Featured Stylist of the Month: Shanti Lynn

**Guest blog by La Bella's Social Media Director and beauty blogger at A Greater Gorgeous, Susannah Craft**

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 August is....

Shanti Lynn!

Shanti is our associate stylist and Artistic Director, who decided to follow her passion of hairstyling when she began cosmetology school in 2005. After a year of school, she continued her education through an apprenticeship. She gained a vast knowledge through hands-on experience and went on to obtain her instructor license. She then began mentoring and educating students.

Shanti has expanded her knowledge through many local classes and studied in New York. She has attended a wide range of product classes including Bumble and bumble, Wella, UNITE, and Schwarzkopf, and she has styled for fashion shows, photo shoots & movie trailers. She specializes in the dry cutting technique, has a passion for color, and loves doing up-dos for any occasion!

Let's get to know her better!

Q: How long have you been in the industry?

A: 8 years

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

A: The Keratin Treatment, both the full treatment and the Blowout Express. Not only is the Keratin Treatment known to potentially reduce curl by up to 80%, it also reduces all frizz and strengthens the hair by reconstructing the keratin protein-  this creates more shine and versatility in the hair. It is also chemical free and safe with color which makes the Keratin treatment a girl's secret weapon for summertime humidity!

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

A: UNITE's Lazer Straight and Moroccan Oil treatment. Lazer Straight is a perfect product to compliment a Keratin Treatment (and any hair for that matter) by relaxing the hair temporarily with smoothing agents and silicone shine which reduces frizz for a polished finish. It also contains UV filters, heat protectors, and has color locking antioxidant molecules which prolong the life of natural and artificial color. Moroccan Oil speaks for itself -- it's liquid gold, in my opinion! Unlike most oils it doesn't coat the hair and weigh it down -- it's like food for the hair, which gets absorbed over time. It also stimulates healthy hair growth and reduces drying time by 40%. 

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

A: Rockabilly, most definitely. My style portrays my rock and roll side, while embracing and channeling a pin-up-inspired look through my hair and makeup (though I do my make-up more dramatically than the original pin-up style) It's edgy, yet classic. Music and fashion culture combined, originating in the 1950's and carried on through today. I love my style! It completely sets me apart and I couldn't see myself any other way.

Q:What is your number one beauty tip? 

A: Everyday, do at least one thing to make yourself feel beautiful. Whether it's putting on a little mascara, curling a few pieces around your face, trying a new lipstick, or playing around with braids--you will be surprised how much better you will feel day in and day out. The way we feel about ourselves directly effects our social interactions, daily routines, and love lives. We should always feel beautiful.

Q: What is your favorite quote?

A: "We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses." Abraham Lincoln

Here's what some of our other team members had to say about Shanti...

Jessie: "Shanti is a great asset to our team! Her drive and confidence exudes itself in her leadership skills. She has stepped up as our artistic director and keeps our team both inspired and motivated. Above all things, what makes Shanti unique is her honesty. She not only sincerely compliments her team but also is open with her clients and truly recommends what she feels best suits their needs. She is a true talent and I'm glad to have her as a key player on our team!"

Shandy: "Shanti is one of the best stylists I have ever seen. Her confidence in her work gives me something to aspire to. She knows what she's doing, she knows how to make the client happy, and she knows what is going to look good for them. That's why her clients keep coming back to her and what makes her the great stylist she is!"

Susannah: "Shanti taught me to find & own the technique that works best for me as a stylist instead of trying to conform to someone else's standards. She uses dry cutting techniques because it's simply what works better for her, and she's not afraid of what other stylists think of a less common technique like dry cutting. I learned from Shanti the foiling technique that I now use on every foiled highlight, and she was so helpful when I was trying to learn it! She's great to talk to about different ideas & options, always lending her opinions without shutting down everyone else's. She's a great person to work with!"

Sarah: "Shanti is gifted with people. She has the uncanny ability to make her clients feel like they're old friends even though she just met them! She also has an amazing sense of humor about herself and life -- she's a blast to be around."

Eric Michael: "I've had the honor and privilege of knowing Shanti since the beginning of her career. I have watched her grow and flourish as a stylist, and have come to know her as a friend. I am continually amazed at her ability and her desire to grow and develop professionally, not to mention personally. She's a beautiful friend, loving mother and fantastic human being."

