Artists - Salon Vela

Shawn

ASSOCIATE 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!

Ashley

LEVEL 1 STYLIST

Born in Houston, Texas and moved to Austin in 2019. Ashley started cosmetology at 18 and absolutely fell in love with the industry. Her favorite things to do are travel, play with her active dog, and hangout at Zilker park.

Christopher

LEVEL 2 STYLIST

Hablo Espanol

Born and raised in Austin Chris is proud to be a "True Austinite". After graduating from Baldwin Beauty School in 2014 Chris launched his career in Westlake until finding his home at Salon Vela. Chris has a passion for hair and loves cuts and coloring on both his women and men clients, including Redken Camo Color for men. Recent accomplishments include:

Lori Zabel Balayage Private in Salon class 2019
Redken Symposium 2019
Ruth Roche Private In Salon Class 2018
Pureology Pureologist Certification 2017
Redken Color Class 2017
Global Keratin Certification 2017
Marcia Teixeira Keratin Certification 2017
Jane Iredale Makeup 2017
Brazilian Blowout Certification 2015
Aquage Product Knowledge 2015
Aquage Up Do Class 2015

Lou

LEVEL 3 STYLIST

A native Austinite, Lou began her hair career at the age of 5 when all her Barbies asked for pixie cuts. She started her professional career in 2015 creating avant guarde hair and makeup for professional photographers. Since joining the Salon Vela family she specializes in seamless platinum and fashion colors, as well as color and cuts tailored to curly hair.

Cristina

EDUCATION LIAISON, LEVEL 3 STYLIST

Hablo Espanol

An Austin native, from the age of 18 Cristina was fortunate to find her passion in the ever changing world of hair. Following in family footsteps, with her own sister as her first mentor and teacher, Cristina knew early she found her career. Strong cutting is Cristina’s foundation and Color is her focus. We are excited to have her on the Salon Vela team! Cristina’s recent accomplishments include:

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 began her career in 2007 at Estilo Valdez Salon and she's been perfecting her craft ever since. Staying on top of current trends is important to Angela and she regularly takes classes from top educators and professionals. Consequently, Angela's work stays contemporary and fresh including her male clients with specialty color services, including Redken Camo Color. Angela understands that every client is unique and deserves a custom look that enhances their daily life. Angela achieved a career goal when she became a Partner of Salon Vela in 2017. Recent 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 1996 Simon has been in the Salon industry after founding Estilo Valdez Salon. After an overseas sabbatical Simon is enjoying being a Partner of Salon Vela and managing the Salon. Recent Accomplishments Include:

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

ASSOCIATE STYLIST

Ashley

LEVEL 1 STYLIST

Christopher

LEVEL 2 STYLIST

Hablo Espanol

Lori Zabel Balayage Private in Salon class 2019
Redken Symposium 2019
Ruth Roche Private In Salon Class 2018
Pureology Pureologist Certification 2017
Redken Color Class 2017
Global Keratin Certification 2017
Marcia Teixeira Keratin Certification 2017
Jane Iredale Makeup 2017
Brazilian Blowout Certification 2015
Aquage Product Knowledge 2015
Aquage Up Do Class 2015

Lou

LEVEL 3 STYLIST

Cristina

Education Liaison, LEVEL 3 STYLIST

Hablo Espanol

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

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

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