"La Bella Vita" Featuring: Michelle Valerio

La Bella's slogan "Live, Look, Feel Beautiful" is more to us than just a catch phrase- it was a vision set forth by our founder/owner Jessie because she knew that she wanted our salon to represent more than just helping people with their looks (although we are pretty good at it). She wanted La Bella Hair Studio to encompass and embrace beauty in all aspects of life, which is something we strive for everyday.

In 2013, we gave you all a closer look into each one of us on the team of La Bella, so we could share with you our passion, drive, and what sets us apart from everyone else. For 2014, we have something different planned. We are calling this year "La Bella Vita" meaning "The Beautiful Life". There are so many people in our community, family, places of work, school (you name it) who have lived beautifully- remember beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We have made it our mission to find 12 special people within our community, who have somehow impacted the lives around them, to be featured every month during the year of 2014! We are so excited to be doing something different and cannot wait to get to know so many amazing people, as well as giving you the opportunity to do the same.

So, the month is January...what does this month represent? New Beginnings. We found someone who has been known to face many obstacles in the form of New Beginnings, and build them into a strong path for a better future. She is known in the community as a high school teacher, always a favorite among her students with an empathetic attitude but a firm presence. She is not only known for constantly evolving and bettering herself as an individual- her hair seems to have taken the path right along with her in the best case of symbolism I have ever seen! 

              Featured in January's spotlight in "La Bella Vita" representing New Beginnings is.....

                                             

Michelle Valerio!

Michelle is a Spanish teacher at J.R Tucker High School in Henrico County and the head of the Foreign Language department. She is also a wife, a proud mother of 3 (4 if you include her dog, Rusty), and a doting grandmother as well. With her being so well known for a constant fresh start, I thought it important to have a little Q&A to help us all get to know her better- and her hair too!

Q: Tell us a little about where it all started for you- where you came from and how you would best describe your childhood.

A: " I was born in the Bronx, New York and when I was 8, I was taken to Puerto Rico. I lived there until I graduated high school. Prior to moving to Puerto Rico, I attended PS41 for 1st, 2nd, and half of 3rd grade, in Greenwich Village (where Robert De Niro attended school). I would walk 10 blocks to school everyday as a little girl, and that was just the norm for me! One of my most fond memories would be around Christmas time going to my Uncle Hector's house in Ponce for a pig roast with the entire family. I always loved going to the beach and growing up on the island, but particularly appreciate the fact that I also have the memories of living in New York City during my childhood as well."

Q: You have had many "New Beginnings", so to speak, what would you say was the time you experienced your first significant new beginning, and how did it change your life?

A: "My first significant new beginning was the time I was taken to Puerto Rico in the 3rd grade. I was faced with the challenge of everything being in Spanish- a language I did not speak, although I did understand when spoken to because my grandparents and family all spoke Spanish to me. It changed my life in every aspect, because everything from that point on was in Spanish, I had to adapt very quickly. Now I am bilingual, a Spanish teacher, and the head of the Foreign Language Department!"

Q: You are known for having overcome many obstacles, how would you say you have evolved? Could you give us examples of some of those obstacles?

A: "I come from what is known to be a dysfunctional family, and my personal goals have kept me from continuing the vicious cycle of life. My internal desire to become highly educated and become the first medical doctor in my family is what has been my driving force. Examples of obstacles in my life stem from: not having money, taking on the role of a parent during my adolescent years, and enduring physical and verbal abuse. Being a single mother of 3 for 12 years (before I met my husband), I struggled, but I strived everyday to ensure my daughters would never be directly effected by it. However, over the years, I learned my life was not 100% normal or appropriate, so I took it upon myself to learn how to control myself in many situations instead of reacting or retaliating (which is a sign of ignorance and weakness)- I chose to rise above and not be a product of my surroundings. I had been working full time while my girls were young and aspired to go back to school and pursue my education...and that was exactly what I did. I continued to work a full time schedule and did evening classes at VCU (a lot of the time my daughters were in the lobby doing homework while I was in class!) and finished with a Masters in Education."

Q: Do you have any big plans for another new beginning in the future?

