Meet The Crew

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Pamela, What do you like most about working at Salon on the Square? Knowing that every day I get to spend time with the people I really like.

What is your speciality? Designer cuts and custom color.

Favorite quote: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” -Albert Einstein

Elizabeth, What do you like most about working at Salon on the Square? I love the girls. They are always positive and willing to work with the owner, Pamela Hilton on more education, events, & projects to better themselves and Salon on the Square.

What is your speciality? Well, Pamela’s my daughter and I feel like I have inherited 7 more daughters. So my speciality is being a Mom.

Favorite quote: Being happy doesn’t make us grateful, but being grateful always makes us happy.

Allison, What do you like most about working at Salon on the Square? I love working here because we have such a great atmosphere. It is so nice to work with such talented people who continue to inspire you every day. We really are a close family.

What is your speciality? Color and highlights.I love doing dimensional blondes, vibrant reds, and rich chocolaty browns.

Favorite quote: “If you don’t look good, we don’t look good.” -Vidal Sassoon

Courtney, What do you like most about working at Salon on the Square? The environment, the people and the clients of San Marco. We do beautiful hair while having fun!

What is your speciality? Mens cuts

Favorite quote: “I think the most important thing a woman can have-next to talent, of course-is her hairdresser.” -Joan Crawford

Halina, What do you like most about working at Salon on the Square? Working at SOTS is a fun, exciting, and challenging experience! It makes me feel like I am not only working with a group of well-trained professionals, but also friends. I love everyone I work with.

What is your speciality? Cutting and styling all lengths and textures of hair.

Favorite quote: “I’m not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know that I’m not dumb. I also know I’m not blonde.” -Dolly Parton

Heather, What do you like most about working at Salon on the Square? Clients, colleagues, and creativity!

What is your speciality? Women’s cut, color, blowouts, and keratin treatments.

Favorite quote: “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” -Dr. Suess

Jennifer, What do you like most about working at Salon on the Square? I really love the camaraderie! Every day is a fun and enjoyable experience. I think it rubs off on the clients and that’s why they enjoy their experience, as well.

What is your speciality? Wedding styles, updos, and natural dimensional highlights.

Favorite quote: “Hair brings one’s self-image into focus, it is vanity’s proving ground. Hair is terribly personal, a tangle of mysterious prejudices.” -Shana Alexander

Krista, What do you like most about working at Salon on the Square? The people: stylists and clients. We have an awesome salon family that I love.

What is your speciality? Customer service and multi-tasking.

Favorite quote: “My life has a superb cast, but I can’t figure out the plot.” -Ashleigh Brilliant

Luz, What do you like most about working at Salon on the Square? I love the family attitude at SOTS. Everyone works together effortlessly and supports one another.

What is your speciality? I love doing thick, textured hair, thin fine highlights, and deliciously smooth blowdrys!

Favorite quote:
“What is success?
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate the beauty;
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by
a healthy child, a garden patch
Or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed
easier because you have lived;
This is to have succeeded.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

And for those that missed the July ad in Jacksonville Magazine:

Meet Pamela

What do you love about Salon on the Square?
Salon On The Square represents a lifelong dream fulfilled. I have been blessed with a wonderful team of stylists and Krista the salon manager. I carefully selected these amazing girls over a two year period to ensure I had the most talented staff. The atmosphere in the salon is what I am most proud of, as a team we work together to meet the individual needs of every client. The girls help me bring about my vision for the salon.

What is your charity of Choice?
My charity of choice is The Jacksonville Humane Society.

Why did you get involved?
I rescued my first dog Lola, a beautiful Staffordshire Terrier from the Jacksonville Humane Society in 1999. She was the love of my life for 13 years, from that time on I have been a supporter of the Humane Society.

What do you love most about being involved?
The feeling that you get when you help change a life for the better (be it animal or human). Whether it’s finding a homeless pet a home, or something as simple as a makeover for a client that will help her reach her full potential. My job as a stylist gives me the opportunity everyday to make a difference.

Which moment of your life would you choose to relive if you could?
The Grand Opening of Salon On The Square! It was such a great feeling of accomplishment.

Do you live more in the past, present or future?
I live in the present, visit the past, and look forward the future.

If you could change one thing about the way you look what would it be?
Well…I’d like to be a little taller and thinner 🙂

What do you love most about the way you look?
I have been blessed with good skin, so I’m fanatical about caring for it properly.

What celebrity do people say you resemble?
I’ve been told I resemble Ashley Judd.

What obligation do you believe you have to your community?
By being a small business owner I am obligated to provide excellent services and contribute to  my communities economic growth.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a journalist. I was editor of the Lion’s Roar at Landon Jr. High! My favorite part of the process was interviewing. Plans changed when I discovered my talent for styling hair.

