Studio 604 - A boutique salon

It may not be the easy road.. but it’s the right one. 🙏🏼❤️

🚨 Serious TRANSFORMATION alert! 👉🏼

It was Megan’s first time in the salon, which made this transformation even more special. 🥰 Seriously amazing and talented woman right here! 🩵

I love doing lived-in looks like this, especially for the colder months here in the PNW.

There is still TONS of dimension, but WITH depth and richness from the base colour. Then in the spring time we will be able to take her a bit lighter again while still keeping her hair healthy!

I like to call this ‘winterizing your blonde’.. 😂

CHEFS KISS! 👩🏼‍🍳 Thoughts everyone?!

OK people… gonna be a bit of a heartfelt and vulnerable post, dedicated to this woman right here. 💕🥹 (Excuse my hair plz people 😂)

I found Britt and her coaching program, Thrivers Society, in March of 2020.

Yep. That’s right.

S**t was going sideways in the world… with having JUST starting over in my long term career here in Portland… then about to get shut down, I knew that I needed to focus.

That felt authentic, and was a long term business based solution that was in alignment with my beliefs on what the industry is capable of… and should be about.

Words can’t describe what the journey has been like these past 3.5 years.

I’ve laughed. I’ve bawled my fu***ng eyes out. I’ve sat back and watched peers. I’ve been pushed to not just sit back, and that my thoughts and experience matter… that people want to hear what I have to say.

I have received accolades for my growth and knowledge, while at the same time doubting myself if I am even good enough to keep going on this path. Then getting called out for the negative self talk. 😅❤️😂

I have connected with an UNREAL community of stylists, who all want to raise the bar within this industry.

I have seen Britt and the entire team pour their heart and soul into the program, and it fu***ng shows.

Her and her whole team TRULY believes community over competition.

Britt, I would not be where I am today in my career without out you. ❤️ I love you. I see you.. and keep shining.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again… I will be part of the Thrivers Society community for life. 🫶🏻

Ok FRANDS.. wanna know a few entertaining, ridiculous and entertaining facts about me? Here we go… 😅❤️😂

1. My teeth don’t touch in the front. It’s called an ‘open bite’, not an over or underbite… it’s just… open. 😂 So thin crust pizza is my nemesis (even though I love it) so I have to bite it on the side of my mouth. It’s also why I have a bit of a lisp, and why full leaf lettuce is a BITCH in general. 🤣

2. I have always had a fear of public speaking. SHOCKING, I know. 🙄 it’s gotten better as I age, (cause less f***s are given I think?) however my face turns bright red and I make myself cringe. 😅

(For many years in the earlier part of my career, I wanted to be a ‘platform artist’. Which basically is an educator for a brand within my industry. You can see where the ‘stage fright’ may have been a huge reason why I didn’t fully pursue it.) 😅😅

3. My grade 4 report card says that I had a ‘caustic’ sense of humour, but injected humour into otherwise ‘mundane’ situations… 😅💀 That, and that I was working on my ‘patience’ in group situations with other kids who were ‘less able’. (I want to find that teacher and let her know I am a business owner.. 🤣🤣)

Very ‘on brand’, if I do say so myself.

YOU’RE WELCOME EVERYONE. 😅🤣

Wanna know what can have the biggest impact with fine hair, when you are trying to create volume? 🤔

It starts with how you’re washing your hair!

These are a few tips I share with all of my fine haired ladies then end up in my chair:

- Keeping your scalp clean! It’s ok to not wash every single day, however if you are doing every 2-3 days then ‘double shampooing’ is a MUST! If there is a lot of product/oil build up, then even a ‘triple’ shampoo is warranted.

You end up using less shampoo, as you aren’t just dumping a bunch more shampoo on your hair to get the lather!

The first shampoo won’t lather much, but the second will.

- REALLY using your finger tips to scrub your scalp while you’re shampooing.

- Only condition from THE EARS DOWN! If you have areas you want to hydrate that are higher up, get most of the conditioner on your ends, then just use a little residual on the areas closer to the scalp.

Having the right combination of shampoo/conditioner plays a HUGE part! It’s not a ‘one size fits all’ situation FRANDS! 😅❤️

Let me know if this is helpful content, and I’ll start posting more tips. 😘😘

To ALL of the bad ass humans who need a little reminder this Monday morning. 🙏🏽❤️

I am definitely guilty of having limiting beliefs around what is achievable.

