MEET THE TEAM
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Hi babes! I'm Luana, a licensed professional hair artist for over 10 years, a salon owner, designer, mentor, educator, and contracted with Truss Brand as a specialist.
My passion for hair is undeniable. I strive to be the best artist I can be by continuing to push my creativity to another level. At the same time, I love to encourage fellow hair artists to do what they love through education and styling. I've risen to the top of the professional hair industry, but it has not been without hard work and dedication to my craft. Early Years I was born in Belem Para, Brazil. When I was 14 years old, I moved to the United States. As an adult, my passion for the beauty industry and hair styling grew and I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in cosmetology, with a focus on hair artistry. In 2014, I graduated from Artistic Academy cosmetology school. After receiving my license I began my career at Dieci. I knew that I eventually wanted to become my own boss and, in 2019, opened East Coast Salon, in Wayne, New Jersey. In 2020, we expanded East Coast Salon to Denville, New Jersey, where I had the opportunity to bring in more stylists and also began to teach my techniques to other stylists. In 2022, with my love for teaching other stylists, and in order to expand as an educator, I decided to independently open a small-scale salon allowing me the flexibility to do all that I love within the industry. I opened East Coast Studio, in Madison, New Jersey. This new opportunity and expansion of my brand allowed me to continue to provide my clients with extremely personalized services to meet their specific hair dreams all while continuing to educate fellow stylists and allowing me to share my passion for hair and knowledge of my craft. Today My passion for hair and teaching has brought me to expand once again. I wanted to move to a much bigger setup, where I would have the space and flexibility to host my own classes and bring in more stylists as well as other services. Welcome to La Vida Salon in East Hanover, New Jersey! Accolades I had the honor of being nominated in two categories and receiving the “Best Salon Decor” award at the 2021 Behind the Chair Awards. It was an honor to be nominated and recognized for this award. Some fun facts about me
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Hey! My name is Marisa (but some may know me as “Whiskey”) and I’ve been in the hair industry for about 5 years now. I’ve always had a passion for self care and hair styling, dating back to elementary and middle school, where I would concoct homemade hair masks and find unique braids and hairstyles to try out on myself. That passion drove me to enroll at the Artistic Academy of Hair Design after high school where I graduated in 2019 and I’ve never looked back since!
I love being able to transform my clients into the best version of themselves with a new cut or color. I find the art of haircutting fascinating, and I love trying out different techniques to achieve a better end result, I’m always eager to learn more!! I attended the Redken Exchange Cut and Know Why course earlier this year, and I have been using the new tips and tricks that I have learned on my clients! I also love blonding and balayage for my super blondies or someone just looking for a sun kissed glow. So if you’re ever looking to switch up your look for something funky, I’ll see you in my chair! A little more about me: - I LOVE live music! You can always catch me at a concert or listening to live music at local bars around town. My personal favorite is 70’s and 80s rock and disco!! - I’m a huuggeeeee animal lover! Growing up I wanted to become a vet tech, but my love for the beauty industry was stronger and I’m so happy I choice this career path. -I am a plant mom, all the plants I’v had are still alive today! I love watching them grow big and as a treat I buy a new one to expand my collection:) |
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Hi, I’m Jordan, the girl with all the hats! I am 25 years old and born and raised in New Jersey! I graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson university in 2019 with a degree in business. It took me a little longer to find my passion, but I’m so happy to say I finally have.
I enrolled in beauty school on such a whim and I’m so happy I did. I called a cosmetology school to tour on the Thursday before Labor Day weekend. I enrolled that same day and started that following Tuesday. I can’t get enough of lived in colors!! However, I love doing something new everyday. From highlights and haircuts to touch ups and men’s cuts! I love spicing it up each day! Long hair is my jam, the longer the better. I recently became certified in Habit extensions with @hairbychrissy. I cannot wait to use these new tools to bring you your dream hair. Enough about hair let’s get to know me! Here are some fun facts about me: I love traveling any chance I get and hope to visit all 50 states as well as the rest of the world. Weekend trips are my favorite! Ask me for recommendations on your next trip. I’m happy to be your hairstylist/ travel agent. I’m a Jersey girl with a little bit of country spice! I fell in love with country music and concerts and have made it a lifestyle. I have an unhealthy addiction to hats! You’ll probably get to see a different one at each visit! I love working out and watching myself get stronger! You won’t catch me running, unless it’s through an airport. You can always find me in the weights. I like to say I’m a heavy 4 rep kind of gal. I can’t wait to meet you and have you in my chair!! |
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Hey! I’m Katie, but I also go by Blondie! I’m 21 years old and I have 3 years of professional experience in the beauty industry. I’ve always had a passion for hair, so I like to think of myself as having been in the industry for much longer. My favorite thing to do is to DELIVER! I’m sure we can all agree there’s no better feeling than a good hair day. My goal is to provide that for each person that sits in my chair.