A: "I actually have many ideas for new beginnings! The first one is that my baby is going to college and I anticipate going through empty nest syndrome...all the while looking forward to finally just simply thinking of myself and only myself when making decisions about my life! I am currently enrolled at VCU and am pursuing a Post Baccalaureate Health and Science certificate in order to prepare for the MCAT and hopefully medical school. "

Q: How would you describe you hair growing up as a child? Did you or you mom do anything in particular to manage it better?

A: "My hair as a child was a joke. My friends and family still laugh about what I looked like when I would wake up in the morning. My mom would try to smooth it out with rollers, but usually just got it cut short (boy cut). I hated it!! As a teenager, I would relax it with chemicals and try to make it straight by using the old fashion rollers, which seemed to work best then."

Q: Before you started going to the salon on a regular basis, what was your air routine? What would you say are you fave products now?

A: "Before going to the salon faithfully, my styling routine was to use the rollers, sit under the dryer, then wrap my hair so it would loosen the curls. At that time I would use whatever I thought would work....including LA Looks gel and Aussie hairspray. Now (being a very faithful salon goer) I love Moroccanoil and the Glimmer Shine Spray- and for no reason in particular because I just love everything about that line!"

Q: You have been getting the Keratin Smoothing Treatment loyally now for five years--how would you describe your hair's transformation? How has it changed you styling routine from day to day?

A: "Ever since I have been getting the Keratin treatment my hair is manageable, I am able to blow dry my own hair in record time very successfully, and straighten it. I love my hair! I feel that my hair is everything that  have always wanted and I am not being unreasonable- I have simply always wanted to be able to manage my own hair. To this day when old friends see me or find me on Facebook they can't believe the drastic change in my hair. I am forever grateful that I can finally do my own hair and that it is presentable most of the time, if not everyday!"

For what sounds like such an amazing transformation, I wanted to provide photographic evidence of a before and after for the full effect. Check it ooouuuttt!


Before: Michelle circa 1980s

80's Hair at it's finest!

During: Michelle at her most recent tune up of the Keratin Treatment

Sometimes it takes a village

After: The New Michelle!

As you can see, her hair has been through a very noticeable transformation, and she looks beautiful!







A Special thank you to Michelle, for allowing us to put her in the spotlight and so graciously being the perfect example for our New Beginning segment of "La Bella Vita". Keep on being an inspiration, your story is very powerful, and we are so happy to share it! To live beautiful can be interpreted many ways, and for Michelle, it was keeping her head high, beating all odds, and overcoming many obstacles while learning to lead by example- and her hair evolving with her was an added bonus for sure!!

La Bella Hair Studio Live, look, feel beautiful. 
Inspire.

A Closer Look at Shandy's Faves

As you you've already heard, Shandy is our featured stylist of the month- and with that comes featured products. These products were specifically chosen as her two favorites and for the month of December, and we are offering them at buy one get one half off! Now we just need to familiarize you with them, so you can see why they would be perfect to amp up your holiday (or everyday) hairstyles!

The products are Morrocanoil Hairsprays (Medium&Strong) and Root Boost. Both come from the luxury line MoroccanOil, which we very proudly carry in its entirety!

I had Shandy answer  couple of questions to further explain why these are here preferred products.

Q: What is it about the Morrocanoil Hairsprays and the Root Boost that stands out to you the most, and why should someone purchase them?
A: "The hairsprays and the root boost are great products for the person who doesn't like to feel products in their hair. The hairsprays are made to be buildable, so if you want a light hold just do a light mist once or twice. If you want something a little stronger, you just spray on a few more coats. With the root boost, it gives you great volume, especially if you're blow drying your hair upside down. People should by the products because they do exactly what they say they say they will do while still allowing your hair to feel like hair."

                                

Q: La Brezzas are your fave service to provide, could you explain what would be the ideal occasion for coming in to get one? And explain each style and what it would go with best.

A: "I couldn't tell you how many times people tell us they wish we could come to their homes every morning to do their hair. La Brezzas give people the chance to have their hair done for that special occasion-like the baby shower or bridal shower, or even something every day; like a woman with arthritis who has trouble styling her own hair. Either way, they can come get their hair styled, and leave feeling gorgeous.

