Every industry has its behind-the-scenes challenges that outsiders rarely see, and the salon industry is no exception. After spending a decade working in other salons, Emma Page often found herself thinking, This could be done better. That thought became action when she opened Verdandi Salon, a private studio in Sugar Hill dedicated to transforming the salon experience—one thoughtful choice at a time.

Emma specializes in curly cuts, custom colors, and extension makeovers, but her mission extends beyond hairstyling. She believes the beauty industry can do better when it comes to health, sustainability, and integrity. From the hairspray to the color lines, every product in her salon is selected with internal health in mind, focusing on clean ingredients free from harsh toxins. A cancer scare—actually, three—before the age of 30 spurred her passion for clean beauty, pushing her to learn about the impact of hair and skin care products on our endocrine system and long-term health.

Beyond product choices, Emma’s commitment to sustainability is woven into every aspect of Verdandi Salon. She actively seeks biodegradable alternatives for disposable salon items and has plans to expand into a larger space where she can incorporate the Green Circle Initiative, a program that recycles color waste, foils, and more to combat the industry’s excessive waste.

Giving back is another pillar of her work. Emma has organized donation days, offering haircuts and styling sessions to those who might not otherwise have access. Whether it’s families at the Ronald McDonald House, women in domestic violence shelters, or back-to-school events with a pay-what-you-can model, she believes that looking good should be accessible to all.

At Verdandi Salon, the experience is just as important as the results. Clients are invited to sip on tea or French press coffee, enjoy aromatherapy, and relax in a space designed for comfort. Whether they want to unplug and enjoy a self-care escape or catch up on work in a peaceful environment, their experience is completely customizable.

Emma’s passion for innovation extends to her partnership with Philocaly, a family-owned Canadian extension company known for high-quality, ethically sourced hair. One of the standout reasons she chose Philocaly was their commitment to recycling used extensions—a rare practice in the industry. The company also recently launched a give-back initiative, donating 1% of every sale to one of three charitable causes chosen by the buyer. Now in her second year as a U.S. educator for Philocaly, Emma has been teaching other stylists how to perfect their extension techniques. Philocaly’s dedication to top-quality hair is evident even in their seamless clip-in extensions, offering a luxury, wear-when-you-want-it solution for those who love versatility in their look.

Emma’s approach to beauty is simple: awareness and small changes matter. The beauty industry is full of greenwashing, where brands label products as "natural" or "chemical-free" without real transparency. But there are easy swaps that can make a huge difference—like avoiding artificial fragrances, phthalates, and parabens, which have been linked to hormone disruption and other health risks. Emma encourages people to check their labels, make thoughtful swaps, and feel empowered in their beauty choices, knowing they are making informed decisions that support their health and the environment.

Beyond the salon, Emma is a mom to an 11-year-old, a lover of hiking and camping, an avid cosplayer, and an advocate for finding balance in beauty, health, and life. Her vision for Verdandi Salon’s future includes a team of like-minded stylists who share her passion for ethical beauty and a commitment to improving the industry—because looking good and feeling good should go hand in hand.

Visit Emma online at verdandisalon.com. Follow her on socials @verdandisalon.