JESS AVALON
she/her
Master Stylist III, Barber, Owner
Jess loves humans, coffee, and her job. She likes the kind of labels that help us organize our stuff, and dislikes the kind of labels that tell us where we come from or what we can become. Jess is a problem solver, a hair engineer and a good listener. She is very keen on personal expression and clean, elegant design.
Focus Areas: Cut and color (especially grey coverage)
Availability: By appointment only
SERENA FORCHE
she/her
Master Stylist
Bubbly is Serena’s middle name. As a 5th generation hairstylist who relocated from New York City, she is a powerhouse behind the chair, and has a penchant for perfection. She has a true passion for making sure you fall in love with your hair.
Focus Areas: Luxury extensions, fantasy colors, blondes, precision cuts, grey coverage
Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
KANDIS DOUCET
she/her
Senior Stylist
Time with Kandis means two things for sure- good conversation and a lot of laughter. She has a keen interest in the science behind hair color and is eager to try new things. She will literally get on the floor to diffuse your hair if that’s what needs to be done. Trust us, we’ve seen her do it! You’re going to love every second with her.
Focus Areas: Dimensional color and balayage, long layers, fine hair, transformation cuts
Availability: Thursday-Saturday
AUDREY BUTLER
she/her
Stylist
Audrey comes to us with a diverse career background. She found herself craving a more creative environment, which is what lead her to pursuing hairstyling. She is communicative, approachable and authentic. She listens intently, and will meet you where you are to help deliver a style that is uniquely you.
Focus Areas: Long cuts, grey coverage
Availability: Monday-Thursday
ALEX CHRISCOE
she/her
Stylist
Alex is a talented stylist with a meticulous attention to detail. She has a penchant for edgy and distinctive haircuts, often utilizing the razor for a unique touch. Alex’s creativity and infectious energy, allows her to create a memorable experience for each client. Beyond the salon, Alex has a talent for creating chainmail, a love for collecting records, and enjoys thrifting.
Focus Areas: Lived-in blondes, balayage + highlights, razor cuts
Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday
LUCKY NEWTON
she/her
Rising Stylist @ Triangle Hair Studio
Lucky has a true passion for making people feel beautiful. She excels at engaging in conversations and creating a welcoming environment for everyone. When it comes to client consultations, Lucky is known for her patient and thorough approach. She takes the time to truly understand her clients’ natural texture, ensuring that the outcome aligns with their expectations. In her free time, you can find her thrifting, sewing/drawing or playing the banjo.
Focus Areas: Perms, razor cutting, long layers, working with natural texture
Availability: Tuesday-Friday @ our second location, Triangle Hair Studio
HEATHER LEWIS
she/her
Owner / HR Manager
We are the luckiest people in the world to have Heather as our leader, because it is like she has a PhD in happiness. Her laugh makes everyone feel better, she will treat you like royalty, and do 10 other things at the same time without ever breaking a sweat.
MELISSA HAMMER
she/her
Rising Stylist
Melissa has a heart of gold and a sense of joy and positivity that is absolutely contagious. She puts her heart into every service and is so talented when it comes to understanding and executing your vision. She’ll never turn down the opportunity to be out on the water catching a sunset, finding the best tacos in Richmond, or playing her guitar.
Availability: Melissa is on parental leave this year; we look forward to welcoming her back when it is right for her family!
MERRY WHITE
she/her
Master Stylist II
Merry is the real deal: crazy talented, laid-back, and effortlessly cool. If she wasn’t also the nicest person ever, we might be a little intimidated. She has a calm demeanor but she is a powerhouse behind the chair and her signature style is oh-so-Richmond.
Focus Areas: Razor cutting, curly hair, balayage, perfectly un-done styles
Availability: Tuesday-Thursday
RACHEL GIERLACH
she/her
Master Stylist / Photographer / Educator
Rachel’s intuition is off the charts and she’s incredible at gaining a sense of what her clients are looking for, even if they don’t know quite how to describe it. She is super sweet and genuine, and if you get the chance to talk to her, you’ll quickly come to realize that she is one of the funniest and most empathetic souls this world has to offer. She’s also a killer photographer!
Focus Areas: Long layers, natural balayage highlights, razor cutting, coarse/dense hair
Availability: Monday (Tuesday-Thursday @ our second location Triangle Hair Studio!)
NIKKI JO BARTON
she/her
Senior Stylist
Nikki Jo is a passionate and experienced hairstylist who thrives on transforming her clients' looks and building meaningful connections. She is focused and always ready with an honest ear, when it comes to your hair as well as life. Any topic of conversation is on the table, and she is a great listener. When Nikki isn't working her magic in the salon, you can often find her practicing yoga, rock climbing or kayaking on the water.
Focus Areas: Highlights, grey coverage, lived-in looks
Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
ANDY TOTMAN
he/him
Stylist
Andy is a transplant from San Diego, and his mellow SoCal energy is unmistakeable. He specializes in classic, precision hair cutting and natural-looking color. In addition to almost 20 years in the hair industry, he is a long time yoga instructor, and enjoys martial arts, meditation and spending time at the river with his family and their boxer, Dowser.
Focus Areas: Precision cuts, classic shapes, natural color, traditional highlights
Availability: Wednesday (@ our second location Triangle Hair Studio!) and Tuesday, Thursday, Friday at Circle Square
TIANA FORCHE
she/they
Stylist
Tiana’s talent is through the roof and we are constantly in awe of their artistry. They love helping their client’s achieve the hair of their dreams while creating a space that allows you to let your walls down and be your most authentic self. Tiana is a proud parent to over 40 chickens and a parrot, and will definitely take suggestions on your favorite KBBQ in the area!