There are four styles of La Brezza and each one can be adapted to meet your needs:

The Milano is our signature style. This is our big, voluminous style that is done with the round brush. This would be the perfect hairstyle for a guest going to a daytime wedding.

The Firenze is our completely straight style. This look is perfect for our curly haired girls who want that changed up look without spending hours trying to do it themselves.

The Napoli is our big, curly style. This style would be perfect for that girls' night out, when you want to look fun and flirty.

Last, but not least, is my personal favorite: The Portofino. This look is our loose, carefree, beach wave look. This look could really take you anywhere, from your sister's baby shower to that date night with hubby"

There you have it: we now know more about the products and you have been given an idea on just when you could possibly need La Brezza services! (from the looks of it, I'd say any excuse is a good one) No matter what the occasion, you should take full advantage of our sweet December deals on these products and La Brezza.

After all....'Tis The Season to be jolly (and beautiful)

Moroccanoil's Hairsprays and Root Boost: BOGO 1/2 Off

Any La Brezza Service with Shandy: $10 Off

Call La Bella to book your next La Brezza Service with Shandy: (804)285-2490

Featured Stylist of the Month: Shandy

Here at La Bella, we like to consider our salon an intimate, yet upscale environment in which we take pride in personalizing the experience for each and every one of our unique and beautiful clients. Not only that, we are also an extremely tight-knit, family-like group who embraces each other for our own special talents, personalities, and style... after all, each one of us contributes a special ingredient to the recipe that is the La Bella Hair Studio Experience! Month by month we will be featuring a different hairstylist to offer you the opportunity to get to know us better, and to give us the opportunity to shine one by one!

The Featured Stylist of the Month for December is....

Shandy!!

Shandy is our newest team member! Though she started out on the track toward a career in accounting, Shandy stumbled upon her love of cosmetology while doing her cousin’s hair & makeup for special occasions. She attended Empire Beauty School and received her cosmetology license in January 2013. As one of our Junior Stylists, she underwent La Bella’s training program when she started here while assisting her fellow stylist and building a committed clientele. She has been a natural at getting to know & working with La Bella’s great team and awesome clients, and we have been very lucky to have her as part of our family.

Q: How long have you been in the industry?

I have had my license since January 2013.

Q: What is your favorite service to preform, and why? 

I love doing La Brezzas. It's so fun to have a client come in, who is just taking the time to pamper themselves. Sometimes it's for a special occasion. Other times, it's just for the fun of it. The other week I even had a client come in for a costume party. It is just so fun to see the confidence that comes from someone getting their hair professionally styled.

Q: What are your two favorite products, and why? 

I absolutely love the MoroccanOil Hairsprays and the Root Boost.

I love that the hairsprays are designed to be applied in layers, so that you don't get that super sticky, 80s feel when it's applied. Your hair still feels like hair. I like the Root boost for the same reason. It has great hold and really gives amazing volume, but the hair doesn't feel like there is a ton of product in it.

Q: How would you describe your personal style/niche? 

Country Chic, like Carrie Underwood or Miranda Lambert ....I love dressing up when the occasion calls for it, but on my down days, I live in jeans and t-shirts.

Q:What is your number one beauty tip? 

Always take good care of your skin and hair! Drink water, take vitamins, take your make up off before bed! Any new hair style or make up look will only look as good as the skin/hair that is underneath it!

Q: What is your favorite quote?

"Never Give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway." - Earl Nightingale

As always, we each had something special to say about Shandy--

Susannah: "Shandy is fantastic. She's eager to learn and quick to pick up new techniques! She's always pushing herself to learn something new. In addition, she's extremely helpful and reliable as a team member. I love working with her!"

Eric-Michael: "From the day I met Shandy I realized she had a hunger for knowledge and desire to work like none I've seen in a long time. It's because of that and her ability to be down to earth sweet and heartfelt with everyone she meets. It is because of those qualities that she has become an important member of our team. I see a very bright future for this young person and wish her all the luck in every endeavor she undertakes."

Jessie: "If you've had the pleasure of meeting Shandy, then you already know she is one of the sweetest people on earth! Along with a kind heart she is also generous, passionate about her work, and savvy. I love that Shandy is always seeking to learn and staying up to date with what is going on in our industry. Her desire to grow and compassionate attitude make her an imperative part of our team. I truly enjoy having her work at La Bella!"