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

In August only, add a Keratin treatment (blowout or full treatment) to your service and get 20% off of the Keratin treatment!**

AND... Shanti's favorite products, Lazer Straight and Moroccan Oil, are Buy One Get One Half Off for the month of August! This deal applies to the purchase of one of each product OR two of one product. Drop by today to pick up your products or call La Bella at (804) 285-2490 to add a Keratin treatment onto your August appointment!

**The treatment must be paired with another cut or color service to receive the discount.

Featured Stylist of the Month: Eric-Michael

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 is.....

Drum roll please......

Eric-Michael!

Eric-Michael is our Master Stylist and Educational Director. He has been in the industry for 14 years, and in the process made a name for himself not only here in Richmond, Virginia, but across the United States by teaching color classes and product knowledge as a guest in many other salons, preforming in Hair Shows, and constantly networking and being approached by fellow stylists. He has an advanced education in cutting and coloring around the world including New York City from the world famous Vidal Sassoon Academy, Bumble and Bumble, Nick Arrojo, and the Doves. He has traveled to Dallas, Texas for more continuing education, studied abroad in Portugal and Spain. 

Needless to say, he is an amazing asset to the team and not only offers top notch client experience, but also a helping hand for each of us if we are ever in need. He is just absolutely fabulous! 

Let's get to know him a little better!

Q: What is your favorite service to preform, and why? 
A: I love doing updos because not only do I have the opportunity to show my creative side, but updos are always for a special occasion, and it is a great feeling to know you helped someone feel beautiful on her special day.
(In my own personal opinion, Eric-Michael is a master at updos, having taught me how to do them when I first started in the industry. I have always admired his attention to detail, effortless patience, and artistic flow he has with every updo I have seen him do over the past 7 years of working with him.) 
Q: What are your two favorite products, and why? 
A: Unite's 7 Second Condition and Schwarzkopf Dust It. 7 Seconds evens out the porosity of the hair, aids in evenly distributing products throughout the hair (avoiding build up), and has the element of heat/SPF protection. Dust It is an amazing volumizer which works great layered with other products or alone, unlike the common use I prefer to use it on wet hair for more control, and it is completely water soluble so you don't have to over shampoo to get it out! 
Q: How would you describe your personal style/niche? 
A: I would describe my personal style as body conscious and fashion forward...meaning I dress to accentuate my best features with form fitting clothes. I like to use my body as my number one accessory since I have worked so hard to build and maintain my physique! At the same time I am driven by trends and I am NOT label driven. Simple does it: I look for in clothes what I look for in hair...I like simple form and not a lot of distraction with color and texture.
Q: What is your number one beauty tip? 
A: ALWAYS protect your skin by using sun protection, and invest in good products because you will be thankful for it in the long run.
Q: What is your favorite quote?
A: "I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it! Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them." - Sarah Breedlove aka Madam CJ Walker

Not only was I able to get Eric-Michael to share with us his personal opinions on hair, fashion, and products....I also got to gather some amazing quotes from our coworkers on their own opinions about Eric-Michael as a key member of the La Bella Family. Check it out:

Susannah Craft: "Eric-Michael is so generous with his knowledge and time-- he is always offering to help us out if we need it, and he's more than willing to be a sounding board for new ideas!"

Shandy Myers: "Eric-Michael is one of the best teachers I could have asked for. His technical ability is awesome, but it's his willingness to give each client a look that both reflects them and stays modern that truly makes him a great artist."

Sarah Ditulli: "I'm always amazed at Eric-Michael's compassion for his clients, professionalism, and desire to educate others about hair. His comic story-telling abilities are also one of his greatest and most unforgettable attributes!"

Shanti Lynn (Me): "I am lucky enough to say that from the first day I started my career I have worked next to Eric-Michael. He was my mentor when I was an apprentice who quickly assumed the role as somewhat of a life mentor in the long run.  I am privileged enough to not have only learned the ins and outs of this industry from such a brilliant teacher, but also to have learned so much about life from an amazing friend. No matter how long I have been licensed, I feel I can always go to him whenever I need an extra pair of eyes, and no matter how long I have been an adult I feel I can go to him for an unbiased productive outlook on absolutely anything that comes my way. Any one who has had the pleasure of meeting him knows how special of a person he is, and I am honored to be able to call him my friend." 

