Stylists

Jennifer loves her Guests and her profession even more now than when she began coloring & cutting in China after a 2-year apprenticeship, nearly 40 years ago. She sold 5 salons there, then plied her craft in San Francisco until founding Essence Salon in 2005. She studied at Sassoon Academies in London, San Francisco, LA and Shanghai, earning an In-Salon Educator certificate. She took Toni & Guy classes in LA & Hong Kong. She took myriad coloring courses including Schwarzkopf's Royal Master Academy. Today, Jennifer colors & cuts, travels, learns new techniques, donates her skills to charity and teaches the team the art and science of bringing out one's inner beauty, their "Essence", creating "happiness through hairstyling®".

Grace learned to color and cut hair in a school for the performing arts in her native Taiwan. After graduation, she worked for a TV production company doing hair and makeup for the actors and actresses in various productions. She even performed in some of the variety shows as a singer. After eight years there, she immigrated to the US and worked as a stylist on fifth avenue in New York. She worked in a salon and also did runway work. After 10 years in New York, she moved to Cupertino and has been styling hair in the bay area ever since. She loves to create happiness everyday with her colors and cuts.

Tricia has decades of experience in cut and color. She apprenticed under some of the biggest names in Southern California and eventually became Stylist for many famous personalities in Hollywood. Tricia spent a few years in Florida and then returned to California where she continued to bring her Guests "happiness through hairstyling®" as the Artistic Director in the salon where she worked. Tricia’s passion for her art drives her to continue her growth through advanced education via the Internet and at Sassoon Academies.

Christine has been creating “happiness through hairstyling®” for over 30 years. After graduating from College of San Mateo, her passion for her craft led Christine to style in several different states and then internationally, constantly honing her skills. She trained and worked extensively with four-time International Hairdresser of the Year, Yosh Toya. Christine creates beautiful, natural looking hair styles, taking into account texture, face shape and lifestyle.

Ellie’s journey in hairstyling began in Santa Barbara where she earned her license in 2018. Soon after, she relocated to NorCal where she grew her skill at an Aveda Concept Salon. Ellie’s passion for her craft drove her to pursue additional education, learning the latest trends and hairstyling techniques. She even developed innovative techniques of her own. Her warm, caring personality and excellent work soon won her a loyal following. After 5 years, Ellie decided to take it to the next level and joined our team. “I walked by Essence Salon frequently and always felt the love and witnessed the excellent work. I decided to make this my new family.” We are so blessed you did, Ellie!

Jane loves to make her Guests happy through her attention to detail in colors and cuts. Her endearing personality makes her easy to talk to and she listens carefully to discover precisely what her Guest wants. Jane joined our family after more than a decade of cutting hair as an independent businesswoman. Prior to that, she studied at San Jose State then learned cosmetology at Sassoon Academy in Santa Monica.

Mary began pursuing her passion for hair in 1997. She put her styling career on hold to raise her children and run a successful business in another field. With the kids grown, Mary once again began pursuing her passion. She joined our family where she was coached and mentored by our Master Stylists and Creative Director. She has a huge heart and listens intently to her Guests. She uses the skills she has perfected to bring beauty and happiness to her Guests.

Sarah attended Paul Mitchell, The School in San Jose where she graduated at the top of her class. She joined our team soon after and began one to one training with Jennifer. She also attended Sassoon Academy in Santa Monica and took Schwarzkopf color classes in the salon. She came to the business because “an awesome cut and color is a great way to bring people happiness” and Sarah loves to bring it.

Fallon has been creating “happiness through hairstyling®” since she graduated from Cosmetology school in 2014. She joined the Essence Salon family in 2022 and took one to one training with Jennifer. Fallon continously educates herself on the latest trends and techniques. Her attention to detail and warm, friendly demeanor produces great results with excellent Guest service.

Shali received her cosmetology license in 2012 after graduating from San Jose City College.
She worked in her dad’s salon in Cupertino while pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. After obtaining her degree, she pursued a career in big corporate. But something was missing. Shali wanted to once again feel the happiness she helped create when producing excellent colors and cuts in a warm, friendly environment. That’s when she decided to join our family. With the love she has for Guests and the excellent results she produces, she fits right in.

Yessenia grew up in a family of hairstylists and hair has always been her passion. She joined Essence Salon after graduating from Laney College in Oakland and obtaining her license. She studied with Jennifer and took a lot of additional courses in her first 18 months. As a result, she provides excellent colors and cuts. Yessenia is a creative problem solver with a great love for the industry and a warm, friendly personality.