ELIZABETH POELLNITZ BRAMLETT

Business Operations Specialist

• Joined in 2015

Industry Professional Since 2013

Born and raised in Homewood, Elizabeth joined the Salon U family after a career in management, and we have loved her since! She will strike up a conversation with a perfect stranger and will leave with a best friend. She is most passionate about her relationships with people, and looks forward to greeting each guest with a smile! When she's not at work, she can be found near a body of water, watching anything on Bravo, and spending with her husband Sean, their daughter Withers and their dog Scilla.

MICHAEL CASH

Business Operations Specialist

• Joined in 2017

Industry Professional Since 2017

You'll find yourself smiling upon entering the salon and being greeted with Michael's warm smile and kindness. Michael made Salon U his home after years of working in the service industry and management, making him a subject-matter expert on customer service. He is determined to make every customer's experience perfect and it brings him joy to hear them say they had a wonderful overall experience. When not behind the desk, Michael can be found writing, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. 

AK

Business Operations Specialist

• Joined in 2024

Industry Professional Since 2023

NICOLE SULING

Artist • Joined in 2004

Industry Professional Since 2000

MANDY WALLIS

Artist • Joined in 2005

Industry Professional Since 2005

Mandy always had a passion for fashion, makeup, and art, so naturally she was drawn to a career where she could utilize all three. She joined the team in 2005 and is one of the salon's most in-demand stylists. Though she loves all facets of cutting and coloring, her favorite part of each day is interacting and building meaningful relationships with her clients. Scheduling with Mandy in advance is strongly advised because her clientele base is vast. Aside from hair, her other passion is her family. Her husband Cal, and her two children, Cami and Christian are the greatest blessings in her life. When not in the salon, Mandy can be found staying fit at the gym, trying out new restaurants, and hanging with her family and fur babies!

NIKKI RICHARDS

Stylist • Joined in 2005

Industry Professional Since 2003

Nikki loves making her clients feel truly beautiful and has developed some amazing friendships with clients over the years. She found Salon U after living an adventurous life and even working at Yellowstone National Park. She then moved to Alabama and got her start in the industry by apprenticing at a local salon where she developed a true love for the craft. Specializing in blondes and precision cuts along with expertise in all areas of hair, she will transform your look with ease. When Nikki isn’t behind the chair, she’s playing disc golf, catching a live music show, and taking it easy with her three children - Cooper, Lola, and Beck.

EMILY ANN COLVIN

Artist • Joined in 2012

Industry Professional Since 2012

Emily witnessed the joy and relationships that grew from something as simple as a haircut from her upbringing around her granddad’s barber shop. It became a lifelong dream to develop her future by serving others in the hair industry. Emily received her formal training through Salon U's apprenticeship program years ago and continues to expand her training to reflect the most current trends in the industry. She enjoys the daily creative challenge of working with hair and freedom to inspire, share, and create here. She strongly believes in making her clients feel like their best selves. Outside of the salon, Emily can be found working in her garden growing vegetables, enjoying the outdoors with her husband and precious boxers, and making the people around her laugh.

JOSHUA EATON

Artist • Joined in 2014

Industry Professional Since 2005

Joshua migrated back to his southern roots and joined the team after years of refining his craft in Brooklyn, New York. He began his journey as a freelance makeup artist in 2005, and then attended the Aveda Institute Birmingham, earning a degree in cosmetology and makeup design. After school he moved to Brooklyn to advance his skills by working in a fashion-forward, fast-paced environment and even worked styling the Brooklyn Nets dance team for two seasons. He then moved back to Birmingham to continue growing his career. Joshua carefully blends his southern style with a sophisticated New York edge, bringing a special touch to each of his clients. His portfolio includes styling for book covers, fashion shows, and movies. He is passionate about sharing his unique approach of making you feel and look beyond your best, because as he says "Everyday is your runway!" Outside of the U, Joshua can be found enjoying time with friends and family and traveling the world.

Check out @hairbyjoshua on Instagram to see his work!

PAIGE GOODWIN

Artist • Joined in 2015

Industry Professional Since 2009

Paige always had a passion for hair and the creative freedom it allows her. After graduating from the Aveda Institute Birmingham, she quickly began building a strong clientele after joining the team. She has a true love of Aveda products and color, the company beliefs, and the ways that Aveda gives back to the community. Paige enjoys creating a complete transformation with her clients and elevating their look with sophistication and ease, particularly blondes. When not creating hair magic, Paige enjoys creative photoshoots and hanging with her husband, Sam, their sons Owen and Milo, and their two dogs.

