Flavia recently came in to our Lincoln Park location to see Bryan for a gemstone blow out before her big night at the Chicago Latino Film Festival Closing Gala. The next day, she had her head shots taken. All with the same blow out! Now that’s a good style.

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Check out Flavia’s blog, Lulu Abroad, to keep up with all of her acting & modeling adventures!

http://www.luluabroad.com/

JESSI & SINE QUA NON

Hi Jessi! When did the wonderful idea of becoming a hairstylist enter your mind?
I distinctly remember driving home with my Dad from getting a haircut when I was 9 or 10 years old. I remember very vividly looking at my reflection in the window of the family minivan & thinking, “I look so great! I wish I could look this like everyday!” Luckily that feeling fled, because at the time I had a spiral perm & braces. But I rocked them both as proudly as any preteen could! That feeling of overwhelming admiration for some aspect of my appearance made enough of an impression, that I remember thinking, I would LOVE to do hair.

Who is your current style icon inspiration or time period that is influencing your personal style?
Just like this ever changing & growing industry, I feel like my personal style just progresses. I try not to hold tight to any specific trend or style. If you look at pictures of me from my first year as a stylist (yikes!) and one from every year after, you’d probably agree. My clients often comment that “it’s always something different”. Maybe just in the style, but I try & mix up my personal style. Whatever feels right, I go with it.

Describe your signature haircut.
I would say my signature haircut is mid to long length hair with long layers and a fringe around the face. I like a round brushed, very voluminous, bouncy blow out. I love giving my clients the “effortlessly beautiful” hair.

What is your favorite haircut trend that your clients have been requesting this season?
My clients are pretty good about little changes & tweaks here & there. I’ve been getting a lot of requests for more signature color, which I encourage. Since class at Bb.U last month, I’ve been super excited about individually tailored color. Something that is very unique to the client’s cut, skin tone, & style. The idea that NOBODY else can have the same is inspiring to me.

Can you tell me your biggest inspirations for designing your haircuts? What about your styling process?
A lot of my inspiration comes from what season it is, what’s new and exciting in fashion, & colors people are wearing. Cuts can really be the frosting on a person. I try and choose things that are suitable, but I also try & keep it simple. I find clients will wear things with pride if the result they want is easily attained. I always tell my clients when styling for special occasions, the less you fuss, the better it looks.

What do you recommend for us to keep our hair healthy during this winter?
For the winter, I’ve been really stressing the importance of a great conditioner. Apply to the ends first & work it up. Even if you have to trade up for something more moisturizing, do it just for the season. Your hair will thank you! Also, try & cut down the heat tool use. I know it’s hard in the cold, but try. Even if that means washing less, it really does help! Last recommendation… BRUSH YOUR HAIR! Not all the time, but more than never. It’s great for your scalp, breaks up product build up, & brings out the shine.

What is your favorite part about your job as a stylist at Sine Qua Non?
We all have a common passion that we all share in our craft. Everyone wants to be the best stylist they can be, we all love what we do, learn from each other and have an amazing owner & support staff that wants to get us there. It’s really an inspiring environment to work in, if you have the right mind set, you can really thrive here.

ON CHICAGO : Favorite Places & Inspirations

Tell me one of your favorite things about Chicago.
The FOOD!

Where is your favorite place to shop local?
A great local spot to shop at is this little boutique near my house called Squasht. It’s all handmade treasures by local artists, very unique, & eclectic.

Can you let us in on your favorite secret Chicago gem?
That’s hard because I’m not sure I really have a bonified winner. I would say, the CEO martini @ Sullivan’s Steakhouse is pretty special, and it’s $6 on Thursday which makes it even more tasty. The panang curry at Ping Pong in Lakeview is still in my opinion, the best in the city. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. The English toffee sundae & Margie’s Candies is, well, amazing!!

Where do you go to think, be inspired, & to chill out?
The lakeshore path. It’s where I go for me time & Dizzy time. Dizzy is my dog. It’s my place to go and get grounded again.

Jessie, {*eyebrow raised*} would you consider yourself a foodie?
I would say I’m an aspiring foodie. The cuisine available to us in the city is incredible! Problem with me is that I LIKE EVERYTHING. So I’m going to continue working on my palette.

If so, tell me one restaurant you would just NEED to take a friend from out of town to.
As far as a must go restaurant, I actually try to save new places for when friends & family are in town. So I still need to go to the Girl and the Goat and would love to try GT Oyster. Well, let’s face it, I’m up for anything!

If you were to make a playlist for us with your top songs right now, what songs would they be?
Lately the only music I’ve been listening to really has been at the gym, and the song that gets me smiling and running faster is Thrift Shop by Mackelmore & Ryan Lewis. Otherwise, I’m an oldies but goodies kinda gal.