Sarah: "Shandy has an amazing thirst for knowledge. She's always looking for new opportunities to explore her field further as well as take on new techniques in hair and makeup. She's also a kind and patient person with her clients and friends. What makes her a great friend and stylist is her ability to listen and really relate to people. Her country charm makes her really accessible as a person and makes her clients feel easy in her chair."

Shanti: "There are so many wonderful/special things to say about Shandy, I don't even know where to start. She is by far the most motivated person in our industry I have seen in years, and it is extremely inspiring to see her eagerness to be the best at anything she can. Not only does she go above and beyond with her work, she spends her down time researching the latest trends and techniques...Seriously, if you catch her at anytime she is not on her feet I can guarantee she is watching a Youtube video of some sort of new hair or makeup technique! She takes pride in her work, isn't afraid to ask for help, and in turn is always offering a helping hand. She has such a humbling personality which is nothing short of genuine sincerity, empathy, and there is not an ounce of judgement exuding from her. She is somebody we are all privileged to know and work with, and I have just loved being around her!"

We love you Shandy!

To celebrate Shandy's success and reign of Stylist of the Month, we are offering deals on her featured products and services for the month of December only!

For the month of  December we are offering either of the Morrocanoil Hairsprays at BOGO 1/2 off (that's buy one get one half off in any combination)

Also during this month only we are offering any of the La Brezza services with Shandy at $10 off ($25)! What better time of the year to have such a deal, than the holiday season- when you are sure to have holiday parties, family photos, and dinners to attend!

Call La Bella to book your La Brezza with Shandy today: (804)285-2490

La Bella Featured Employee of the Month: Sarah

Here at La Bella, we like to consider our salon an intimate, yet upscale environment in which we take pride in personalizing the experience for each and every one of our unique and beautiful clients. Not only that, we are also an extremely tight-knit, family-like group who embraces each other for our own special talents, personalities, and style... after all, each one of us contributes a special ingredient to the recipe that is the La Bella Hair Studio Experience! Month by month we will be featuring a different hairstylist to offer you the opportunity to get to know us better, and to give us the opportunity to shine one by one!

The Featured Employee of the Month for November is....

Sarah!

Sarah is the administrative assistant/receptionist here at La Bella- many of you know her well, as she has a way of connecting with each and every one of our clients with the truest sincerity. What you may not know about her is: she graduated from VCU with a B.S. in Psychology, a field she is very passionate about (makes sense when you consider her uncanny personalized attention for ALL of us). She plans to continue her education and pursue a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy.

She enjoys working with La Bella’s clientele and working so closely with cosmetology. The feeling is completely mutual!

Q: How long have you been in the industry?
A. About a year- La Bella has been my first foray into the beauty industry!

Q: What is your favorite service, and why? 

A. I love helping clients buy products. I enjoy the challenge of helping assess hair problems and finding a good product solution!

Q: What are your two favorite products, and why? 

A. Currently, my favorite products are UNITE's Session Whip and Go365 hairspray. The Session Whip is a great base for volume and the Go365 lets me choose how much hold I want/need. 

Q: How would you describe your personal style/niche?
A. My style, for a girl, is really simple! I like clean, classic lines in my clothing and tend to gravitate towards a neutral look with just a pop of color- usually in my jewelry! I like a natural look which translates to my hair and makeup choices too.

Q:What is your number one beauty tip? 
A. ALWAYS MOISTURIZE. It's a simple rule but your face will thank you for using an SPF and a simple moisturizer later in life!

Q: What is your favorite quote?

A. "There will come a time when you believe that everything is finished. That will be the beginning." Always try to embrace change, it's just the next chapter of your life.

Let me share with you some of the awesome things our team members had to say about Sarah--

Susannah: "Sarah so quickly and seamlessly became a part of our team when she joined us last year. She's so easy to work with! She's considerate, thoughtful, creative, and a lot of fun to be around."

Shandy: "Sarah is an excellent receptionist and friend. She stays on top of all the day-to-day tasks of the salon to make sure that the stylists are taken care of. She also genuinely cares about the clients and wants to give them the best experience possible, from their first phone call or email to their checkout. Above all, she is a great friend, who is always ready to listen and give advice."

