The North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) honor the professional salon industry’s top talent each year during the Cosmoprof North America show at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. In anticipation of this year’s event, we talk to the nominees who share their inspiration, excitement, and advice.
As any successful salon owner will tell you, design is key to a successful salon or school. To be nominated, the design of the salon or school reflects its vision, culture and philosophy through ambiance, design, architecture and décor. We talk with Alisha Deluca from Studio Seven in Washington, PA about her entry and nomination.
What inspired you to enter?
I couldn't wait to enter. I tried to find every design contest I could. I wanted to show off Dr. Leon Alexander of Eurisko Designs work. He inspired me. After 20 plus years in our space Studio Seven is now as beautiful as the hair we create. I couldn't wait to share our vision with the world.
What was your reaction when you heard your salon was a nominee?
I couldn't quit smiling. I couldn't wait to share the news with my team. During the renovation, we actually moved into a temporary facility for four months so the construction crew could work 24 hours a day. Needless to say it wasn't the ideal situation. We were in an old dental office and didn't have the hot water capacity that we were used to. God bless our clients and staff for working through all of the microwave water situations. Hard work does pay off and it's so rewarding to get recognition for that
What advice do you have for others who are thinking of entering NAHA?
Follow your dreams.
How would you describe your salon?
Hip Chic Smart. We tried to think of everything, the flow, the smell, the lighting, and the feel—making everything tie into the senses of our clients. I tried to think of myself as a consumer and what I would want out of my experience. I would want to feel comfortable. I would want to feel beautiful. I would want to feel connected to the world of fashion, even for just a couple hours a week, feeling an escape from my normal routine.
What is the most unique feature about your salon?
I would say our Starbucks coffee bar. The self-serve area is definitely the guests favorite. We serve complementary pastries and wine. We also partnered with a local healthy juice bar and have cold-pressed juices delivered weekly.