If you ask me, school is not for everyone. I was so happy to find out about Morris County Vocational School’s Cosmetology program. I attended my junior and senior year of Highschool and graduated in 2020. Ever since, I’ve been working to build and educate myself for my clients benefit and to be able to offer the best services possible! I am constantly seeking new opportunities to learn and grow. I’m so happy to have found Luana and this team and I can’t wait to see the amazing things we all accomplish together! I want all my future clients to know that when you’re in my chair, you have FREEDOM! I want everyone who comes to me to feel comfortable to tell me anything- good or bad. Communication is KEY when it comes to giving you the hair of your dreams!! I promise to provide you a comfortable atmosphere where you have the luxury to be picky about your vision! |
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Hello loves! My name is Rhea, I am 20 years old and beyond excited to be joining Luanas team! I was born in Murrieta, California and around 11 years old I moved to New Jersey, it was a really big difference but Jersey does have my heart now.
I first thought about joining the Hair World when I was in community college sitting in the parking lot waiting for statistics to start thinking this is absolutely the last place I wanna be. Not just because of statistics, but I knew I needed something bigger for myself, later in the semester I dropped out and took some steps back to figure out myself and what I really loved. Knowing I have always loved doing hair as a hobby, I took a chance and started Cosmetology school in February 2022. I graduated March 2023 and I can now proudly say I can do hair as my career. I am interested in doing lived-in balayages, vivid color, hand-tied extensions, highlights and of course Hair cutting all the goods ya know! When I’m not in the salon, you will find me out shopping for things I don’t actually need, in the warmer months I love to hike,(still learning to like the cold) and I love to go out and try new food places! Mexican food is my favorite! |
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Hi! My name is Angelina and I’m a freelance makeup artist with over 6 years experience in the beauty industry. At 16, I attended Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan for cosmetics making, and then studied at Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics & Cosmetology in New Jersey.
As an AP art student growing up, I loved to experiment with different colors and textures. Here is where I realized I could put my two passions of art & makeup together, and take it from paper to skin. My favorite work to do is anything creative; photoshoots, music videos, or anything editorial. I’ve assisted on A-list celebrity sets including Lil Uzi Vert & Aboogie. I’m also fashion show certified and I’ve helped execute looks for New York Fashion Week! Now that you know all about my makeup journey, here’s a little bit about me:
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Crystal J (CJ) is a highly skilled and experienced brow artist with a passion for creating perfectly shaped and defined brows.
With over 9 years of expertise in brow design, CJ specializes in brow shape corrections, powder brows, tints, hennas, and laminations. She takes pride in her ability to analyze each individual's unique facial features and create brows that perfectly complement and enhance their natural beauty. With CJ's meticulous attention to detail and artistic vision, clients can trust that they are in capable hands when it comes to achieving their desired brow look. |
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Hi loves! My name is Jerielyn. I am a 26 year old mama to a 2 year old baby boy. I have been in the industry for almost 10 years. I began working at a salon at the age of 16. After high school graduation, I attended Makeup Designory in NYC and a short course in Burbank California for makeup (beauty, editorial, avant guard, special FX). Makeup was my passion for a very long time, especially Halloween makeup. I specialized in Bridal makeup and special FX. After a couple years of strictly doing makeup, I felt I needed more. I attended Artistic Academy in Morris Plains for cosmetology. After a few years of working in a salon, I was trained to do eyelash extensions and that’s when I knew I had found my niche. Being a lash tech brings joy to my life and I love the joy I bring to my clients. Throughout my journey, my main focus was to always make sure my clients left feeling beautiful and content.
I love to get to know my clients. You can always feel free to vent and get a good laugh out of our sessions. Or you can be in the mood to just lay back, relax, and take a nap. Your happiness is always my priority. I love watching my clients entire aura change just from getting their lashes done, leaving confident and ready for whatever this life throws at you! I can’t wait to meet and lash you! XO Fun facts about me: • I am Dominican and Chinese • I love fashion! Summer and spring is when I show off my best looks • I love trying new restaurants. I love giving recommendations and hearing of new places (especially if they have good cocktails) • I am very spiritual. I am all about good energy, good vibes, manifestation, and living in total harmony |
Kim
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Hi, I’m Kim! 🌟
At 53, I’m happily married for 25 years and a proud mom of two amazing teenage boys. I’m excited to be a Client Engagement Specialist at La Vida, where I’ve been a client for over 3 years. La Vida is a fun, positive place that I adore! Fun facts: I love cooking (check out my YouTube channel!), karaoke (yes, I sing in the supermarket!), and I have a few side hustles focused on self-care. Oh, and I’d love to cook with Stanley Tucci someday! Can’t wait to meet you all with a smile! 😊 |
Kate
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Hi everyone! My name is Kate and I am a receptionist at La Vida Salon and Spa. I can’t wait to meet everyone! Some of my hobbies include cooking, playing paddle, and golfing. Ask me Inspo for your next meal or restaurant recommendations, I’m always out to eat! I have found love in doing my hair and I hope to pursue that in the future. I am so happy to be working here and see everyone become the best version of themselves!
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Bella
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Hi my name is Isabella Califano . I am 17 and just graduated cosmetology school . I am so happy to be working with this team! I have a passion for making people feel happy and pretty . I am so excited to build my education here and keep learning. I’m very open to trying new things and I think It’s a great field and we are always learning more.
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AllIson
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Hi! My name is Allison and I am 20 years old. I’ve been in the hair industry for a little over a year! I am also currently a student at Seton Hall University majoring in Psychology and Speech Language Pathology.
I am very excited to be apart of the La Vida team. I joined this team because of the amazing atmosphere and to learn from the best stylists. Being so young in this industry it’s important to learn as much as you can and to continue to grow. La Vida goes above and beyond this! |