Shanti: "It has been a pleasure getting to know Sarah. I really can appreciate her special way of dealing with each and every client as an individual. The way she remembers tiny details about each and every one of them really sets her apart in my book, because that kind attention to detail is hard to find. She is very considerate when booking clients, making sure to accommodate as much as possible, while still making sure the stylist is well aware of each circumstance! She is a fun person to be around and have a good laugh with!"

Eric-Michael: "Sarah is funny, sweet, and kind-hearted. She is always willing to help out in a pinch. It is so important to get to know our clients on a more personal level, and I really appreciate that she takes that to heart and truly takes the time to ask them how they are doing, or how their vacation was. It has been great having her on the team."

Jessie: "It's great that Sarah's bright and bubbly face is the first you see when you walk in the door at La Bella! She is my right hand man and keeps me straight 99% of the time. I can't tell you how many compliments I hear everyday from our guests who commend her on her positivity, helpfulness, and professionalism. It speaks more volume coming from you that I could even say myself!"

I think we are all in agreement that Sarah is such a great asset to the team! 

As a big thank you to our clients from the La Bella team, we are offering some specials this month on Sarah's favorite products and a gift card special!

For the month of November, buy one Gift Card and get the second of Equal or Lesser Value for 1/2 OFF!**Original Gift Card must be at least $50 value to qualify for deal

AND... Sarah's favorite products, UNITE's Session Whip mousse and Go365 hairsprayl, are also Buy One Get One Half Off for the month of November! This deal applies to the purchase of one of each product OR two of one product. Drop by today to pick up your products and gift card before these deals are over!

Call La Bella Hair Studio to book your next appointment today! (804)285-2490

A Closer Look as Jessie's Fave Products

As you you've already heard, Jessie is our featured stylist of the month- and with that comes featured products. These products were specifically chosen as her two favorites and for the month of October, we are offering them at buy one get one half off! Now we just need to familiarize you with them, so you can decide whether or not they are as perf for you as they are for her.

The products are MoroccanOil Volumizing Mousse and Curl Defining Cream. Both come from the luxury line MoroccanOil, which we are very pleased to announce we carry in its entirety! 

I had Jessie explain to us, in her own words, what sets these two apart.

Q: What about the Volumizing Mousse and Curl Defining Cream make them so unique, you qualify as your favorite products?

A: "I love the fact that the Volumizing Mousse gives your hair an incredible amount of volume and you can barely feel it in your hair!  The Volumizing Mouse has "memory" which means that it will "remember" so to speak that you are styling to get height (ie. round brushing) but it doesn't have that tacky hold feeling. The great thing about this product is that it is extremely versatile too.  You can put it in your hair when wet and blow dry as usual but you can also finger dry your hair and add more in before you round brush.  You can also add some into your hair when is is dry (say, second day hair) and blow-dry it in to fluff up your flattened locks.  The other great thing about this being so light is that you can also use it in curly hair...which I would normally say to sty away from mouses if you have curl, because no one wants that 90's crunchy hair, but since the Volumizing Mousse is so light weight you can add it right in to your regular use."  

Volumizing Mousse

The Curl Defining Cream has the same curl memory factor as the Volumizing Mousse but it offers an intense amount of moisture. It controls frizz for an extended amount of time. Just like the Mousse you can also layer this with itself and other products (one of the great qualities about most of the Morroccan Oil products!). I will put it in wet out of the shower and then add a little more before I defuse my hair.  And on the occasion that I over dry my hair I will just scrunch in a little more and run out of the door.  It offers optimal hold with movement so you don't feel stiff.  A must try for Curly Girls!

Curl Defining Cream

Q: Styling Curly hair is your favorite service, what are 5 tips you would offer to any lady with curly hair?

A: "1. Use an old t-shirt instead of a towel when you get out of the shower.  The terry cloth will over dry your hair.  Switching to a shirt will really tame your frizz. Life changing for anyone with dry or curly hair!

2. Use pins to clip up the top of your hair when it is wet. Just clip them in at the base to add extra lift and simply let air dry.