Jessie: "Eric-Michael is a valuable asset to our team. He has stepped up as educational director and given our whole team a new level of expertise to strive for. He also brings so much passion to everything he does, from designing hairstyles to telling stories and even engaging with his coworkers, as well as all of our guests. I'm glad he is a part of our family here!"

We love you Eric-Michael! And Happy Hair Stylist of the Month to you! 

As a big thank you to each and everyone of you from Eric-Michael and the La Bella team were are offering you a couple of awesome deals during the month of July, inspired by his preferred products and services!

For the month of July the 7Seconds Condition and Dust It are buy one get one half off (in any combination of the two)

Do you have an event coming up? (Even something as simple as a romantic date night) Schedule an updo with Eric-Michael for the month of July OR add it on to an existing appointment and receive 20% off! 

Call La Bella today to book your next appointment with our Master Stylist, Eric-Michael!
(804)285-2490

The Looks of La Brezza: Napoli

Last (but certainly not least) of the La Brezza hairstyles is the Napoli. Napoli is our curly look, giving you the perfectly romantic finish for any day or evening event you have coming up. We've decided to ditch roller sets (and leave them in the 20th century) for a more modern, youthful curled style...without the use of velcro.

Since "romantic" is my favorite word referring to the Napoli hairstyle, I believe this is your "go to" look for any and every formal event you have coming up. Whether it's a black tie fundraiser, your company's holiday party, or you are a glorified bridesmaid in your bff's wedding: this is the best alternative to an updo. Opting for the Napoli instead of an updo gives you more flexibility with accessorizing so you can feel comfortable looking your best but still look like you (which is extremely important)  Don't let the formal tendencies of this curly 'do scare you off, it can still be dressed down for an everyday feel. Bouncy hair would be a great way to sum up a flirty look paired with that new maxi dress you've been trying to debut, or the cute summer dress you've had in hiding awaiting the perfect excuse to pull it out (now you have it!)

As always, a little "celebspiration" never hurt anyone...and this is personally my favorite part!

Rihanna (my personal fave) looks absolutely stunning , rocking the Napoli style with  a gorgeous gown and  diamond encrusted ear rings for a more formal look

Selena Gomez looks adorable with the Napoli style. Paired with hoop earrings, it brings a less formal feel to this look.

"WOW" is all that comes to mind, and though this pic is obviously from a few months back I was overwhelmed with the amount of pics I had to choose from with the Kardashians rocking both the Napoli and Portofino. Here, Kim Kardashian not only makes a statement by featuring a beautifully bold red lip, but also dares to wear her curls with a center part (which is a great idea for you to try something new!)

So the next time you find yourself wondering how you should wear you hair for your husband's company winter party, or your next high school reunion (because you don't feel it necessary to have an updo) come to La Bella to get your first Le Brezza service and ask for the Napoli! Like mentioned before, it is the best alternative to an updo and is a style that would last you through the entire weekend without getting flat to your head...even if you suffer from oily hair syndrome dry shampoo would help maintain any of the La Brezza hairstyles until your next wash.

Just remember you don't always need a reason to get to the salon and have your hair styled...because YOU are a good enough reason!

Call La Bella today to request your first La Brezza Experience: (804)258-2490

La Brezza, a breath of fresh air for great hair on the go.

The Looks of La Bella: Firenze

This week at La Bella our featured look is the Firenze. Firenze is our sleek, chic, straight look. It's perfect for when you need to make a bold statement (or aren't so great a flat ironing your own hair). It gives you the opportunity to experiment with some fun, new things with your look!

Firenze is a great way to make a powerful statement for that job interview you have coming up. Paired with a blazer and heels, you have yourself a winning look. It shows that you have enough confidence to bring style and fashion to the office, but are able to keep a balance to maintain professionalism. What better way to get respect then setting a jaw dropping first impression? Next time you rock the Firenze, go to the make up counter at Nordstrom and play with some new bold lipstick color you wouldn't usually consider...you'd be surprised at how much this simply chic hairstyle will open up your eyes and mind (once again, confidence to try new things). You don't want to try something as serious as a new lipstick with a 'do that is over done, that will overwhelm the look. What about that Stella & Dot necklace you bought at the trunk show your girlfriend threw? You fell in love with it because you of how different it is from all of your other necklaces, but aren't quite sure how to pull the whole look together for its debut....the Firenze is the best option for exactly that.

