I was born in Landstuhl, Germany in 1963 to American parents. A year later we returned to the States where my brother was born. I am the oldest of two siblings.
I have 3 unique and amazing children: Kai, Kalen (boys) & Shae (girl). When I'm not involved with salon business they keep me very busy! We reside in Waukesha, WI.
I have always had an eye for art and beauty. I started drawing as a very small child, and was always working on some sort of creative project growing up. I could also be found styling everything from my dolls to my mom's hair. As a teen I added makeup and started cutting and perming my family and friend's hair. But I never considered it as a career choice. That is, not until it was suggested by my high school councilor late in my senior year, when I didn't know what to do with my life after school! By that time I had to wait a year to enter Cosmetology school.
I graduated from M.A.T.C. in 1984, securing a job that same year. I worked in two salons over the next 3 1/2 years before striking out on my own in 1988. After working in booth rentals for the next few years, I opened my 1st full service salon, Adagio, in Oconomowoc, WI. Since then, my business has seen several incarnations, including the present one, Soleil Bleu ~ Hair, Nail & Image Studio.
Over the years I have enjoyed many different hobbies and interests including: softball, volleyball, rollerblading, running & fitness, fishing, movies, reading, live music & dancing, sewing, photography, interior decorating, drawing/painting, tie-dye & silk dying/painting, historical re-enactment, digital image editing, and desktop publishing, to name a few.
M.A.T.C. Cosmetology Degree - 1984
Stylist Booth Rental - 1988
Full Service Salon - 1993 to Present
I am a Master Hair Stylist/Colorist and Master Nail Technician. I have received various awards and trophies for my work in nail competitions. I also freelance as an educator, helping salons and nail techs improve their Gel Enhancement skills.
I am dedicated to bringing you the best in hair and nail services. In order to bring you the latest I attend trade shows and classes every year. I also subscribe to several trade publications which keeps me up to date on the latest trends in products and services.
I have an incredibly loyal client following, some of whom have been with me for 29 years! Many of these same clients also enjoy regular standing appointments, most of which are booked out a year in advance. For this reason my appointment book is very full and advance booking is highly recommended. I thoroughly enjoy working with my long time clients, and I look forward to the creative challenge each new guest brings.
My driving passion is rooted in creativity. When I'm creating, I'm a very happy girl! :)