3. The more you touch your hair the bigger it gets! So if you feel like your hair is getting a little limp just scrunch the top of your hair and leave the ends out of your hands.

4. Condition your hair! Curly hair tends to be drier so you need to do deep conditioners more often and use cremes so that your hair continues to get conditioned throughou the day.

5. Don't wash your hair every day! I understand your hair can look crazy when you wake up but like I said curly girls' hair is drier, so the more you wash it the drier it will get.  Try just rinsing your hair in the shower and conditioning so you don't strip out your natural oils." 

Figure out your curl type! (See below)

**There you have it: we now know more about the products and you have been given a "how to" from the Curly Queen herself! No matter what you hair texture, you can still take full advantage of our sweet October deals on these products and a special service!

Moroccanoil's Volumizing Mousse and Curl Defining Creamm: BOGO 1/2 Off

Any Moroccanoil Deep Conditioning Treatment: 20% Off

Featured Stylist of the Month: Jessie

Here at La Bella, we like to consider our salon an intimate, yet upscale environment in which we take pride in personalizing the experience for each and every one of our unique and beautiful clients. Not only that, we are also an extremely tight-knit, family-like group who embraces each other for our own special talents, personalities, and style... after all, each one of us contributes a special ingredient to the recipe that is the La Bella Hair Studio Experience! Month by month we will be featuring a different hairstylist to offer you the opportunity to get to know us better, and to give us the opportunity to shine one by one!

The Featured Stylist for the month of October is....

Jessie!!

Jessie is our Senior Stylist....and none-other than the owner/founder of La Bella Hair Studio! She completed an apprenticeship program in Richmond and went on to become the program educator at one of the top salons in the Richmond area. She also has spent time training in places such as Italy, Florida, New York, and California! Jessie opened La Bella Hair Studio in March 2006 and has gone on to become very involved in the community and in fund raising for such causes as Veronica’s Voice Fund and Locks of Love. On top of it all, in 2011 Jessie was named one of Style Weekly’s “Top 40 Under 40”....Basically, she's amazing (and I'm not just saying that because she's my boss)

Q: How long have you been in the industry?

A: "Since I was 18....so 2 years! Ha- hard to believe it has almost been 11 years. If you don't count all the years of doing my friend's hair in the kitchen before I really knew what I was doing....Geek."

Q: What is your favorite service to perform, and why?

A:"Curly hair. I think because I have naturally curly hair I love to show people how to use what they have to its full potential. It is amazing to see someone accept their curl or realize they can actually let their hair air dry. It's all about working with what you have."
(I've seen what the lady can do with curls-amaze!)

Q: What are your two favorite products, and why?

A: Moroccanoil's Volumizing Mousse and Curl Defining Cream. The Volumizing Mousse is such a great product, it's not heavy, extremely light weight, and gives your hair an explosion of volume. The Curl Defining Cream is perfect for the curly haired ladies who are looking for great hold, without the 90's wet-look/crunch. And a bonus for both is they have a subtle yet alluring scent, making them that much more appealing. 

Q: How would you describe your personal style/niche?

A: "Classically modern- I have a great appreciation for classic fashion (Icon: Audrey Hepburn) but I prefer a modern flare. I tend to do something trendy in a black/neutral color, or a bright color but classic structure. I can appreciate fashion in every sense of the word, but for me I need a little more structure. That's why my take is a twist on something simple."

Q: What is your number one beauty tip?

A:"Try something new. I love changing something so small like switching your part, adding a lowlight, or trying a new product- these small things can give you a boost that can totally lift your spirit and change your look just enough to make you feel more uplifted 

Q: What is your favorite quote?

A: "Be bold enough to use your voice, brave enough to listen to your heart, and strong enough to live the life you've always imagined." and "Know what? B*tches get stuff done"-Tina Fey

^Those quotes are absolutely fabulous, but I have a feeling that after she reads the following quotes from her admiring employees/team mates she may have a new fave!

Shandy Myers: "Jessie is the kind of stylist I aspire to be. She truly cares about her clients and seeks to give them the best possible style that fits their lifestyle. She seeks perfection in her work and isn't happy until she truly feels the cut and color are perfect. This makes her a wonderful stylist and a great person to learn from."

