Ryan Cotton
After spending 20 years in the New York salon industry, working behind the scenes for NY fashion week, and calling Jennifer Aniston & Emma Roberts (to name a few) clients, he is bringing his skill set to West Village Detroit. In Ryan’s chair you will feel heard, inspired, and educated on how to maintain your hair long after you leave the salon. He may be the “boss” but his humble and humorous approach will make you feel right at home at VP.
Nichole Leone
A Michigan native, Nichole has been a hair stylist and colorist in the Detroit area since 2006. Bringing her vast knowledge and experience, she specializes in “lived in hair color” and effortless hair cuts. Nichole has a relaxed style and straight forward consultation approach that will make you feel invested in from start to finish. Her commitment to listening to her clients and working with them to achieve their “dream hair” is paramount only to her love of bath bombs.
Emily Forella
Emily began her journey in our industry starting in 2019 at the aveda institute, specializing in all things color, including blonding, balayage, corrections and transformations. She believes in customizing every style and color to each individual client that sits in her chair. One of her favorite parts of this industry is connecting with her clients and forming not only a professional but, also a personal connection. In her free time she enjoys painting, poetry and anything that sparks her creative side.
Savanah Santos
Savannah is one of our junior stylists that has a passion and purpose for “vivid hair color”. She is also building her hair cutting repertoire and brings a different lens that we so appreciate at the salon. If you are interested in Vivid hair color we do recommend scheduling a consultation. For larger corrective colors as well as vivd appointments, a deposit may be required with Savanah.
Brelyn Richardson
Brelyn, also known as “ Bre “ joined the team in 2021 after graduating from the Douglas J Aveda institute in Royal Oak. She is most passionate about cutting and styling all types of hair.
“ A good blow out or silk press does something to my spirit and it’s always a pleasure to pass those good vibes onto my amazing clients. “
Liz Messing
Liz, a Traverse City native with nearly a decade of professional hair experience, recently relocated to Detroit after honing her craft in Denver, Colorado. She began her journey apprenticing under top stylists and quickly moved up to become a top stylist at her previous salons. Liz continually pursues education to refine her skills, showcasing her dedication to the craft.
Liz is passionate about creating easy-to-style looks tailored to individual face shapes and hair textures. Specializing in low-maintenance, lived-in dimensional blondes and brunettes, she is also Bellami Pro certified in all extension methods. Above all else she values working with her clients to give them hair that continues to make them feel amazing beyond the salon.
Zac Ploeg
Zac is a member of our apprentice program and is currently accepting hair models for all services. Please contact us via email or select “ Academy Stylist “ when online booking. Please note that booking with Zac at this stage is an educational experience while he perfects his craft.
Zeinab Makki
Zeinab is a member of our apprentice program and is currently accepting hair models for all services. Please contact us via email or select “ Academy Stylist “ when online booking. Please note that booking with “ Z “ at this stage is an educational experience while she is perfecting her craft.
“ I’ve always been drawn to the creativity behind hair and makeup, but what I love most is the way it can make someone feel. My passion is helping clients feel confident, radiant, and truly like the best version of themselves.
Specializing in styling and extensions, I love creating looks that feel effortless, beautiful, and personal. Whether it’s adding length, volume, softness, or the perfect finishing touch, I bring heart and intention into every detail.
My goal is always to make every person feel seen and empowered. To me, beauty is more than the final look — it’s the feeling you leave with.”
Amiyah Steen
Amiyah is a member of our apprentice program and is currently accepting hair models for all services. Please contact us via email or select “ Academy Stylist “ when online booking. Please note that booking with Amiyah at this stage is an educational experience while she is perfecting her craft.
Please note Amiyah is proficient in Silk Press’ as well as Blow Outs and can be booked on Fridays in the salon currently.