Founder, Nail Tech & Aesthetician

What are your professional certifications? I became licensed in Colorado in 1986 as a nail technician and esthetician. I have never stopped learning and continue my education at every opportunity. I am certified in advanced peels, thermo-lo, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion. I am a trained educator in full body waxing for women and men and an educator for nail enhancements.

What do you love most about the industry? What I love most are the relationships. Clients become friends and family. Getting to watch kids grow up and become parents themselves. I love making sure my senior clients who did not start out as a senior client feel just as special as the day I started working with them. Even at end of life getting that opportunity to make sure their nails,toes, brows are perfect as they transcend to paradise.

What do I do in my free time? In my free time you will find me just about every morning at Farrell’s Extreme Bodyshaping. I am either in class or instructing class. When I am not at the gym I love to get out on my bike on weekends weather permitting or on my Peloton. In the summer you will find me in the sunshine at the pool, with sunscreen of course! I also have taken up painting and really enjoying it, especially when it’s too cold to be outside.

What makes my day instantly better? My dog Diego. He is the first dog I’ve ever had and the best decision I think I’ve ever made. I truly had no idea how therapeutic a dog could be. My life has definitely improved with Diego.

If I could travel anywhere where would I go? I travel quite a bit! I love to travel and so thankful I get to do more than I ever imagined. A few places still on my list are Korea because we had an exchange student years ago and we want to visit him, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Italy, Greece, South Africa and Maldives for sure. I’ll travel anywhere though if given the opportunity!

Cosmetologist & Master Stylist

What are your professional certifications? Hello friends! I began my career in hairstyling at the International Salon and Spa Academy, here in Colorado Springs, in 2010. I graduated at the top of my class, and obtained my license in 2011. Since school, my continuing education includes training in multiple color lines: Redken, Artisse, DaVinci, Paul Mitchell, and Alfaparf. I’m also trained in the "Brazilian Blowout" smoothing system. I love and appreciate a beautiful permanent wave and have the patience to wrap one. I am very confident with balayage, ombre, highlighting and color correction. My promise is to keep working until you are happy with the results.

What do you love most about the industry? It is hard to pinpoint any one thing that I love about the industry I have chosen to work in. I love the people I work with and the salon where I work. I am truly lucky to have the most wonderful people sit in my chair. I love being able to help anyone that is maybe not having the best day, and turn their frown upside down. Life throws curveballs at everyone and my hope is to send everyone away feeling better than when they arrived. I am always ready for a challenge, a major transformation or just a trim!

What do you like to do in your free time? On the very special occasions that I have free time, I like to pamper myself. I schedule a massage, get my toes done and plan a dinner out with my husband. I love to sew, paint rocks into fairy houses and tend my flower garden.

What is the one thing that instantly makes your day better? Honestly, the one thing that never fails to brighten my day is a great big hug.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I have traveled all throughout the United States, and lived in Germany for a couple of years in the early ‘90s. I still want to climb a pyramid, visit a cenote and see the Northern Lights.

Cosmetologist & Master Stylist

What are your professional qualifications? I began my journey in cosmetology studying at The Salon Professional Academy in 2011, and started on the path towards being the stylist I am today. I started an apprenticeship at Salon 21 in August of that same year and became a full time team member upon graduating in April of 2012. Since that time, I have taken many classes in styling, product knowledge, color, and coloring techniques. I've studied color lines such as Redkin, Paul Mitchell, Artease, and Alfaparf. I've grown to become knowledgeable in pure pigment coloring and color correction. The years behind the chair have been invaluable but would not have been complete without my continued education and the support of my fellow stylists!

