Professional stylists and passionate educators

Shawn

LEVEL 2 STYLIST

Raised in a small town near Temple, Texas, Shawn has loved hair since he was a young child. Now a professional cosmetologist he enjoys creating guest relationships while making people feel their most confident selves!

With a diverse clientele, listening and educating are Shawn’s main priorities. Shawn earned his license at a Redken School, The Salon Professional Academy, in Georgetown, Texas. He loves spending time with family and friends and expressing his creativity through other outlets such as interior design.

“Since childhood I’ve naturally gravitated towards hair. From cutting tassels off of curtains, to braiding my Grandmothers hair, I’ve always enjoyed the fiber like structure. (Not to mention all the Barbie’s and Bratz dolls!). Upon pursuing cosmetology career, I’ve only found more love and passion for not only hair, but for each guest who sits in my chair. I hope to see you soon!”.

Christopher

LEVEL 3 STYLIST

Christopher

Born and raised in Austin, Chris started his beauty career in 2013 and found his Salon Vela family in 2016. Chris is driven by all things creative. Whether it’s his passion for music, art or hair, his process with every client is led by that passion to create the right solution. He is driven by listening, envisioning and delivering personalized service. Motivation comes from the relationships he grows, and knowing that Guests leave the salon feeling great. Outside of the Salon Chris’ other passions include his dogs, music, cooking, and photography.

Lou

LEVEL 4 STYLIST

A native austinite, during High School Lou taught herself to do platinum hair, cutting using YouTube and patient friends. One of the select few Stylists in Austin certified in IBE extensions, Lou is ready to take on all of your hair needs for beautiful length, density, and color. With a clientele from bartenders to CEOs, Lou has solidified her title as the Salon "platinum queen", as well as focusing on cuts and colors for professional men and women. A curly girl herself, Lou is dedicated to creating custom cuts and colors to maintain the health and bounce of every Guests curls.

Recent Accomplishments:

Lori Zabel Balayage Private in Salon class 2019
Redken Symposium 2019
Redken Color Certification 2018
Ruth Roche Cutting 2018
Global Keratin Certification 2018
Frank Soto Barbarology Class 2018
Lori Zabel Balayage Specialty Class 2018
Redken Color 2017

Brazilian Blowout Certification 2017
Marcia Teixeira Keratin Certification 2017
Long Layers Advanced Cutting 2016
Curly Cutting Speciatly Class 2016
Pureology Pureologist Certification 2016
Pixie Perfection 2016

Cristina

EDUCATION LIAISON,
LEVEL 5 STYLIST

Hablo Espanol

Born and raised in Austin, Cristina is passionate about the constantly evolving hair industry and specializes in giving guests the perfect “lived in” balayage or color. As the Salon Education Liaison, Cristina travels to schools in Texas to teach and inspire new members of our industry. Her goal is to create an excellent experience from when Guests walk in the door to when they walk out. When Cristina is not behind the chair she enjoys quality time with her loved ones, traveling, and seeking new experiences.

Accomplishments include:

Made Education Liaison 2021
Lori Zabel Balayage Private in Salon class 2019
Global Keratin Certification 2019
Marcia Teixeira Keratin Certification 2019
Brazilian Blowout Certification 2019
Pureology Pureologist Certification 2019
Diva Curl Class 2019
Kristi Valenzuela Class 2019
Redken Product Knowlege 2018 class
Women’s Hair Expo April 2017

Maria

PARTNER & EDUCATOR

Hablo Espanol

Originally from the UNESCO World Heritage city of Guanajuato Mexico Maria has lived in the Austin area since 2003. Growing up, Maria always had a passion for hair and with three younger sisters she was practicing her craft at a very early age. After extensive education and hands on training under the rigorous Salon Vela Associates program Maria is rapidly advancing on her career path. Recent accomplishments Include:

