I’d love to say that doing hair was always my dream, but that wouldn’t be true. Back in high school in New York, I was torn between joining the military or going to art school—until my parents put an end to both ideas. So, I went to college, but I bounced from major to major and ended up leaving after my first year. After that, I needed a job, so I took whatever work I could find. My uncle had been in the hair industry his entire life, and I’m almost certain he had his former boss and mentor reach out to me. My initial reaction was a definite no. But as my options narrowed, I eventually made the call. Within a week, I was enrolled in hair school and working evenings and weekends at the salon.

In the beginning, it was just a job until I figured out what I wanted to do with my life. That was over thirty years ago, and I don’t regret a single day of it. As I grew in the industry, I discovered my true passion—educating and mentoring the next generation. For over twenty years, I led the education teams in the salons where I worked, and during that time, I like to think I played a small role in shaping some of the best stylists in the valley. Now, I’m taking the plunge and opening my own salon, where I plan to cultivate a new generation of stylists who will honor traditional values in serving their clients while pushing the boundaries and standards of the hair industry.

Creativity has always been a big part of my life, so whenever I can, I enjoy painting, drawing, and occasionally writing. I have a passion for exploring new restaurants, especially those that are locally owned and chef-driven—I’d rather try something unique and different than settle for the usual fare.

I’m also a bit of a history geek, particularly when it comes to the Middle Ages, and I’m a huge fan of fantasy worlds like Tolkien’s and Game of Thrones.

I’m married with two kids—an 11-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old son. When I’m not working or spending time with my family, I love to clear my head with a good workout or hike.