Tell us about yourself?

At the age of four, I gathered all the neighborhood kids together on our backyard patio, and with a pair of scissors that I absconded with from my mothers sewing room, I methodically lobbed large chunks from the front sides and back of everyone’s hair! Feeling quite satisfied with my accomplishment, I went inside and asked my mother for tootsie pop suckers to give to everyone for sitting still. My skills may have improved, but I still have the same enthusiasm for the craft as I did back then.

What’s your experience?

For 22+ years I’ve been helping people develop, evolve, and maintain their own personal style. In my experience, I found that people are more comfortable changing cars than changing hairstyles. So with some conversational coaching we can evolve with the time without losing personal style.

What’s your specialty?

Helping create a lasting impression. I am serving as an image consultant to define the look that's right for you. The hair cut, color, and amount of styling time will all play a part in how we develop your hair style. The product knowledge & styling tools education will assist us in creating your image. It starts with one question- would you like your look to whisper, talk, or shout!

Why do you love what you do?

It’s you! We are working on the same goal, to help develop the habits to have great hair and the skillset to look your best. If I'm trusted with that task, I’ll work hard to be the hair stylist you need. I love being included in the style journey.

How do you express yourself? 

It's easy to say I express myself through my career, because it's true. There's more, I'm always willing to express my gratitude for all the world's kindness through volunteering my time to several nonprofits including the 1006 Summit Ave Society, Children’s Surgery International, and Books for Africa to name a few. 

How do you get out of a creative rut?

People watching everywhere and keeping up with the fashion runway. I believe hair is an accessory to fashion. I find that attending and watching fashion shows inspires new ideas and the audience affirms what has lasting relevance.

Where do you go in the Twin Cities to be inspired?

Walker Art events, MCAD, gallery openings Art events, fundraisers, high-end auctions These events inspire all of us to use our hair and fashion as personal expression. Which is an index of intellectual and aesthetic discernment, in our consumer based society. It never disappoints.

Most noteworthy era?

I love the one we’re in now. We’re at a renaissance of creative ideas with a generation that’s willing to take conflict head-on. It’s beyond inspiring! After all, fashion & hair isn’t an island, it’s a reaction.

What do you do for self-care?

I gravitate toward what is positive and sustainable for my life. I’ve been keto since 2018, I walk a few times daily with my dog Buddy and like to bike when the weather permits. Then I balance it off with a little  wine at dinner. 

Piece of advice for those struggling with self-confidence?

I believe that nothing affects us more than our appearance, and affects our appearance more than our hair. If I can inspire someone through their hair to be their best self, it is a boost of confidence. After all, I rely on my hair to distract you from noticing that I'm not tall or thin.

Must-have product at Gem?

The Mr. Smith product line is a game-changer. They have their finger on the pulse of the way we want to create and maintain our hair style and colors today.