Lori Zabel Balayage Private in Salon class 2019
Redken Symposium 2019
Redken Color Certification 2018
Ruth Roche Private In Salon Class 2018
Santa Barbara Balayage 2017
Redken Obsessed 2017
Redken Symposium Las Vegas 2017
Marcia Teixeira Keratin Certification 2016
Global Keratin Keratin Certification 2016
Brazilian Blowout Keratin Certification 2016
Redken Balayage Technique Class 2016
Pureology Pureologist Certification 2016

Ron

PARTNER & EDUCATOR

Hablo Espanol

Since 1985 Ron has worked at some of Austin’s best known Salons including Estilo Valdez Salon where he was a co-owner. After a two- year overseas sabbatical, Ron is thrilled to be back in Austin and a Salon Vela Partner as of August 2013. Recent Accomplishments include:

Lori Zabel Balayage Private in Salon class 2019
Redken Symposium 2019
Ruth Roche Private in Salon Class 2018
Redken Symposium Las Vegas 2017
L'Oreal Advanced Balayage Technique 2016
Brian Bowman Design & Finish Trends 2016
Redken Balayage Technique Class 2016
L'Oreal Balayage with Jennie Latona 2016
Pureology Pureologist Certification 2015
Kris Sorbie Advanced Color Class 2015
Redken Symposium Las Vegas 2015
Brazilian Blowout Certification 2014
DevaCurl Professional Curl Cutting 2013
Summit Salon Business Phase II 2013
Redken Academy New York City 2013
London Fashion Week Runway Stylist with Urban Retreat at Harrods 2013
Global Keratin Treatment Class 2011
Marcia Teixeira Brazilian Keratin Central Texas Educator 2010
Marcia Teixeira Brazilian Keratin Educator Certification 2010
Marcia Teixeira Brazilian Keratin Certification 2010
DevaConcepts Cut and Color Class 2008
Best Curly Hair Stylist Award – Austin Monthly Magazine
Best Curly Hair Salon Award - Austin Chronicle
Redken Curly Hair Color and Style Class with Bonnie Piontek 2007
Redken Advanced Color Class with David Stanko 2007
Redken Symposium 2006
Redken Exchange 2005

Angela

PARTNER & EDUCATOR

Angela has a love for hair and fashion, as well as a compassionate curiosity for the people she meets. She pursues some of the best education in the industry, and believes an in-depth consultation is key to a successful Salon visit. Customizing hair color and maintenance routines for every unique individual is Angela's passion, from rich natural colors to vibrant reds and creamy blondes, plus everything in between. In our educating Salon, Angela leads the Associates Program, using her Industry experience since 2006 to cultivate a successful, fun, and happy Salon family.

Accomplishments include:

Lori Zabel Balayage Private in Salon class 2019
Redken Symposium 2019
Ruth Roche Private In Salon Class 2018
Made Partner Salon Vela 2017
Redken Symposium Las Vegas 2017
Redken Balayage Technique Class 2016
Kris Sorbie Advanced Color Class 2015
Redken Symposium Las Vegas 2015
DevaCurl Professional Curl Cutting 2013
Stylist for "On Stage" Avant Garde Hair Runway Show for Jose Luis Salon 2013
Hand Painting/Balayage Technique 2013
Stylist for Tribeza Fashion Show 2012
Global Keratin Treatment 2011
Redken Artistic Director Sam Villa Private Class 2011
Marcia Teixeira Brazilian Keratin Certification 2010
Editorial Stylist Ronnie Stam Styling Class
Cut, Color & Prosper Advanced Training Class by Steven Todd and Vanessa Baker
Pivot Point Advanced Cutting Class with Kim Bellinger
Key Stylist for the Legislative Ladies Fashion Show 2007
Key Stylist for the Bob Bullock Museum Dallas Show 2006

Simon

SALON COORDINATOR, PARTNER & EDUCATOR

Since co-founding Estilo Valdez Salon in 1996 Simon has enjoyed being part of the Salon environment. After an overseas sabbatical and a Managerial position at the Harrod’s Spa in London he joined Salon Vela in 2013 as a Partner. Simon loves assisting Guests and juggling Salon duties to help the Salon run as smoothly as possible. But his greatest joy and guiding force is to coach and guide our fantastic team of Artists to achieve their maximum potential and life goals!

