MEET THE TEAM
Trusted Experts
ASH FORTIS
Owner/ Platform Artist
Ash Fortis Owner /Stylist since 2011
At 23 Ash decided to pursue her passion for the hair industry. She excelled quickly, graduated with honors and went on to spend time at a high end salon apprenticing. While apprenticing Ash further developed her passions and skills of hair dressing. Ash took to heart the importance of professionalism and being a team player which has led to a great deal of her success. Over the course of her career she’s never stopped learning and dedicating her time to creating and fostering one of a kind experiences for her guests, Ash has never shied away from a challenge and that driving force has made her at the top of her game when it comes to transforming clients. Ash’s passion for her craft has given her national and international publications, award nominations, and she is recognized as an innovative trailblazer in the hair industry. Ash Fortis went on to help build and co create Pulp Riot hair care from the ground up as an original co creator/owner. Pulp Riot sold to Loreal and Ash Fortis continues to educate for Pulp Riot, and work closely with the company and its team. Being at the hight of her career Ash knew that she wanted to build a salon & spa that would bring her dreams of providing the best hair and skin care to our community. Her dream of creating an inclusive space where our team brings out the beauty in one another and our guests is why the Xo Culture is like none other. At Xo Ash is proud to inspire and foster Team work,Creativity,Professionalism, Collaboration, Education and Value to our team & Guests. When Ash is not behind the chair she is leading our team and growing our stylists and business. Ash also spends time sharing her knowledge digitally, as well as in salons, and on stages across the world. She is a proud Author of Hair to dye for Published May 2020 and loves spending time with her friends, family, pets and her community of bad ass’s.
Lauren Owens
Level 2
BRENDA
Front Desk Manager
Brenda is a military spouse that recently moved to Virginia Beach from New Jersey where she previously worked in the corporate world for over 20 years. She decided to take the leap into the salon and spa industry during her transition to Virginia, as she enjoys being in an industry that helps people feel their best.
Whether it’s at the front desk welcoming our guests or assisting guests by guiding them through booking their appointments to fit their schedules, she always strives to do her best to accommodate them. Because of her work ethic, she never hesitates to adapt and be of service wherever she is needed at our salon.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their three doodle pups.
Jenna Stinson
Level 1 Stylist
CARMELA
Jr Stylist
Carmela is currently a receptionist/assistant at XO Hair Lab. She currently goes to school part time at Rudy and Kelly. She loves to be creative and have fun on her free time and aspires to get behind the chair as soon as possible after graduating cosmetology school in 2022 by obtaining all the knowledge she is currently receiving both from school and her position at XO Hair Lab.
ELISE HENDERSON
Level 1 Stylist
Elise is a level 1 stylist that has been licensed since 2019. She has had a passion for hair and the beauty industry since she got her very first doll And it has never really died since! She’s especially passionate about color and cut transformations/enhancements and seeing the happy faces of her clients when they are done. She also prides herself in hair integrity helping you achieve your dream hair from the inside out. You can see her work for yourself on Instagram at @EliseRomaine.beauty.
TIM
Level 2 Stylist
Timothy Is a Hairstylist with over twelve years of experience In Cutting, Color And Styling. Originally From Nyc, Timothy is Trained and certified in Multiple color and cutting systems and Loves using his knowledge to create exactly what his guests envision when they are in his chair. Timothy enjoys working with editorial hair and diverse hair types which allows him to be a stylist for any client.
CATHERINE GIBBS
Level 3 Stylist/ Director of Education
Catherine has over 5 years experience behind the chair and 3rd generation stylist, she gives a home grown feel to every service. She has a passion for transformations and collaborating with clients to bring out their most beautiful selves with every service. She is a seasoned colorist and is certified in hand tied, tape in, and other forms of extensions. From simplistic naturals to kaleidoscopic creations, Catherine is your go-to for a one of a kind experience.
AMANDA LACUESTA
Level 2 Stylist
Amanda is a tenured stylist of twelve years. She specializes in natural crafted blonding and styling ranging from balayage to curly cuts. Her classic aesthetic caters to a variety of styles. She is committed to continuing her education with the intention of being an educator herself. When Amanda is not providing the best experiences for her clients she is spending time with her husband and three beautiful boys.
AMARA TURNER
Level 2 Stylist
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SARAH BENDER
Level 1 Stylist
Sarah is a hairstylist from TN that recently relocated to VA. She has been in the beauty industry for 4 years and has a passion with blondes and brunettes. Sarah loves traditional foils, balayage and color melts and love to add her artistry by taking into consideration your skin and eye color and what will compliment you best when giving her recommendations on color services. Sarah loves providing a safe and comfortable space and experience for her clientele.
TAYLOR JOYNER
Esthetician
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