Meet the dedicated and talented team at the Leading Edge Salon

Paula Lindsay

Level 4- Master Stylist, Owner

Paula opened the Leading Edge Salon in 1987. Became an Aveda Concept Salon in 2008.

Beauty is believing in yourself everyday….no matter what!!!

I love caring for people….to make someone feel great about themselves and to be in a position to make someones day, is awe inspiring!! I love being a hairstylist. I have a mission, I’m doing it different, be an example with integrity, and be the best roll model I can be. I love and appreciate the relationships and trust that I have established with my guests over the years.

I am CRAZY about Michael! My partner in life and in business. In fact….the integrity, life experience, and compassionate persona in which he instills, has taken the Leading Edge to a place of unequivocal Quality! Together we strive to create a team, a family, a collective group of individuals that are of one mind, one purpose, and one mission with shared core values. We admire our team, and how they can make someone’s day with just a touch and a smile…Living The Life as a Daymaker!!

We love Aveda and the mission- “Our mission at Aveda is to care for the world we live in, from the products we make, to the ways in which we give back to society. At Aveda, we strive to set an example for environmental leadership and responsibility- not just in the world of beauty, but around the world.”

The Leading Edge is not just a hair salon, it’s an experience!

Katie O’Connell

Master Stylist

Doing hair since 2004

What I love about hair: I love the art and chemistry of hair, and the fasinating people you meet working in this industry.

Beauty is: A state of mind.

5 words that describe me: Passionate, Enthusiastic,Loyal, Curious, Independent.

Favorite things about The Leading Edge: are the team and the beautiful open Space.

My favorite thing about Aveda: is how passionate all the people are!

Ashlee Azevedo

Lead Stylist Color Specialist

Doing hair since 2007

What I love about hair: I love that hair is one of the most defining characteristics of a person’s identity.

Beauty is: in the eye of the beholder.

5 words that describe me: Creative, Caring, Meticulous, Fun, Diligent.

Favorite things about The Leading Edge: I love that the Leading Edge offers such a warm atmosphere for both clients and employees.

My favorite thing about Aveda: I love that Aveda is constantly striving for excellence in offering a quality product and standard of service while remaining environmentally aware. I am constantly inspired by this amazing company.

Tamara Gambini

Senior Stylist / Bridal Specialist

Been Doing hair since 2008

What I love about hair: Being creative and making people feel FANTASTIC.

Beauty is: A direct reflection of your character.

5 words that describe me: Honest, dedicated, caring, generous and personable

Favorite things about The Leading Edge: THE TEAM!

My favorite thing about Aveda: Their mission!!!!! To care for the world we live in and to set an example for environmental leadership and responsibility. Not just in beauty, but around the world.

Jordan Kingsley

Senior Stylist

Been Doing hair since 2006

What I love about hair: Being a hairstylist has allowed me to share and express my creativity in so many ways. I love helping people feel good about themselves. Having clients leave your chair feeling rejuvenated, confident, and smiling are what it’s all about.

Beauty is: Diverse, beauty is wellness, beauty is EVERYWHERE!

5 words that describe me: Ambitious, creative, honest, passionate, responsible.

Favorite things about The Leading Edge: I love our amazing team! Everyone here is dedicated to helping and educating each other. We all work so well together and strive to ensure that every client has a wonderful experience here.

My favorite thing about Aveda: Aside from AVEDA’s unique customizable color line and their amazing naturally derived products, I have to say that my favorite thing about AVEDA is how they give so much back to the farming communities that supply them with organic and natural ingredients. AVEDA truly sets an admirable example for environmental leadership.

Shannon Esskew

Senior Stylist

Been Doing hair since 2010

What I love about hair: Making people feel better about the way they look by the time they leave the salon.

Beauty is: Beauty is as beauty does….

5 words that describe me: Caring, outgoing, honest, generous, and loyal.

Favorite things about The Leading Edge: That were a TEAM BASED Salon!!

My favorite thing about Aveda: The customizable color line!

Natalie Morrow

Stylist

What I love about hair: I love the endless possibilities for new looks our hair gives us.

Beauty is: Ageless.

5 words that describe me: Ambitious, Cheerful, Peaceful, Eager, Happy.

Favorite things about The Leading Edge: I love how happy people are to be here. People come her to relax and feel taken care of.

My favorite thing about Aveda: I love that it’s an Earth loving Company. Every one of Aveda’s products are made for the well being of your body and soul.

Jacquie Aldrich

Stylist

What I love about hair: I love how people express themselves through their hair. There’s always new look to create.

Beauty is: Something you create, when being true to yourself.

5 words that describe me: Passionate, Patient, Silly, Supportive, and Meticulous.

Favorite things about The Leading Edge: I love the open layout, AVEDA products, and the professional staff.

My favorite thing about Aveda: They care about the planet and the people on it.

Stephanii Young

Stylist, Aveda Ritual Specialist

What I love about hair: The creativity that comes along with it.

Beauty is: Happiness within oneself

5 words that describe me: adventurous, kind, creative,spontaneous, loveable.

Favorite things about The Leading Edge: The relaxing vibe of the salon environment as well as the professionalism

My favorite thing about Aveda: Aveda’s goal to always give back to the world in more than one way.

Erin Thrall

Stylist

What I love about hair: It’s by far the best way to bring out someones inner beauty

Beauty is: The ability to make somebody smile

5 words that describe me: Creative, inspirational, cheerful, easy going, hard working.

Favorite things about The Leading Edge: The Family-like team

My favorite thing about Aveda: How amazing it is for your hair and when you use the product the smell alone can make anyone relax

Erika Cottrell

Stylist

What I love about hair: Making people feel beautiful and confident. I love having my clients leave my chair smiling and happy. I love the ever changing and evolving industry. I’m never bored and neither are my clients.

Beauty is: Being yourself and having confidence embracing what makes you unique. There is no one else like you. Celebrate that!

5 words that describe me: Genuine, energetic, devoted, entertaining, witty.

Favorite things about The Leading Edge: Besides the gorgeous space and relaxing atmosphere, I love the positive energy of the salon.

My favorite thing about Aveda: I love the idea of “moment of wellness”. I think it adds to the positive energy of the salon and creates a unique client experience.

Sarah Abouata

I've been doing hair professionally since 2004, trained under the Doves, Vidal Sassoon, Paul Mitchell, Bumble and Bumble and Redken.

What I love about hair: I love how diverse hair really is, no one has the same hair texture or style and its so different; if everyone was the same it would be rather boring.

Beauty is: In the eye of the beholder and not what media says it is. It comes in all forms, shapes, sizes, colors, beauty is in everything!

5 words that describe me: Friendly, fun, artistic, down-to-earth and funny.

Favorite things about The Leading Edge: Besides the beautiful aesthetics, awesome coworkers and products; I love the trees you can see from our chairs.

My favorite thing about Aveda: I love how Eco-conscience the company is and what they stand for; I can honestly say I back them up 100%. The packaging is made from post-consumer waste, the factories are run on wind power, the products are organic, the color is 100% customizeable and all the collections are on the Leading Edge of fashion!

meet the team