Sarah Ditulli: "Jessie is inspiring in her passion for hair and great service, but she also has a really good way of turning situations into usable, constructive experiences. Those abilities are what make her a great hairstylist as well as a great business woman."

Susannah Craft: "Jessie is not only the most grounded and fair boss I've ever had, she's also an incredible stylist. She has a gift for tuning into the client in her chair and creating a color, cut, or style that is perfect for that person. She takes everything into consideration so that the client is as happy as possible not just when she walks out of the salon, but also everyday when she styles her hair. I only hope I can grow into the kind of stylist Jessie is!"

Shanti Lynn: "Working with/for Jessie has been such a privilege. Before I ever knew her, I was inspired by her story and knew I had to meet her.  I never knew it was possible to have an employer you have the utmost respect for, but at the same time genuinely feel a connection on a stronger level- like close friends or even family. That is exactly how it has felt knowing her-- You know not to mess with her and want to make her proud, but you can poke fun with her and make jokes because she has a way of making everyone feel like her friend! She has the perfect balance of every responsibility in her life and it shows everyday. Her understanding for the importance of family is equally as special as her personalized relationships with her clients. Not to mention she is an amazing stylist who I am so happy to work for!! I can wholeheartedly say Jessie is the best boss I have ever worked for."

Happy Hair Stylist of the Month to our fave boss everrr!!!

As a special thanks to each and everyone of you from Jessie and the La Bella Team: we are offering a couple of awesome deals during the month of October, inspired by her preferred products and services!

For the month of October: Moroccanoil's Volumizing Mousse and Curl Defining Cream are Buy one get one half-off (in any combination of the 2.)

And we know you curly hair ladies are suffering from post-summer-dry-hair-blues, come in and receive 20% off either of the Moroccanoil Hydrating Masks or The Restorative Treatment Mask to say good-bye to those brittle ends! (That goes for you straight or wavy hair ladies too, we ALL could use a post-summer treatment!)

Call La Bella Today and book your next treatment today! (804)285-2490

Balayage Highlighting with Susannah

**Guest post by our Featured Stylist of the Month, Social Media Director, and beauty blogger at A Greater Gorgeous, Susannah Craft**

Heyo! Susannah here again. I thought last month would be the end of my time as a guest blogger, but as it turns out, I'm this month's featured stylist and I'm here to tell you about my favorite service, balayage highlighting!

Okay, first of all, I know you're all asking yourselves how to even pronounce the word: it's bah-lee-ahge, that's a soft g. It comes from the French word for "sweep", so we like to get fancy and pronounce it the way it's supposed to be pronounced. Sometimes you'll see it written "balyage" or "baliage," too. For our purposes, we're going to call it balayage.

So what is balayage highlighting? To put it simply, it's a highlighting technique in which you freehand-paint the highlights onto the hair instead of using foils (or the dreaded highlighting cap -- run as fast as you can). It allows your stylist to be more creative & precise with highlight placement, and to give you a more customized look.

The results end up being a more natural-looking highlight; more sunkissed than highlighted. You know how kids get those amazing highlights from spending all that time outside in the summer time, and then over the course of the fall & winter they start to grow out and look even more amazing? That's what balayage highlighting imitates. And that's why it's my favorite service! It's such a beautiful, natural look. It brightens you up without making you look over-processed.

Want to see some examples?

Gorgeous, right?? Giselle is known for being the first major celebrity to sport this grown-out-highlights look, and she rocks it well, don't you think?

So who is balayage highlighting good for? As you can probably see from the photos, balayage highlighting -- in the pursuit to create a more natural look -- leaves a little bit more root showing than your typical foil highlights, so balayage is great for the woman who isn't afraid to see a little bit of her natural hair color. And guess what? That means that as the highlights grow out, you don't get an obvious line of roots vs. highlights, allowing you to go longer between your appointments. This is a great service for low-maintenance and budget-conscious ladies.

Think you might be interested? Balayage highlights are 20% off with me, this month only! Give us a call at (804) 285-2490 or visit mylabella.com to book an appointment. If you're still not sure, at the very least we can have a consultation and talk about what you have in mind!

I look forward to seeing you!

Susannah