When did you know you wanted to do hair? 

I went to college for English and dropped out, and then went back for fine art and dropped out again.

I got a job as a receptionist in a busy and cool hair salon and that changed everything. I loved the creative and fun environment and decided to go to beauty school as a means to have a career while I finished my degree.

Pretty quickly I realized that I loved being in a salon so much that it didn't make sense for me to do anything else!

What is your favorite service to provide?

I love haircutting and especially pixie cuts. I love the sculptural element of it, customizing a haircut to its wearer's facial structure and personal style.

Very specifically, I love shaping a person's back hairline because everyone's is unique and it's such a cool way to detail and customize!

What service are you technically the best at?

I think I'm best at haircuts because I try very hard not to proceed until I know exactly what my client wants and we're on the same page. Consultations are crucial!

What service do you wish you could do more of?

I love doing color and the way it's so customizable. I do a lot of color and want to do more! On the flip side, I love helping on the journey of transitioning out of color too. Either way, I love helping someone achieve their vision!

When meeting a new client, what steps do you take to make sure they end up with a result they love?

I ask about everything—their expectations, their lifestyle, the amount of work they want to put into styling, what they do and don't like currently about their hair… Then, I offer my feedback and advice to make sure we are on the same page and they'll be happy with the end result.

What is your daily hair routine?

Ooh I'm very lazy when it comes to my own hair which is why I'm always so happy when I have other lazy folks in my chair. I wash every few days (or longer if I'm platinum at the moment) and I use a curl cream or oil in my hair depending on what I want it to do. My hair is curly and very fine so the right products are clutch.

What has been your career high?

I love continuing education. I've received color certifications and attended countless haircutting classes, including a two day class at the Sassoon Academy (which was a prize I won at the NYC hair show!).

Of course opening the salon has been a dream come true. Knowing that my business employs a group of talented and brilliant stylists is so satisfying. Working next to these brilliant creatives every day is the most fulfilling!

What do you do in your free time?

I go to shows and movies and I love board games. I love thrifting and hanging with my pug and cats. I'm trying to be a better cook so I'm constantly trying new vegan recipes.

Who is your style icon? 

Tough question for a girl who grew up fat in the 80s and 90s. I didn't see myself represented in any popular media where my body type wasn't a punchline or a before photo. My style icons were girls I saw at punk shows and horror conventions. And Pee-Wee Herman. Who doesn't love platforms, a pixie, and rosy cheeks?

What is the hair care product you can’t live without?

A texture spray to make the 6 fine curls on my head look like 60. It really adds fullness and texture.

Who is your dream client?

Someone open minded and fun to chat with! I don't need you to look or dress a certain way. I don't even need you to know what you want to do with your hair—helping you figure that out is the fun part of my job!

I want to help you figure out your personal hair goals and get you there. And if we're going to be spending 30 minutes or 3 hours together, I want us to have fun hanging out. (But I know it's your time and if you want to zone out and be quiet, that's cool too!)