Where did you grow up? How long have you lived in the area? Tell us about your family

I grew up in Seattle, Washington, but relocated to Arizona in 2006. Originally in Cave Creek, Arizona I found Gilbert in 2010 and have never left. My husband and I live near downtown Gilbert with our three children. I am obsessed with Arizona and all that it has to offer. After living here for 19 years, I still feel like there is a lot more to discover and that is why I love our state!

Tell us about the events that led up to where you are now…

My career started off in retail and after having children, I decided to become a stay-at-home mom. Wanting to go back to work, I felt called to go to cosmetology school. Once I started my career as a hairstylist, I realized this industry can be a great way for women to find financial independence and I wanted to make that my mission. So I opened up Cedar Lane so that I could have a safe place for women in our community to build their business skills, develop friendships and relationships, and find the financial independence that they were striving for.

What is your business, how/why did you start your business?

Shortly after graduating from cosmetology school, I got my first set of extensions and found myself going through a divorce. Wearing extensions, as crazy as it sounds, made me feel more professional and more powerful. I wanted other women who were struggling with low self-esteem to feel the same in their strength. Becoming an extension specialist has turned into one of the most rewarding decisions I could’ve made because I get to be a part of helping women around me recover their inner strength

What is unique about your business?

We are different because we genuinely connect and care with every single guest, who trusts us enough to sit in our chair. We love to do life with you. Cry with you, celebrate with you, and all in between. We take our work very seriously. We use and sell only products that we love and use at home ourselves. We treat every guest like a local celebrity.

Given your business expertise and the nature of what you do, what advice can you offer to the residents?

I always say that not only do you need to love the work that your hairstylist does, but you also need to love who she is. Sometimes we spend more time with our guests than even some of our best friends! I can’t imagine a long hair appointment with a hairstylist who I can’t even have a conversation with! There are too many salons around here to not actually enjoy your service provider. So why not become best friends?!

What else we should know about you, your family, or your business?

I’m not your typical business owner in the sense that I don’t like a lot of attention. I don’t enjoy being in the spotlight and I'd rather be someone who is cheering you on in the background. I want success for everyone around me and am always more than willing to lend a helping hand or be a shoulder to cry on. For me this is not just hair. This is about relationships in our community support between women and doing life together.

To contact Cedar Lane Salon,

Call, visit them online, or follow on instagram:

480-278-1228 www.Cedarlanesalon.com @CedarLaneSalon