Taylor Swift steered away from her usual wavy (Portofino) hairstyle to rock the chic Firenze look, paired with stunning eye makeup and a bold ear ring.

Jennifer Hudson looks fierce at the 2013 Oscars in an elegant gown, that she took to the next level debuting the Indie Fringe.

Gwyneth Paltrow has adopted the Firenze as her signature style, and here she makes a statement by dressing up this look with red lipstick.

The greatest thing about the Firenze is you really don't need to have a reason to wear it! We all know there is nothing better than going into the salon for either color or a cut knowing that your stylist is going to flat iron your hair so you don't have to for a couple of days (it's always much straighter/smoother than what anyone could do at home). It's just that now, you don't have to wait for your next routine appointment. You don't need to have a reason to treat yourself to looking beautiful....you are the reason.


Call La Bella to book your first La Brezza experience: (804)285-2490

La Brezza, a breath of fresh hair for great hair on the go.

The Looks of La Brezza: Portofino

The featured style of the week from our La Brezza collection is Portofino. Portofino is our beach wave hairstyle, offering you the opportunity to rock the boho-chic "celebrity curls" without the hassle of having to DIY (because who has time for that?).

Portofino is the perfect option for that blind date your girlfriend keeps trying to set you up on (it says "I'm relaxed and didn't overdue it, but I tried enough to be flirty") Who doesn't like flirty? Or you and your husband get a day out because the in laws are in town, so you decide to catch the matinee followed by lunch out on the patio of your favorite restaurant. Portofino is ideal for this time of year, and translates perfectly right into summertime.

Since this style is best recognized as "celebrity curls" I had to share with you exactly which celebs are doing the Portofino best...let me just say this was the most difficult one to pick only 3 celebs because there are so many amazing options! It truly is the most popular hairstyle in Hollywood.

Kate Hudson is glowing, bringing "boho-chic" to the red carpet.  This is by far her #1 preferred hairstyle.

Mila Kunis looks fierce pairing her Portofino look with a stunning, vibrant red gown for a more formal (yet relaxed) look.

Lauren Conrad always has a cute, flirty, "girl next door" look, and does it very well. Especially bringing the Portofino to a Disney event. 

As you can see above, there are multiple ways to wear the Portofino! So if you find yourself wanting to try something new and play around with different hairstyles, but don't necessarily want to retrain yourself (because it's not as easy as we make it look, right?) come into La Bella and let us help you renew your style with the Portofino! It's never too late to adopt a new look, and boho-chic will never be out of style....Seeing how celebrities will wear this hairstyle while hiding from the paparazzi on the beach, shopping at their fave boutiques in New York, all the way to wearing a gown on the red carpet....it's safe to say this style is perfect for that wedding you have coming up, even great for the bride's bachelorette party too!

Call La Bella today to request your first La Brezza experience: (804)285-2490

La brezza, a breath of fresh air for great hair on the go.

The Looks of La Brezza: Milano

As introduced in our blog post prior to this one, we are now offering La Brezza (our specialty blow dry service). You may be asking yourself when this service would be best for you to use, and you'll find the opportunities come more often than you may realize! 

Our featured look for this week is the Milano, which is our signature blow out style. This style offers your hair body, movement, and volume. It's a great way to make a statement without feeling over done, but with just enough "umph" to feel completely done. Milano is the perfect look for a birthday party, a casual outing with the girls, family photos, or even a presentation in front of the big dogs at your business. It's effortless look will have them wondering if you got it styled or if you developed a talent to style your own hair (don't worry, it can be our secret).

Who in Hollywood is rocking the Milano? Well,  I did  research to see just who we could turn to for a little style inspiration and was thrilled with what I found:

Eva Longoria is simply fierce while strolling around  the city with the Milano, which is the perfect finishing  touch for her simple (but chic) ensemble. It says "less is more"

Jennifer Lopez took the Milano to the red carpet in an elegant gown . A great way for her to bring a more relaxed (but head turning) feel to her already formal look.