Focus Areas: Fantasy colors, long layers, grey coverage
Availability: Monday-Wednesday, Saturday
KAI ERSKINE
he/they
Rising Stylist
Kai has a unique and beautiful approach to hair, and he is dedicated to helping people find confidence and authenticity. Even if you haven’t always felt at ease in a salon setting, he will make sure you are safe and seen, and you will feel like you belong here. Kai says “my clients don’t have to perform, or be anyone they aren’t, or conform to traditional salon culture. Like we can can vibe in silence kinda thing.” Kai loves thrifting, going to drag shows, cats and rainy days.
Focus Areas: Gender-affirming haircuts, curly/coily hair, barbering, fantasy colors
Availability: Tuesday-Saturday
ERYKAH NIKOLE
she/her
Front Desk Coordinator / Education Manager
Erykah is a forthright rockabilly gal with a bold personality and a strong sense of self. She is always in an upbeat mood, and she is incredibly thorough and professional. Her organization and passion for this industry keep things running like a well-oiled machine. She also always has some kind of random factoid ready to share!
JACKIE RAE
she/her
Assistant Manager
If you were to look up “personable professional” in the dictionary, you’d find this photo of Jackie. She’s such a light in the salon, as she has a passion for creating an inclusive space for our staff and clients. She loves celebrating our differences, and she has the voice of an angel.
OLIVIA CEE
she/her
Master Stylist II / Lead Educator
Olivia has the soul of an artist and the style of the cool girl from your high school photography class. Not only does she love being a part of her clients journey’s in finding themselves, but she also has a love for beekeeping, home improvement projects, and the environment. Her flair for creative work can’t be taught and we are always looking forward to seeing what she does next.
Focus Areas: Extensions for hair loss, balayage, curly hair, fantasy colors, avant-garde shapes, short cuts
Availability: Wednesday-Saturday
CHARLEY SODERBERGH
he/him
Senior Stylist @ Triangle Hair Studio
Charley’s gentle, kind demeanor and expertise allow you to fully relax when you sit in his chair. He has such a calm approach and intently listens to your hair desires and works hard to bring that to life. He prides himself on authenticity and makes your service all about you.
Focus Areas: Traditional foil highlights, barbering
Availability: Tuesday-Friday (@ our second location Triangle Hair Studio!)
SAM ROBINSON
he/they
Senior Stylist / Educator
Sam is a practicing artist and sculptor who loves working with his hands, as well as with his mind. He is a creative visionary that is so charming and genuine, you can talk to him about anything from the best trails in Virginia to the weirdness of existing. Sam has a gift for creating comfortable spaces for everyone he meets, especially his trans and gender non-conforming clients. If you’re lucky enough to sit in his chair, you will leave looking and feeling amazing.
Focus Areas: Short hair, barbering, kids cuts, special occasion styling, gender-affirming haircuts
Availability: Monday, Thursday-Saturday
THOMAS NORMAN
he/him
Stylist / Educator
Thomas is a Northern VA native who moved to RVA from DC, by way of LA. He has such a welcoming and charming personality — you can talk to him about absolutely anything, hair-related or otherwise. Thomas is currently training for his sixth triathlon. He loves D&D, trivia and his new baby niece. He is here for you on your hair journey, and will make sure you have fun along the way!
Focus Areas: Dimensional blonding, short hair, barbering, beautiful blowouts
Availability: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
KYLEE HARRIS
she/her
Rising Stylist
Kylee has an incredible ability to make you fall in love with yourself and make you feel like you’re on top of the world. Her drive to create your vision is unreal, and you’ll be so glad you had the chance to collaborate with her. She has a fierce but sweet soul, is unreasonably funny, is self aware beyond belief, and should be your first pick on a Game of Thrones trivia night.
Focus Areas: Hand-painting, blowouts/styling, long layers, razor cuts, curly hair
Availability: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
REECE GILBERT
she/her
Apprentice
Reece believes that cosmetology is more than just hair; it's about creating a safe haven where clients can be themselves. Her chair isn't just a place for transformation; it's a space for genuine laughter, heartfelt conversations, and sincere connections. When she's not in the salon, she enjoys gardening, listening to murder mystery podcasts, and biking around the city. She has a fondness for old country blues, and has a soft spot for animals, especially horses.
Availability: Booking Tuesday, Friday, Saturday
AMBROSE HERNANDEZ-GODOY
they/them
Front Desk
Ambrose brings a blend of sweetness and efficiency to the front desk at Circle Square. Their priority is always ensuring everyone feels comfortable and well taken care of. They believe in the transformative power of a great haircut, and enjoy seeing clients leave feeling brand new. When not at work, Ambrose’s creative spirit shines through creating art and working on sewing projects. With Ambrose around, every visit to Circle Square feels like catching up with an old friend – warm, inviting, and unforgettable.
ANNABELLE RASMUSSEN
they/them
Junior Apprentice
Annabelle is an RVA local and foodie, on their way to becoming a full-fledged stylist! They are most excited to learn precision cutting and alternative styles. By combining a love for chemistry and color theory they hope to create color that is both technical and striking. When they’re not drawing or playing niche board games, you can find them at a bonfire talking about the latest fun fact they’ve discovered.
CAREERS
We love what we do, and we don’t think there is any better place to do it than right here at Circle Square. We try every day to empower each other to do the best work we can and to be the best possible versions of ourselves for each other, for our clients and for our community.
If you are looking for a job and think maybe you belong with us, drop in and say hello. We can always make room for the right person.