What do you love the most about the industry? It's nearly impossible to narrow down just one thing that I love about the industry. It's the most beautiful and creative art form that I've ever done. I love that I come to work everyday and have the ability to express my inner emotions in the work that I produce. I love the personal connections and relationships that are built. Whether someone is with me one time or with me for many years. I absolutely love being able to get to know someone and provide some light in their life. I love learning new styles and techniques to bring to those that sit with me. Giving someone something new and exciting or something completely unexpected brings me so much joy, words simply cannot express. Everything is intertwined and relies on all the other layers to come together to work. That's what I love about the industry.

What do you like to do in your free time? I like to think that I have many hobbies and am a master of none. I'm always reading about new projects and creative outlets to make my world more colorful and bright. I enjoy being outdoors in the summer and driving through the mountains in my Jeep. I love to have random game nights with friends and eat amazing food. I'm always ready to try a new recipe or to bake something absolutely delicious. I'm forever wanting to expand my knowledge about the world around me. I'm full of useless facts and an excellent addition to any trivia night. On Thursday nights, my best friend and I fight crime in matching spandex outfits whilst speaking in British accents. I can hurl tennis rackets at small moving objects with deadly accuracy, I dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge professionally, and I speak in fluent movie quotes and believe that Roman will forever be incorrigible and he can't sit with us.

What's one thing that instantly makes your day better? I strive to be an extremely optimistic person. Bad days are rare but I'm human and they happen from time to time. Whenever I'm feeling down, my shih-tzu Phineas is my brightest light. He's my sweet baby angel and no matter how bad something may get, he has the absolute ability to make me smile and comfort me. Potatoes are the second love of my life. They will also do the trick. HA!

What would you do if you won the lottery? This is one of my favorite questions to ask and be asked. I think it shows so much of a person's heart and true desires. I've had this conversation with many of my friends and they're always surprised by my answer simply because I would still continue to work behind the chair. I, of course, would do all the normal things in winning the lottery. Buy a house or two, travel around the globe, and acquire every style of Converse shoe possible. I have dreams of owning a giant salon with stylists and barbers, nail techs and massage therapists and all of it with every amenity possible. Most of all, I would help those out around me. I want all the people in my life to share in the joys and the relief of stress that winning the lottery could bring. Truly, winning that exorbitant amount of money is too much for any one person. It needs to be shared. After that, I'll be running for Miss America.

Cosmologist, Master Stylist, Educator

What are your professional certifications? I've been a licensed cosmetologist since 2007, working at Salon 21 since 2008. I specialize in haircuts but love to do it all. I’m the recipient of a second place award in a haircutting competition and educate upcoming new artists in the industry in color, perms, relaxers, haircutting and styling.

What do you love most about the industry? I love the continuing education. Our field has endless possibilities which means our education is limitless.

What do you do in your free time? I usually hang out with my son. I love the outdoors: Camping, fishing, hiking and just being outside.

What is one thing that makes your day better First, hugs and kisses from my kiddo!! Second, making people happy. I enjoy seeing smiles on people’s faces. People pleasing makes me smile.

What would you do if you won the lottery? I would buy a house and a new car. I would also spend some money on traveling, visiting family and seeing new places. Then, I would invest and save the rest.

Cosmetologist/Master Stylist

What are your professional certifications? I have been a licensed cosmetologist in the state of Colorado since 2014. I also spent a few years as a cosmetology educator at the hairdressing academy that I attended.

What do you love most about the industry? I love the opportunity to meet and connect with all different types of people from all different walks of life. Learning what lies below people's exterior as they become more comfortable in my chair is so special to me. I love being there for my clients on their best days, their worst days, and everything in between, ready to lift them up with a boost of self-confidence.

What do you like to do in your free time? My daughter and I love to play Nintendo Switch and go on hikes with our dog. I also enjoy crocheting, painting, and binge-watching my favorite shows.

What is the one thing that instantly makes your day better? A good playlist is the key to a great day!

What is your favorite genre of music and/or podcast? My favorite podcast is Dark History with Bailey Sarian. If you know, you know.