Recent Accomplishments:

Redken Symposium 2019
Ruth Roche Private in Salon Class 2018
Redken Symposium Las Vegas 2017
Redken Symposium Las Vegas 2015
Michael Cole Over The Top Seminar 2014
Summit Salon Business Phase II 2013
Made Partner Salon Vela 2013
Global Keratin Treatment Class 2011
Marcia Teixeira Brazilian Keratin Class 2011
Redken Advanced Color Class with David Stanko 2007
Redken Balayage Color Class 2007
Redken Symposium 2006
Redken Exchange 2005
Redken Symposium 2004
Redken Symposium 2002

Angela

PARTNER & EDUCATOR

Accomplishments include:

Lori Zabel Balayage Private in Salon class 2019
Redken Symposium 2019
Ruth Roche Private In Salon Class 2018
Made Partner Salon Vela 2017
Redken Symposium Las Vegas 2017
Redken Balayage Technique Class 2016
Kris Sorbie Advanced Color Class 2015
Redken Symposium Las Vegas 2015
DevaCurl Professional Curl Cutting 2013
Stylist for "On Stage" Avant Garde Hair Runway Show for Jose Luis Salon 2013
Hand Painting/Balayage Technique 2013
Stylist for Tribeza Fashion Show 2012
Global Keratin Treatment 2011
Redken Artistic Director Sam Villa Private Class 2011
Marcia Teixeira Brazilian Keratin Certification 2010
Editorial Stylist Ronnie Stam Styling Class
Cut, Color & Prosper Advanced Training Class by Steven Todd and Vanessa Baker
Pivot Point Advanced Cutting Class with Kim Bellinger
Key Stylist for the Legislative Ladies Fashion Show 2007
Key Stylist for the Bob Bullock Museum Dallas Show 2006

Simon

SALON COORDINATOR, PARTNER & EDUCATOR

Recent Accomplishments:

Redken Symposium 2019
Ruth Roche Private in Salon Class 2018
Redken Symposium Las Vegas 2017
Redken Symposium Las Vegas 2015
Michael Cole Over The Top Seminar 2014
Summit Salon Business Phase II 2013
Made Partner Salon Vela 2013
Global Keratin Treatment Class 2011
Marcia Teixeira Brazilian Keratin Class 2011
Redken Advanced Color Class with David Stanko 2007
Redken Balayage Color Class 2007
Redken Symposium 2006
Redken Exchange 2005
Redken Symposium 2004
Redken Symposium 2002

Shawn

LEVEL 2 STYLIST

Christopher

LEVEL 3 STYLIST

Christopher

Lou

LEVEL 4 STYLIST

Recent Accomplishments:

Lori Zabel Balayage Private in Salon class 2019
Redken Symposium 2019
Redken Color Certification 2018
Ruth Roche Cutting 2018
Global Keratin Certification 2018
Frank Soto Barbarology Class 2018
Lori Zabel Balayage Specialty Class 2018
Redken Color 2017

Brazilian Blowout Certification 2017
Marcia Teixeira Keratin Certification 2017
Long Layers Advanced Cutting 2016
Curly Cutting Speciatly Class 2016
Pureology Pureologist Certification 2016
Pixie Perfection 2016

Cristina

Education Liaison, LEVEL 5 STYLIST

Hablo Espanol

Accomplishments include:

Made Education Liaison 2021
Lori Zabel Balayage Private in Salon class 2019
Global Keratin Certification 2019
Marcia Teixeira Keratin Certification 2019
Brazilian Blowout Certification 2019
Pureology Pureologist Certification 2019
Diva Curl Class 2019
Kristi Valenzuela Class 2019
Redken Product Knowlege 2018 class
Women’s Hair Expo April 2017