Meet Kim

What do you love about Salon on the Square?
Pamela and the rest of the stylist are on top of the latest trends and techniques. Pamela is a true artist and knows how to create a cut to achieve my desired look with my stubborn hair.

What is your charity of Choice?
The beauty of the “Spadaro Foundation” is that I can choose a number of charities or a specific charity that happens to be in greatest need. Children’s charities always tug at my heart.

Why did you get involved?
From inception of my brand, I knew I would give back in some way. My mother was the most gracious and generous person. She raised us with the same compassion and natural desire to reach others my giving of ourselves. The simplest gestures can make the greatest impact.

How long have you been involved?
My first real charity was when I was 16, I was modeling for Amaro Agency, which required volunteer time. The most amazing day. Four of us, dressed as Garanimals, visited extremely sick children at Hope Haven Children’s Hospital on Atlantic Blvd. I’ll never forget the light in their eyes when we came in the room to visit them. This by far was better than any modeling job I ever had and an influence on the rest of my life.

What do you love most about being involved?
There is nothing better than giving your time to charity, not for recognition, but for the sake of knowing you’ve made a difference.

Which moment of your life would you choose to relive if you could?
It would actually be moments – at the birth of each of my three children. A high that you can never replicate.

Do you live more in the past, present or future?
Certainly the present! The happiest I’ve ever been is in the present. Surrounded by a loving family and supportive friends. “Each day is a gift, don’t rush it”!

If you could change one thing about the way you look what would it be?
My nose and gravity’s toll!

What do you love most about the way you look?
Love? I don’t love anything. I am pleased that my cowlicks are placed on the crown of my head, does that count? Having to battle an eye condition, has made me appreciate my eyes in a whole new way.

What celebrity do people say you resemble?
I laugh at some of the comparisons. From Chris Kardashians, Halle Berry and Katie Couric.

What obligation do you believe you have to your community?
I don’t feel its an obligation, but I do like to support local businesses.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I used to lie in the grass watching planes in the sky. I wanted to be a flight attendant and see the world. Listening to Peter, Paul and Mary’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane”. As fate would have it – I’m always leaving on a jet plane. My company’s name is “Spadaro Sub Dio”, which mean “Spadaro under the open sky”.

Meet Shannon

What do you love about Salon on the Square?
The cozy atmosphere and great service!

What is your charity of Choice?
Jacksonville Area Legal Aid and anything supported by the Junior League of Jacksonville

Why did you get involved?
After moving home, I wanted to surround myself with other members of the community to live to serve. I joined the Junior League of Jacksonville, which offers many ways to volunteer in various organizations in Jacksonville, including Dignity-U-Wear. As an attorney, it’s very important to support our local legal aid. 

How long have you been involved?
I started volunteering in high school and haven’t stopped since. 

What do you love most about being involved?
The grateful smiles that you get in return. 

Which moment of your life would you choose to relive if you could?
My senior year of college when I lived with my little sister. 

Do you live more in the past, present or future?
The present, thanks to my very good friend Devin.

If you could change one thing about the way you look what would it be?
I would prefer not to have to dye my roots. 

What do you love most about the way you look?
I LOVE being blonde!

What celebrity do people say you resemble?
I don’t think I’ve every been told that. 

What obligation do you believe you have to your community?
A lot of the poverty or misfortune in our community is cyclical. Everyone should try to bridge the gap between these cycles by aiding those who want to break free. Knowledge is the best gift I can bestow upon anyone. We need to teach our neighbors to “fish,” not just give them “fish.”

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An actress, of course.

Meet Jane

What do you love about Salon on the Square?
All the stylists are experienced and talented and everyone is like a big family.  My stylist Lucy is always prompt and does a great job.  If Lucy is unavailable I can always count on one of the other highly trained stylists to fit me in.  The vibe in the salon is very friendly and I love how convenient the location is to my house.

What is your charity of Choice?
Susan G. Komen For the Cure  http://ww5.komen.org/

Why did you get involved?
As a breast cancer survivor I wanted to give back to help other women diagnosed with breast cancer

How long have you been involved?
I personally, and my family and employer, have been involved in the charity for the past few years.

What do you love most about being involved?
I raced in the Susan G. Komen 5k in October and loved being with a group of women supporting each other, it was very empowering!

Which moment of your life would you choose to relive if you could?
This may sound silly, but I worry that if I had the opportunity to go back and relive any part of my life it would somehow change the present, which is just perfect the way it is, and I wouldn’t have it any other way…so I guess I wouldn’t choose to relive any part of my life.