Nail and Eyebrow Artist

What are your professional certifications? I became licensed in Aesthetics in 2015, and Nail Technology in 2016. I also got certified in eyebrow tattooing and bloodborne pathogens for body art in 2016.

What do you love most about the industry? My favorite part of working in the industry is meeting and connecting with all kinds of people. This industry has brought me some of the most wonderful people whom I now have lifelong connections with. The clients are the best and most important part, not only because they help me make a living, but because they all have different perspectives on life and different wisdom to share with me. They broaden my horizons in ways I never expected.

What do you like to do in your free time? As a naturally introverted person, my free time is often spent recharging at home by painting, cooking, meditating, and Netflix binging. If it's nice outside, I love being immersed in nature. I also love concerts as a more social activity.

What is the one thing that instantly makes your day better? Something that instantly makes my day better is seeing a cat.

What is your favorite genre of music and/or podcast? My favorite types of music are metal, rock, and spiritual folk. My favorite podcasts are psychology based and true crime.

Hairstylist and Extension Specialist

What are your professional certifications? I graduated school and completed my hairstyling state licensing in Fort Collins, Colorado, in November of 2017, and have been working full time ever since. I have been professionally trained in hand-tied and Halo Couture hair extensions, and have my Brazilian Blowout certification.

What do you love most about the industry? I love the human connections made through my client relationships. I have some of the most amazing clients become friends! I absolutely love being able to pamper my clients, giving them a refreshing break from the chaos and challenges that life often presents. I also love the unique challenges that the technical side of my job demands, figuring out how to give my clients the best possible results for whatever color, cut, or extension goals we may have.

What do you like to do in your free time? In my free time, I love hanging out with my wonderful husband Tim, and our dog Kramer, going on adventures like hiking, camping, and seeing new places! I also love making any and all crafts (greeting cards, jewelry, sewing costumes, etc), reading books and watching our favorite movies and TV shows.

What is the one thing that instantly makes your day better? When clients bring me coffee or any thoughtful gifts!! (I love the Hooligan drink at Humble Coffee, hot or iced.)

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? New Zealand! Because it’s amazing obviously, but also because I’d love to visit Hobbiton from the “Lord of the Rings” movies.

Manicurist

What are your professional certifications? I received my manicure license in 1998, and I have been working with Tiffany at Salon 21 for almost the entire time. I started doing silk nails then transitioned into the acrylic dip system several years ago, but love applying all the various types of polish and nail extensions. I have taken additional classes online and watched several tutorials on nail art too.

What do you love most about the industry? I love the connections you develop with customers/clients. I have clients that have been with me from the very start. We watch our families grow up together, experience life together and enjoy laughs together. We also cry, sometimes too.

What do you like to do in your free time? I enjoy traveling. Anywhere, anytime. I also enjoy spending time with my family whether it be playing games, camping, boating and/or traveling.

What is the one thing that instantly makes your day better? This is a hard question to answer. Many things make my day better; sunrises, quiet time in the morning drinking my coffee, and seeing Diego when I come to work.

What is your favorite genre of music and/or podcast? I like to listen to all kinds (mostly) of music but my go to music is now considered classic rock which makes me a little sad because it dates me as “classic.”

Therapy Dog

What are your professional certifications? I started my training at 4 months old and do recurrent training to continue to do my best at providing unconditional love and support.

What I love most about the salon? I love my family. I also love my other moms who take care of me when my mom is traveling. I also love all the guests who visit the salon and like to give me a nice belly rub.

What do you do in your free time? In my free time I love to go on walks and play in the snow and chase/hunt bunnies. Getting time to play with my bestie Taiga next door or just hang out at his house. I also love to visit my girlfriend Carly and often get to have sleepovers with her!

What instantly makes your day better? Good company, a massage, and when clients bring me a treat.

What’s your favorite treat? I love Busy Bones with the little heart on them , Blue Buffalo training treats that are little hearts. I’m not a peanut butter treat kind of dog but I definitely love trying new treats too!