common complaints
- Predictable plot The story follows well-worn holiday rom-com tropes, offering few surprises for those familiar with the genre.
- Overly sentimental Some moments feel forced or overly sweet, detracting from the film’s authenticity.
- Thin character arcs Supporting characters lack depth, leaving their roles feeling underdeveloped and one-dimensional.
- Lacks originality The film doesn’t stand out from other holiday romances, making it forgettable for some viewers.
Recommended for
Holiday rom-com fans Tia Mowry enthusiasts Lighthearted movie lovers Festive season watchers Casual viewers seeking comfort
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsBehind the Scenes of A Very Merry Beauty Salon: Tia Mowry and RonReaco Lee Reunite for Holiday Glam
A Very Merry Beauty Salon (2024) is shaping up to be a festive crowd-pleaser, blending holiday cheer with the hustle of Atlanta’s beauty scene. Directed by Bobby Yan, the film stars Tia Mowry as Sienna, the owner of Divine Beauty Salon, who’s gearing up for the city’s glitzy Tinsel Ball—where she’s set to be honored for her charitable work. But when a charismatic CEO, Lawrence (RonReaco Lee), enters the picture, the event takes a glamorous—and possibly romantic—turn 
.
A Reunion for Mowry and Lee
Fans of the early 2000s sitcom Sister, Sister will recognize the chemistry between Mowry and Lee, who played siblings on the show. Their reunion in A Very Merry Beauty Salon marks their first on-screen collaboration in over two decades, adding a nostalgic layer to the holiday rom-com. While neither star has publicly commented on the reunion’s significance, their shared history is sure to fuel buzz .
The supporting cast includes Cocoa Brown (The Upshaws), Donna Biscoe (Greenleaf), and newcomers Arrington Foster and Ashli Auguillard, rounding out the salon’s lively ensemble. The film’s setting—a bustling Atlanta beauty shop—promises a vibrant backdrop for the story’s mix of humor, heart, and holiday magic .
Plot and Production: What We Know
Details about the film’s production are scarce, but snippets from TMDB and IMDb offer a glimpse into its premise. Sienna’s preparations for the Tinsel Ball are upended by Lawrence’s arrival, suggesting a classic rom-com setup with a beauty-industry twist. The film’s tone leans into the glamour of Atlanta’s social scene, with the salon serving as a hub for community and conflict .
Director Bobby Yan, whose previous work includes The Perfect Match (2016), appears to be leaning into the film’s festive aesthetic. While no behind-the-scenes footage or interviews have surfaced, the cast’s social media activity hints at a lighthearted, collaborative set. Mowry, in particular, has been vocal about her love for holiday projects, though she hasn’t shared specifics about this one .
Release and Reception: Still Under Wraps
As of now, A Very Merry Beauty Salon doesn’t have a confirmed release date or streaming platform, though its classification as a TV movie suggests a holiday-season debut. Given the lack of trailers or promotional material, it’s unclear whether the film will follow the Hallmark-style formula or carve out its own niche. Rumors (unconfirmed) suggest it may land on a major streaming service, but nothing has been officially announced .
With its star-studded cast and festive premise, the movie has potential to become a seasonal favorite—especially if it delivers on the charm of its leads. For now, fans will have to wait for more details to emerge.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.