We value talent, creativity, and professionalism. We’ll work together as a team to inspire transformative growth, individuality, and expertise.

Our Team

  • Sara Hallajian

    @sara_hallajian

    Salon Founder & Owner | Stylist | IAT Certified Trichologist

    At Âme, my goal is to serve people in a way that I never have before. As founder and owner, I want to empower my fellow stylists to channel their creativity and individuality in their practice and help them reach their full potential. As an experienced hair stylist and IAT Certified Trichologist, I want to impact people's lives more deeply; literally, by treating hair loss and scalp conditions, in addition to providing cutting and color services.

    Âme is the culmination of years of time spent, energy invested, and knowledge gained in this industry; it’s a place where I can fully express myself as a creative professional and human being. It’s a place to not only call home but our place to build a future where sustainability and wellbeing is at the center of what we do.

    I look forward to building this business on Montana Avenue. I feel welcome and inspired to be a part of this community. When I'm not at Âme, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my growing family.

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    I specialize in detailed haircutting that allows for an effortless grow-out, worn natural or styled.

    My expertise lends itself to over a decade of education and experience:

    Fall 2011: Graduated from Toni & Guy Hair Academy, Orange County, CA.

    Winter 2012-2015: Worked as an apprentice, stylist, and promoted to assistant manager and stylist at Toni & Guy, Newport Beach, CA.

    Summer 2015: Moved to Santa Monica, CA and worked as an advanced stylist and educator at Bombshell Salon.

    Summer 2018: Became a 50% partner in ownership of Bombshell Salon.

    September 2020: Earned Hair Practitioner Certificate Course. Began Full Trichology Certificate Course.

    Summer 2021: Left Bombshell to work independently and begin concepting a new business.

    Spring 2022: Âme opens. Received IAT Certified Trichology Certification.

  • Theresa “Tree” Marqua

    @lovehairbytree

    I’ve always wanted to impact people’s lives in a positive way. At 22, I was a hair model for a cute salon in Orange County, CA. This experience left me feeling so beautiful and special — I knew it was something I wanted to share with others and I strive to create that same experience for each of my guests.

    I improve my craft on a daily basis by surrounding myself with like-minded people who vibrate at a higher- level of consciousness. This creates an environment that's supportive and it's what has led me to Âme Salon.

    I enjoy taking the time to listen to my guests' concerns and goals for their hair. This exchange of ideas is the first step in making every individual feel beautiful.

    Work experience:

    I've been a licensed Cosmetologist since 2005 and have enriched my education and service offerings through countless hours of coursework and certifications:

    Toni & Guy

    advance cutting

    L'Oréal

    balayage

    Great Lengths Extensions

    901 Academy

    precision foiling

    blonding brunettes

  • Elana Cohen

    @elanacohenhair

    My name is Elana. I began my career in New York City at Paul Labrecque. After eight years, I decided it was time for a change of scenery and style so I moved across the country to the west coast. I landed in Downtown LA, where I received in-depth training for curly haircuts and styling.

    More than anything, I enjoy making people happy — my favorite part of the work that I do is the big reveal at the end and seeing the expression on my client's face. I'm inspired to do what I do each day because of my love for art and working with my hands. I love creating and learning about new techniques and trends, and I believe hair offers the perfect balance between art and craft.

    At Âme, I look forward to changing people’s lives through the various color and cutting techniques that I've gained along my journey.

  • Bridget Lopez

  • Blake Fights

    @blakedoeshair

    After completing my studies in fashion design and fine arts at Columbia College Chicago, I embarked on a fulfilling journey in the television and entertainment industry. With a focus on the costume department, I had the opportunity to contribute my creative skills and knowledge of beauty, style, and current trends to various productions and publications. However, I soon realized that my passion for self-expression, healing, and transformation could find its truest form in the hair styling industry.

    Transitioning into this field felt like a natural fit for me. I firmly believe that self-expression has the power to heal and transform individuals, and it brings me immense joy to assist others in becoming the best version of themselves.

    My career in hair styling began humbly as an assistant to some of the most talented stylists and colorists in the vibrant Santa Monica area. Working alongside these seasoned professionals provided me with invaluable hands-on techniques and expertise, laying the foundation for me to cultivate my own loyal clientele.

    I firmly believe that everyone deserves to look and feel their best, and I am thrilled to be a part of that transformative experience for you. I am genuinely excited to meet you and embark on this journey together. Have a good hair day!