The possibilities are endless if we choose to change the narrative in our heads. It’s easier said than done at times, but we just have to keep dreaming big and continue to put one foot in front of the other. ✌🏼💕🫶🏻

Do you want to know what inspired me to design the salon in an unconventional way? 🤔

My love of hosting & taking care of people. ❤️

You know that feeling when you walk into someone’s home, or to a beautiful restaurant that has the perfect lighting & music? I wanted to create that feeling when you walk through the door. That feel relaxed and taken care of immediately.

Whether you have to get some work done, need to take a break from parent mode or getting your hair done is part of your self care routine… the goal is always the same for me.

That you feel cared for, heard and supported. That you walk out feeling amazing about your hair and empowered to get back to tackling life. 🙌🏽

I love spending time in this space, and I know will too. 💕

🚨MASSIVE ‘fine hair’ transformation!
👉🏽 To see before

I asked Diana what made her choose coming to see me for her first EVER colour appointment. 🥰 (What an honour! 🥹) Here are just a few things she said…

1. She liked that I am about educating my clients, so they can feel confident taking care of and doing their hair at home. From managing scalp health, how to wash & condition your hair properly, product application and styling tips. 💆🏼‍♀️

2. That I specialize in ‘fine hair’. It can be seriously traumatizing to get a bad haircut or colour as it takes FOREVER to grow out. 💇🏼‍♀️

3. That I do a thorough consultation process. From the initial intake form, to the in-depth consultation that happens before we start. 🤓

Within an hour into the appointment we were laughing our heads off and having a wonderful time. 😂🎉💁🏼‍♀️

Thank you for trusting me with such a massive transformation!! 🙏🏽 It’s never lost on me the amount of trust that is placed in my hands to have all of you walking out looking and feeling your best. 🥹

It is always an honour and a privilege that I get to do what I do.

How AMAZING does Diana look everyone?! 🎉

💭 It seems like this might resonate with my community of badass female entrepreneurs. 👩🏼‍💻👩🏼‍🎨

Keep your head up and keep going, ladies. You aren’t alone. ✨

Let’s talk about hair transformations! 🤓 How long it takes, cost & future maintenance!

This blonding transformation on Sara took 6 hours. Yes, 6 hours. 😂 Even though it doesn’t look like she has a ton of hair, she does! Lol!

She wanted to feel over all brighter without having an intense line as it grows out… ‘Lived in’ is the term that we use to describe that. 👏🏽

These types of transformations generally only need to be done ONCE! ☝🏽 It can be broken up into 3 separate service appointments and done gradually, or we can do it all at once! (depending on the integrity of your hair of course!).

It is an investment to get to your hair goals! However if you added up 3 separate shorter blonding services, it would end up costing more. Healthy blonding is important, and takes a bit more time. 🤓 I am only working on your hair during your service, and of course I make sure you are fed and well hydrated. (SNACKS ARE IMPORTANT! 😂)

Her next appt or 2, will just be a ‘Maintenance Haircut’ and a ‘Toner/Glaze’. That will keep her ends fresh, her hair feeling shiny and her blonde feeling bright! 🥳 Or in 6-8 months she could get a ‘Partial’… but we won’t need to lighten her ends again.

Getting to your hair GOALS is possible, and I’m here for the journey with you! No matter how long it takes. 🥳❤️🥰

Wanna know why I think ‘lobs’ are one of the most versatile and flattering styles for almost anyone? 🤓👇🏽

1. Yes, you can still tie is back. 😂

2. The length is just past your collar bone, so you don’t have to go through the awkward ‘flipping out at the ends’ phase.

3. Less hair to blow dry/style = less time spent on doing your hair.

4. When the haircut is done right, it looks amazing wavy, straight or even right when you’ve gotten up in the morning. (Who doesn’t love tousled hair?!?!)

5. It’s a great option for when you are feeling like a change, but don’t want to do something drastic.

6. It suits all face shapes, and it feels amazing to get some of those ends off!

I truly believe in having your hair look amazing between your visits, not just when you leave the salon. 🤓

My summer ‘BLONDIES’ are in full swing, and I am HERE FOR IT! 🥰

If you have fine hair, you’ll want to read this… 👇🏽

I have learned over the years how extremely difficult it is to do fine hair… well.