Looking past Hollywood and right up to Royalty, Kate Middleton is constantly looked at for style inspiration. It seems her favorite 'do is the soft round brushed Milano look! Any style suitable for a princess has got to be amazing, right?

As you can see, the Milano style is a girl's best friend because it is soft enough to be casual for any daytime event, yet polished enough to be worthy of any evening formal event. Imagine those busy Saturdays where you have a family picnic during the daytime, and a cocktail party to go to in the evening....then brunch with your girlfriends Sunday morning...there's no better way to make the transition from day to night to the next day than coming into the salon before your day begins Saturday and not having to worry about your hair for the rest of the weekend. Milano still looks amazing on day 2 which is ideal. It just makes sense!

Call La Bella Hair Studio today to book your first La Brezza service: (804)285-2490

La Brezza: A breath of fresh air, for great hair on the go.

Introducing La Brezza...

There have been a lot of exciting things going on around La Bella, and we must say the one we are so eager to share is La Brezza! I'm sure you're wondering what exactly La Brezza is and how it concerns you...of course we are prepared to explain.

Here's a hint: La Brezza, a breath of fresh air for great hair on the go.

Maybe you can guess by now, but we are bringing something to Richmond that has yet to be done. La Brezza is our new Specialty Blow Dry service menu which offers you the flexibility to come in at your own convenience for any of our a la carte blowout styles. Best part? It's only $35! Let's break it down so you can get a true understanding of exactly what we are so excited to share with you!

First things first: Where did we come up with the name? La Brezza is an Italian term, meaning the breeze: because we at La Bella believe it should be a breeze for you to be able to come in (no matter what for) to get your hair washed, styled, and out the door...you know...hence the whole "great hair on the go" thing. 

Second: So whether you have a last minute meeting, a date night with your hubby (or a prospective hubby), a girl's night out, birthday party, or just don't feel like styling your own hair (trust me, I understand that) we have the perfect style to get you out the door turning heads! Let's take a look at each style we have to offer! There are 4 different styles, all of which are compatible for long and short. Each style has a unique look and Italian name to set itself apart from the others.

Milano (mee-LAH-no): The heart of Italian fashion and design, the city Americans call Milan embodies all that we want to do for you today. Choose this LaBrezza signature style, and breeze out our door looking absolutely bellissima. 

Milano, being our signature look, is voluminous and light with just the right amount of body and style for every look and any occasion.

Portofino (port-o-FEE-no): Even if you've never been to the Italian Riviera, this is your chance to look as though you have. This deceptively casual style says fun, it says lively, it says jet-setting, and it definitely tells the world you love walks on the beach. Perhaps on the Mediterranean! . 

Portofino is our wavy look, perfect for those who have interest in the "celebrity wave" but not so much interested in DIY, this style is ideal to transition from a day look right into night without missing a beat

Firenze (fee-REN-seh): Artistic genius is everywhere in the city where Leonardo daVinci was born, and Michelangelo’s David reigns supreme. Americans call this city Florence. People who see you with this sleek smooth sophisticated look may be tempted to call you Gina or Sofia. 

Firenze is our sleek and chic look for those days you may need to make a sharp, but simple fashion statement.

Napoli (NAP-o-lee): In the lively, lusty Southern Italian city Americans call Naples, women (and some very good-looking men!), have luxuriously curly hair. Choose this romantic look for yourself and you may walk out humming O Sole Mio. 

Napoli, (bouncy, curly look) is the best bet if you are looking to switch up from everyday hair or perfectly romantic for an evening out to dinner.

We couldn't introduce La Brezza to you without having a launch party! So please join us on Thursday, March 21st from 5-7 pm at La Bella Hair Studio to have a formal introduction to Richmond's next big thing. Every guest will receive $10 off their first La Brezza Experience! The First 50 people will receive a free travel product from UNITE. And it isn't a party without bubbly beverages, not to mention light fare courtesy of BBQ Bliss and More Catering! Donations benefiting Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation.

Don't hesitate to call if you have any questions pertaining to the event or La Brezza (804)285-2490.

We look forward to seeing you there and can't wait to talk about how you will personally benefit from this new Specialty Blow Dry service! 

La Brezza, a breath of fresh air for great hair on the go. Brought to you by the stylist team at La Bella Hair Studio, Live, look, feel beautiful (even on the go!)