VUE

Q: What inspired you to launch White Opal Salon, and how did you turn it into one of the most talked-about beauty destinations on social media? A: e inspiration to open White Opal came from wanting to create an experience for my clients that didn't yet exist, at least where we live–at the Jersey Shore. I wanted to create a place where the best hair, skin services, and coffee all exist in one world. A place where clients leave dreaming about their next visit. I personally love creating content and sharing with the world what im building. I've always loved just sharing things that are meaningful and beautiful to me, sharing my talented staff, over sharing—the messy, the good, and the inbetween of owning a business. People love real and raw and they love to feel connected to a brand even if they've never been able to experience it! Q: White Opal has built a huge following on Instagram and TikTok. How do you approach content and community- building online? A: I'm open, honest and real. People love this and believe it or not some people do not. I pay close attention to what is working as far as building a loyal following but more importantly what is driving traffic into the door. It's really as simple as just sharing with the world who we are, how we do things, how we operate, and our day-to-day experiences as hairstylists. We share exactly who we are, unfiltered and it's worked. Q: You recently opened a matcha and coffee bar inside White Opal — what inspired that addition, and how has it changed the salon experience? A: is has always been the original dream. 8 years ago when the idea originated we designed it this way but quickly realized I was dreaming too big, I didn't have enough money. 3 years into being in business, the space next door was still available so we took a leap. Our clients LOVE the coffee bar. As a health and ingredient freak I wanted to be able to have a high quality drink option available while clients are sitting there for hours getting beautified. We've had nothing but the best feedback about our coffee and wellness drinks on our menu and are so happy its added so much value to the client experience. Q: With visibility comes criticism—how do you handle haters and negativity while staying focused on your vision? A: I don't even have the time to pay attention to it. Focusing on the negative things just takes away from the positive things I could be doing to help grow my team, business and family. I've found that the people who get offended by the things that I post and videos I make are clients who just dont align with White Opal. I am not for everyone, and thats okay. The messy, the good, and the inbetween... VUENJ.COM 85

• Cover