Cutting, colouring, styling… all of it.

There’s different variations of the definition as well. You can have fine hair, but have a LOT of it. Or less of it but it has a curly texture so it appears that you have more of it… etc.

I have learned that it is all in the details. 🤓

The tiny little hairs around your hairline that are so important to incorporate when you’re colouring/lightening so it doesn’t look ‘stripey’ when it’s pulled back. The angle you take when placing foils. Being gentle with the blonding process.

ALWAYS cutting the hair dry and not using thinning shears or a razor to do the haircut.

Double shampooing when it’s wash day and not putting any conditioner on your roots. 🧼

Some stylists may not agree with me, and that’s ok!

As someone who has super fine hair myself, I can attest to the difference it makes.

I’m here for YOU! 🫶🏼 I am always about educating you while you’re in the chair, (while also cracking up laughing of course 😂) so that your hair looks good BETWEEN your appointments. Not just when you leave the salon. 😉

What a TREAT to have in my chair yesterday. Likeminded entrepreneurial women over here supporting each other. 🥰

She is a wardrobe stylist based here in Portland, but has a virtual platform to be able to serve her clients from all over! 💅🏼 Stay tuned for some fun things she and I are cooking up together to keep showing up and supporting the amazing women in our community.

Do you ever get confused with what service you should book for a blonding appointment? 🤔💭

There are so many different types of techniques it can probably feel a little confusing. 😅

For instance, on it does look somewhat ‘lived in’ even though we did a full head of highlights.

It really comes down to what you are wanting the maintenance to be, the density of your hair, the starting colour that we are working with and what type of haircut you are wanting to get!

Sometimes certain techniques that you see on the ‘Gram or Pinterest wouldn’t be the best choice for your density of hair etc. 🤓 Which is why I always do a ‘digital’ consultation when you request to book, then of course we do an ‘in person’ consultation before we get started!

I believe that education is key when it comes to communication about your hair. I always strive to have you feeling confident in your styling abilities at home, as well as being thorough in breaking down the differences between techniques/what will work best for your hair! 🙌🏽❤️

I do really love the journey that we go on together within the stylist/client relationship. 🥰

I am here to help educate and support you on this journey, and no question is a stupid question! 🤓

Thank you for trusting me with your hair 🙏🏽🥰

*How about this before/after?! 😍 Spring/Summer VIBEZ are upon us my friends*

HAIR TREND FACTS 👉🏽 ‘Lobs’ are DEFINITELY making a come back.. swipe for before on my amazing client!

I often get asked what is ‘in’ right now, or what people will be leaning towards getting in the next year.

The reality is, not every style that is ‘on trend’ or ‘in’ is going to suit everyone. Also, there have been variations of the style that have already come and gone, and also circled back… a few times. 😂 (Some should stay in the era that they had their ‘hay day’.)

I will generally share what I know to be ‘trending’, but it’s also extremely important to me to educate my clients on what is going to suit them and be achievable at home.

You can have hair that is stylish & trend forward, but not necessarily the style that is being posted everywhere. You want to feel like YOU, just elevated! 🥰

Which is why I always do a consultation, even with my long term clients, before we get started. Sometimes you feel like a change and you don’t know which direction to go in!

That’s our job as professionals to always help guide you in the right direction to set you up for success between your visits. 😘

* I didn’t get an ‘after’ pic of Kristy on her own, so the cute selfie of us hugging will have to do.. 😉😂

This. ❤️

This right here is what I live for. What drives me, what feeds my soul… and what brings so much joy to my heart to have such an amazing woman feel this way about her experience. 😭🙏🏽

Thank you … for the kind words, and the genuine expression from your heart.
. and for feeling what I am truly trying to do, every day. ❤️

1st photo: posed shot. 🤓

2nd photo: how I am the majority of the time. 😂

I want to share a bit about the reality of ‘imposter syndrome’, and how many of the women in my life share these same feelings. 💭

You know, the feeling when you have accomplished something you never thought you could.

The thoughts that go through your head about ‘Do I really deserve this?’.

The ‘What will people think if I post this?’ thoughts.

The ‘How did I even get here?!’ thoughts.

The ‘Am I good enough?’ thoughts.