Maria

PARTNER & EDUCATOR

Hablo Espanol

Lori Zabel Balayage Private in Salon class 2019
Redken Symposium 2019
Redken Color Certification 2018
Ruth Roche Private In Salon Class 2018
Santa Barbara Balayage 2017
Redken Obsessed 2017
Redken Symposium Las Vegas 2017
Marcia Teixeira Keratin Certification 2016
Global Keratin Keratin Certification 2016
Brazilian Blowout Keratin Certification 2016
Redken Balayage Technique Class 2016
Pureology Pureologist Certification 2016

Ron

PARTNER & EDUCATOR

Hablo Espanol

Lori Zabel Balayage Private in Salon class 2019
Redken Symposium 2019
Ruth Roche Private in Salon Class 2018
Redken Symposium Las Vegas 2017
L'Oreal Advanced Balayage Technique 2016
Brian Bowman Design & Finish Trends 2016
Redken Balayage Technique Class 2016
L'Oreal Balayage with Jennie Latona 2016
Pureology Pureologist Certification 2015
Kris Sorbie Advanced Color Class 2015
Redken Symposium Las Vegas 2015
Brazilian Blowout Certification 2014
DevaCurl Professional Curl Cutting 2013
Summit Salon Business Phase II 2013
Redken Academy New York City 2013
London Fashion Week Runway Stylist with Urban Retreat at Harrods 2013
Global Keratin Treatment Class 2011
Marcia Teixeira Brazilian Keratin Central Texas Educator 2010
Marcia Teixeira Brazilian Keratin Educator Certification 2010
Marcia Teixeira Brazilian Keratin Certification 2010
DevaConcepts Cut and Color Class 2008
Best Curly Hair Stylist Award – Austin Monthly Magazine
Best Curly Hair Salon Award - Austin Chronicle
Redken Curly Hair Color and Style Class with Bonnie Piontek 2007
Redken Advanced Color Class with David Stanko 2007
Redken Symposium 2006
Redken Exchange 2005

Angela

PARTNER & EDUCATOR

Accomplishments include:

Lori Zabel Balayage Private in Salon class 2019
Redken Symposium 2019
Ruth Roche Private In Salon Class 2018
Made Partner Salon Vela 2017
Redken Symposium Las Vegas 2017
Redken Balayage Technique Class 2016
Kris Sorbie Advanced Color Class 2015
Redken Symposium Las Vegas 2015
DevaCurl Professional Curl Cutting 2013
Stylist for "On Stage" Avant Garde Hair Runway Show for Jose Luis Salon 2013
Hand Painting/Balayage Technique 2013
Stylist for Tribeza Fashion Show 2012
Global Keratin Treatment 2011
Redken Artistic Director Sam Villa Private Class 2011
Marcia Teixeira Brazilian Keratin Certification 2010
Editorial Stylist Ronnie Stam Styling Class
Cut, Color & Prosper Advanced Training Class by Steven Todd and Vanessa Baker
Pivot Point Advanced Cutting Class with Kim Bellinger
Key Stylist for the Legislative Ladies Fashion Show 2007
Key Stylist for the Bob Bullock Museum Dallas Show 2006

Simon

SALON COORDINATOR, PARTNER & EDUCATOR

Recent Accomplishments:

Redken Symposium 2019
Ruth Roche Private in Salon Class 2018
Redken Symposium Las Vegas 2017
Redken Symposium Las Vegas 2015
Michael Cole Over The Top Seminar 2014
Summit Salon Business Phase II 2013
Made Partner Salon Vela 2013
Global Keratin Treatment Class 2011
Marcia Teixeira Brazilian Keratin Class 2011
Redken Advanced Color Class with David Stanko 2007
Redken Balayage Color Class 2007
Redken Symposium 2006
Redken Exchange 2005
Redken Symposium 2004
Redken Symposium 2002