Congratulations on your recent NAHA Hairstylist of the Year award! Can you tell us a little more about you and your styling background?

I have been in the hair industry for over 18 years.  I am known in the industry as a colorist and stylist but my passion is absolutely styling. I love creating beautiful hair and nothing challenges me more than to use my fashion and editorial skills and taste and merge it to the hairdressing side of things.  The detail in exquisite hairdressing is what challenges me and I truly love. I love to detail the finer things in a style and really pay attention to the way the hair suits the model. You can plan plan plan ahead for a collection but if your plan doesn’t compliment  the model that is wearing it, the entire look will not be the look you had in mind. Styling hair is an art and something you can’t force. I used to think I had to create exactly what was in my head and now I look at it as an opportunity to create a beautiful style for the model as she is really the ultimate canvas.

How do you stay inspired to create your next collection?

I find inspiration in fashion mostly.  I follow the designers as I love good style and clothing.  To actually STAY inspired, you HAVE to recharge! You have to be creative when you feel creative and you have to be in that space to work at your maximum capability.

You can’t force inspiration and when I’m stressed out and unbalanced I lack inspiration.  By creating balance in my life, it opens up my mind to start really channeling what I really love and what my brand stands for.  I also truly believe when you are inspired and you stay on brand with what your passionate about, magic happens. You have to do YOU!  Different collections may be a different side of you but ultimately it has to be you and you have to love every aspect of it to truly channel your best work.  Everything matters! The makeup, the wardrobe, the setting….when it all aligns it will create the perfect space to open your mind to be creative.

Favorite artists to follow?

Mark Leeson, Angelo Seminara, Antoinette Beenders, Jenny Strebe

What new trends in styling can we look forward to?

I think it’s very safe to say we will still be seeing alot of natural curl and texture in the next couple of years which I absolutely am obsessed with!  Also, I feel like Boho is here to stay for awhile but I think it’s going to take a futuristic departure from the traditional way we think of it.

What trends are you loving right now?

Natural texture is my absolute hair affair right now!  I just loved natural unworked hair because it always feels fresh and current.  When someone can do messy hair that still looks professional that is talent!

What is the one product/tool you can not live without?

I can NOT live without my Great Lengths Tape in extensions!!!!   I use them for hair shoots, on clients for thickness and lengths and also to demo current color trends and show clients instant gratification without compromising their own hair.

Best advice to give an artist who is wanting to break into doing editorial work?

Reach out to your mentors! This industry is full of some of the most amazing collaborative people that are willing to help if you just ask.  You have to ask but then you have to follow through and deliver. So many times I get stylists “wanting” my guidance or help but they never follow through with the advice.   I will help anyone but you have to be hungry to help yourself with the information that is given to you.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Traveling, yoga, boating, and spending time with my 3 pups and my boyfriend that supports all my crazy schedules and lifestyle!  We find balance in the craziness for sure. I worked really hard to get where I am and now it’s time to balance and play equally.

I am also working on a few future projects in the fashion world and some of my own social media and branding plans.

Guilty pleasures?

Just wine and relaxing.  That’s about all the guilt I have.