Check out @hairbypaigegoodwin on Instagram to see her work!

DAMON MOORE

Artist • Joined in 2016

Industry Professional Since 2009

Damon is best known for his trendy, fashion-forward mens cuts, among a myriad of other talents that he possesses. He has an extensive skill at identifying exactly what his clients are looking for and delivering on their desires. His women’s cuts and colors are superb and he continues to absorb the latest education on today’s top trends. He graduated from the Aveda Institute Birmingham in 2009 and gained experience in the field before joining us in 2016. He truly enjoys when clients leave his chair feeling like a brand new person. Outside of the U, Damon spends time writing, hanging with his friends and dog, and playing video games.

MAKAYLA POSTON

Artist • Joined in 2016

Industry Professional Since 2015

Makayla always knew that she wanted to become a hairstylist and after graduating from the Aveda Institute Birmingham in 2015 at the top of her class, she joined the team at Salon U. Makayla craves education, and can often be found researching the latest techniques online, as well as participating in continuing education. Showing outwardly with an infectious smile, Makayla takes joy in seeing her clients feel beautiful. When not in the salon, she enjoys being with her husband Jordan, playing with their four dogs, playing video games, and spending time with friends.

ELLA IRAJI

Artist • Joined in 2016

Industry Professional Since 2011

Ella chased her lifelong dream of being a part of the beauty industry when her career path in the corporate finance world ran aground. Originally from the capital of Persia, Tehran, Ella moved to the United States in 1994. After graduating from cosmetology school in 2011, and upon entering the salon world, she found herself being recognized for her singular talent and eventually joined the team here. Education is important to her and she continues to attend advanced classes so she may implement the latest hair techniques to her skill set. Ella is competent in all hair types and colors but has a unique propensity for blondes. She is a certified Keratin Complex expert, and not only is she wonderful at hair straightening techniques, but she is also an eyebrow threading expert! Her goal is to ensure that every guest leaves her chair with confidence and a smile. When she’s not behind the chair, Ella loves to spend quality time with her family and travel the world.

CHUCK DUCK

Artist • Joined in 2016

Industry Professional Since 1994

Chuck pursued his true love of hair with a deep understanding of color theory after graduating with a Fine Arts degree from Auburn University. He has a wide array of experience with all types of hair, and has worked in amazing places such as the Upper East Side of New York City and Puerto Rico. With tenure in the industry, Chuck is a subject matter expert on all things hair. You're sure to leave his chair with a smile on your face from laughing because in his spare time, Chuck is a talented actor. Outside of the salon, he enjoys spending time with friends, hanging with his kitty cats Star Kitty, Mr. T. and Miss Vanjie, and acting in local theater productions.

KARISSA CROZIER

Artist • Joined in 2017

Industry Professional Since 2016

Kris fulfilled her dreams of being in the hair industry after living part of her life in California. She joined the team after she graduated from the Aveda Institute Birmingham in 2016. Hair was love at first sight to her. Notorious for obsessively organizing and keeping things tidy, Kris is very detail oriented when it comes to completing looks for her clients. She enjoys learning new techniques and living for the experience of learning every day. Making her clients feel comfortable and providing a luxurious experience to them is what brings Kris joy. When not at work, she loves to relax and enjoy time with her puppy and friends.

TATIANA GHILAN

Esthetician • Joined in 2017

Industry Professional Since 2011

Tatiana comes to us from a medical spa background and has had a deep love for skin since she was young. She comes to us from the eastern European country of Maldova, and after finishing school there, she pursued a career in esthetics. Taking care of her own skin helped her realize her dreams of taking care of other's skin. Her approach to skin is results driven and she enjoys seeing her clients reactions to those results. She is thorough and thoughtful throughout the entirety of her clients' experience - from when they walk into the room, to leaving feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. She specializes in microblading, facials - vitamin C, hydrolifting, and collagen - chemical peels, and waxing. Outside of the salon, Tatiana enjoys cooking and spending time with her husband and young son and daughter.

Check out @microbladingbirmingham1 on Instagram to see his work!