Do you live more in the past, present or future? 
I think it’s very important to try to be present and live in the present.  It’s not always easy but if I am focusing too much on either the past or the future then I am either regretting something or projecting negatively.  It’s important to learn from past mistakes but move forward optimistically!

If you could change one thing about the way you look what would it be?
Ha ha.  One thing?  No one is perfect and it’s important to accept who you are and what you look like….focusing on what you do like about yourself!  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!  Today I try to focus on eating healthy and exercising and doing the best I can to have a healthy lifestyle.

What do you love most about the way you look?
I always look better when I have had my hair styled by Salon on the Square versus doing it myself! I get my hair blow dried at the salon every few days.  It’s my secret to looking my best.

What celebrity do people say you resemble?
Very rarely has anyone told me I looked like a celebrity.

What obligation do you believe you have to your community?
To be part of the solution, not the problem.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a fashion designer. I looked at Vogue magazine even when I was a child. My Mother used to tell me, become a lawyer because you are a good arguer and then you can buy whatever clothes you want. I became a lawyer with a problem called shopping.

Meet Nancy

What do you love about Salon on the Square?

The luxury of having “in-the-know” stylists here in San Marco.  Salon on the Square is a rare jewel–a salon where everyone works as a professional team.  I have been cut, colored, foiled, styled and primped by every stylist with great results and consistency. The genius behind my short shining tresses is Pamela.  She’s hard to book, but if Pamela cannot squeeze me in, her other talented stylists do their magic.

What is your favorite charity?

This is daunting–its like trying to pick your favorite child.  As a proud member of an active local philanthropic family foundation, I am personally involved in many wonderful causes: Ronald McDonald House is dear to my heart, along with the United Way, American Cancer Society, Mayo Clinic, Baptist Hospital, River Garden, The Jacksonville Humane Society and the Jacksonville Zoo.  Jacksonville is a very special place.

Why did you get involved?

I belief that it is both a privilege and a responsibility to give back to our amazing community and to provide a stellar example to our children–the future generation. My husband, Seeman and I love to be involved.

What do you love most about the way you look?

 

My carefree low maintenance look  all starts with a great haircut,  then I add a dab of tinted moisturizer and some plumping  lip gloss. My simple 2-minute regimen completes my look at home or on the road.

Which celebrities do you resemble?

Julie Andrews, Sharon Osbourne with a touch of Laura Bush on good days – Ozzie Osbourne on bad days.

When you were young what did you want to be when you grew up?

A nutritionist, so I studied at Penn State, worked as a registered dietitian for many years before embarking on a multi-faceted travel career.  I continue my passion–arranging VIP celebrity travel and luxury travel for a handful of friends.

Lighten Up!

I took a personal health assessment yesterday. When the nurse was reviewing the “stress” results with me she said, “Most people score high…we live in America.” That got me thinking… Life can be stressful, but we can chose to lighten up if we want to! And since I am in the beauty industry, I have the great pleasure of helping people do just that.  Hair – and all fashion for that matter – gives us the opportunity to express our creativity and have a little fun. So here are four ways some of the best hairstylists in Jacksonville recommend you not take yourself so seriously and express yourself in a creative and fun way!

1. Add a Featherlock to your hair

This is a new trend that is a lot of fun! We can add extremely outlandish feathers in vibrant colors or do a subtle, sophisticated feather in a natural color that peeks from underneath your hair and adds texture. They are clamped in at the root of your natural hair and cost about $20 per feather. Every time someone asks you, “Is that a feather in your hair?” You will smile – and so will they!

2.  Try hair extensions

Although extensions have been around for a while now, there are new methods for applying them. These provide a more natural look. What do you think your husband or boyfriend would say if you surprised him and walked through the door with long, flowing locks? Talk about adding fun to your life!

3. Experiment with a new color

My best friend loves the way I highlight her hair so it looks completely natural.  I was on the phone with her just before I started writing this blog and ran the idea by her of “lightening up” by having fun with your hair. And Ms. Conservative loved the idea! She said I can do chunkier highlights with more contrasting colors next time. Of course, this isn’t the pink strip that would be really fun and funky, but it is a move in the right direction! Other options you may want to consider are a dramatic all-over color or a gradient color.

4. Go for a drastic cut

One of the many wonderful things about playing with hair is it will grow back if you don’t like it! So just go for something fresh and exciting! Try the short cut you have always loved but been afraid to do. Or maybe opt for a dramatic bang! The last blog I wrote was about the rules to use to ensure a great style, but if you consult with a professional stylist, you will know which rules to follow – and which to break!

The main point I want to make is not to take life so seriously…well, not to take your hair so seriously! Experiment, explore…play! If you are interested in having a little fun with your very best accessory, come see us at our San Marco hair salon – Salon on the Square. We will help you “lighten up”!