I want to share with you that more often than not, a lot of people who have worked SO hard to create something amazing have these thoughts running through their head, myself included.

I challenge all of my bad ass ladies, 🙌🏽 the next time one of these thoughts crosses your mind.. just pause. Try and catch yourself in that thought.

Think of EVERY single thing you have had to overcome to get where you are. The days that you pushed through and kept going because, for you, there was no other option. That the reason why you are where you are is because you persevered when others would’ve given up.

That even though you may have had some hard lessons, you learned from them and kept going.

You ALL deserve a seat at the table, whatever that table looks like for you. You’ve earned it and you are worthy of it. 🙏🏽❤️🎉

YOU ARE A FU***NG BAD ASS. 👌🏽

(and I am here to fu***ng CHEER you on and support you along the way, always. 😘)

Now, stand up tall and straighten your crown.. because you are ALL queens! 👸🏼

HELLO friends!! ❤️ I want to share with you guys why I chose to open a salon from scratch.. in the middle of a pandemic. 😅💪🏽🥰

After having (at the time) 17 years of experience in the industry, moving to a new country/having to transfer my license, not being able to work for a year, leaving a beautiful and amazing group of clients behind, leaving family and friends….

I just wasn’t finding the community I was hoping to find here in Portland. I’ve had so many amazing mentors over the years, and one of the things I have learned is.. if you can’t find your community, then you need to create it yourself. 🤔

It has been a rollercoaster of a ride, but as time goes on and I see the type of women that land in my chair, I have realized that I have started to do just what I set out to do. My community here IS you guys, my clients. ❤️

It can feel lonely at times while you’re working hard to build something that means something to others, not just myself. Self care can go on the back burner, some relationships don’t work out.. but I just keep my head up and keep focused on why I set out on this journey. 💪🏽

I remind myself that I am leading this whole thing with my heart and integrity, and when you do something you love so much it doesn’t feel like work. It becomes so much more than that, and how grateful I feel every time I walk through the door I am reminded of that.

Thank YOU all, for being my community.. and for finally making Portland feel truly like home to me. ❤️🙏🏽

Just going through all of my 256,466 hair photos I have on my phone.. 😂 and came across this amazing transformation! 😍

These types of sessions or ‘conversions’ can take an entire day to do, so when it’s winter time here in Oregon, it’s usually dark outside by the time I’m done… so it makes taking great after photos a little tricky. 😬🫣

This is miss and she is one of the sweetest humans alive. 🥰 Love you girl! ❤️

During these big ‘conversion’ appointments, I like to make sure that I order us lunch (possibly almost dinner as well 😂), have great music playing, tons of laughter, usually some pup snuggles from Sir Duke 🐶 and always making sure that you are comfortable and well taken care of while you’re here. 🍷😉

I’m pretty sure my clients that follow me on here will definitely back me up on this one. 😂 I have an entire drawer full of snacks/treats and all kinds of beverages.

That ‘grateful’ feeling I have when I walk through the salon door every morning will never go away. The salon feels like my home, and all of my clients are like family to me. I appreciate each and everyone of you. 🥹 For trusting me to do your hair, and for sharing your life experiences with me.

LOVE YOU GUYS! 🥰

HELLO FRIENDS!! 👋🏽 I would like to introduce you to Emily. The newest family member of 👏🏽

Emily transplanted to Portland not too long ago from Massachusetts, where she did her schooling, apprenticed and worked behind the chair before deciding that the west coast was where she wanted to land.

You all know I’ve been looking for just the right stylist to bring on board, so I feel grateful to finally have found someone that fits right in to the vibe and culture of the salon. 🙏🏽

Emily loves dry hair cutting (which you all know I LOVE and do all the time 😂), blonding as well as doing vivids. She has a natural ability, strong work ethic and is driven to succeed in this industry.

It’s younger stylists like her that helped me shape the vision for the salon. So many young stylists get treated poorly or just don’t get the right guidance and support so they can thrive in the industry. I can’t wait to see how well she does and support her in any way I can to see her succeed!! 🙌🏽🥰

She is available for clients Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays for now. She’ll also be able to help out with my current clientele for some services if I’m booked up!

I can’t WAIT for you guys to meet her.. she’s already experienced some of my amazing clients and the fun that we have. 😂🙌🏽

Welcome everyone.. this one is going to kick some ass. 💪🏽