LOGAN THRASH 

Artist • Joined in 2018

Industry Professional Since 2013

Logan says it's the best reward when his clients love the way they look and that is the reason he is so passionate about hair. He graduated from the Aveda Institute Birmingham in 2013 and joined the the team in 2018. His timely services and attention to detail leave clients feeling they’ve been taken completely care of. He enjoys not only completing the look but also educating his clients on how to achieve their style at home every day. In Logan's free time, he enjoys traveling, shopping, and spending quality time with others.

BRITNEY DONZE

Artist • Joined in 2018

Industry Professional Since 2007

Her years of experience, bright energy, and true passion for hair leave Britney’s clients feeling like they’ve made a new friend. She enjoys sculpting the perfect haircut to meet her clients' specific needs and desires. Britney says she feels fortunate to have found a career she is so passionate about. When clients are in Britney's chair, she desires for them to feel confident and provides them with tools for being able to achieve their styles effortlessly when at home. When Britney is not at the U, she enjoys traveling, exploring the outdoors, music festivals, and yoga.

LINDSEY MARTIN

Artist • Joined in 2019

Industry Professional Since 2019

JAMES THOMAS

Artist • Joined in 2020

Industry Professional Since 2005

Originally hailing from Kennedy, Alabama, James Thomas began his journey styling hair at the tender age of 14. His career has since soared to heights that this small-town boy could have never imagined. James is an Aveda certified color specialist and a national VoMor hair extensions educator. He has also worked as an educator for the Aveda Institute in Birmingham. As an active stylist for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week NYC, he has worked with top designers Nicole Miller, Richard Chai, Milly, Tibi, and Adeam. James has had his work published in the New York Times, Huffington Post, and numerous other local and national media outlets. He has also been celebrated for his hair extension work on stage at Elevate Hair.

“At the end of the day, it’s all about using every tool in my belt to make my guests feel like the most beautiful version of themselves,” says James. “That’s what keeps my heart in my work.”

ERIKA WATSON

Stylist • Joined in 2021

Industry Professional Since 2021

Since the day she walked in the door, we knew we would love her! Her infectious smile and positive attitude draw you in immediately! Born and raised in Birmingham, her family is pretty close, likes to have fun, and is very active. After taking a semester off from UAB, her husband asked her what she wanted to do, knowing her passion for hair. Encouraged by his support, she embarked on a new path at Aveda, fueling her curiosity and love for learning. With determination and drive, she forged her own way, and that's how she ended up here, making a mark with her talent and passion. You can find her at home doing something active with her husband Mike, their daughter Cooper and their dogs!

BENJI BISHOP

Artist & Barber • Joined in 2011

Industry Professional since 2009

Benji’s zest for life and passion for hair shines through his work. Having naturally curly hair, he was always drawn to hair products and the curiosity eventually led him to become an apprentice and he joined the team in 2011. His love of comic book art goes hand in hand with his love of beautiful hair color, specifically natural and unnatural redheads. Benji also developed a passion for stylized men’s cuts and has created quite the clientele base for it. His goal is to give each and every guest the cut or color that they want, but also what works for their specific hair type and texture. Outside of work, Benji loves singing and playing guitar. He has been blessed with an incredible group of supportive friends and his perfect off day would include quality time spent near a body of water with his son.

AUTUMN OLIVER

Apprentice • Joined in 2023

Industry Professional Since 2023

CAMERON BROADNAX

Massage • Joined in 2024

Industry Professional Since 2023

Cameron is a licensed massage therapist who believes our hands are a gift and through them, we can channel the love in our hearts to relieve the suffering of those around us. Cameron a Homewood local, graduated from the University of South Alabama and then attended Wiregrass School of Massage Therapy in Dothan, Al. With every client, he brings excellence in various massage techniques. He is committed to providing consistent, high-quality, customer service. You will find his customer service to be professional, respectful, and friendly. In addition to massage therapy, Cameron enjoys reading, traveling out of the country, beach trips, exercise, and perfecting his craft.

CEDRIC RODGERS

Interior Support • Joined in 2017

Industry Professional Since 2017

He is the best.

RACHEL ANDREWS

Nail Technician • Joined in 2007

Industry Professional Since 1987

Born and raised in Birmingham, Rachel began her career as a nail tech right out of high school. Though she thought it would only be a summer job, she quickly realized her passion for it, and mastered her skills right away! Rachel's favorite part of her job is seeing the confidence that her guests have when they leave her chair. As she says, "You just feel better when your nails and toes look good!" As a hobby, Rachel also makes jewelry, and she loves to cook and bake. She is also passionate about travel and adores spending time with her cat.