5 Things to Consider When Selecting Your Hairstyle

The best hairstylists in Jacksonville believe everyone should receive compliments on their hair! The hairstylists at Salon on the Square in San Marco Square believe this even if your hair isn’t your best natural feature, a dramatic color or an amazing cut can garner attention and make you the envy of all of your friends! We recommend you consider the following five things before selecting the best color and cut for you. Of course, these are just guidelines and the best hairstylists will be able to give you a personalized recommendation and achieve amazing results!

1. Your Age

Have you ever noticed that when a woman tries to dress younger than she is – she actually looks older? The same thing happens when a woman tries to keep a “young” hair style for too long. Long hair may be fun for girls and ladies in their 20s, but once you are in your 30s, 40s and beyond, long hair can make you look dated. But a sassy, sophisticated hairstyle will make you look modern, vibrant and youthful!

2. Your Coloring

Your skin and eye color determine if you have cool or warm coloring. For example, if you are pale and have light blue eyes, you are cool, but if you have golden brown skin with deep brown eyes, you are warm. Your hair color should be determined by your skin and eye color. Ice blond and violet red look beautiful with cool coloring, while caramel and honey colors look beautiful with warm coloring. The best hairstylist will help you figure out which hair color will maximize your natural beauty!

3. Your Face Shape

If you have a long face or a high forehead, bangs will work wonders for you. If you have a round face, a swoop bang will create an interesting angle and break the roundness up. It is important to note that hair cuts that end at your jaw line are not good for round faces. If you have an oval face, you are fortunate – and can wear most hair styles.

4. Your Body Type

Your hairstyle should be in harmony with the rest of you! If you are petite, shorter styles will work better for you because you don’t want your hair to overwhelm you. If you are voluptuous, you will want to have a bit more fullness to your style. This will keep your overall look balanced and beautiful!

5. Your Hair Styling Routine

If you hate spending time fussing with your hair, make sure your stylist knows it. They can give you a great cut that is easy to maintain. If you want to have an easy style, but don’t want to give up a dramatic look, consider creating the drama through a vibrant color! If you are talented with styling your own hair, there are many options for you. Just remember to only use a flat iron on your hair twice a week…otherwise it may damage your hair.

To learn more contact Salon on the Square at 904-396-9003.

3 Things I Noticed About Parisian Women

There is something about Parisian women that makes you notice them when they walk down the street. When my girlfriends and I were in Paris last week, we could spot them immediately. So we started to study what made them so fashionable – so noticeable. At the end of the week, these are 3 things we came up with:

1. There is a different pace in France than in America. We have our “can do” attitudes and are eager to complete one project and rush to start the next. We are always on the go! The French are different. They take their time. Do you know no one honks their horn in Paris? Compare that to New York City! So we believe that Parisian women take their time getting ready – and they don’t leave their homes until they are perfect. We didn’t see a single woman applying mascara while driving! Not only does this create a beautiful look – it creates an elegant aura as they stroll down the tree-lined avenues.

2. They eat real things. They eat real butter, chocolate, bread and wine. They don’t eat margarine or low fat cookies. Of course, when you eat the real thing you are satisfied sooner – and more completely. That satisfaction shows! Plus, all of the natural ingredients are good for their hair and skin. Kind of ironic, isn’t it?

3. They accessorize. (This probably ties back into #1 too.) They wear very simple sheath dresses or mono-chromatic shirt and pants, but then they put on a beautiful scarf or wear a stunning pair of shoes in a bright color. And I could write a whole blog on the gorgeous bags they carry! It is striking the way they balance simplicity with dramatic flair!

So what is the take away from all of this? 1. When you visit our San Marco salon, you will find we have a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere where you can slow down and exhale. And we take the time to achieve the same level of perfection as the Parisian women! 2. We use Aveda products that are natural and are wonderful for your hair and skin. When you use them, you will be very satisfied! 3. You are going to see me wearing a lot of scarves in the near future!

Even though I am extremely proud to be an American woman, I hope you enjoy the touches of Paris you will find when you visit my salon!

Bon voyage and au revoir

Thanks to my friends and clients who recently celebrated my upcoming Parisian trip with a bon voyage party at Salon on the Square. I will soon be leaving for my second excursion to Paris with my good friend and traveling companion, Alayna. 

The event was great preparation for the trip to come with French music piped in the background, French wines served by The Grotto’s Nathan and a fantabulous spread of escargot, brie with raspberry compote and chocolate croissants catered by the Chef’s Garden. We laughed and danced late into the night.  

Photographer Jess Cumbie set up a photo booth for guests with berets, long cigarettes and a Parisian poster. Everyone really vamped it up for the camera as evidenced by the great photos. The party was almost as fun as the trip is going to be.

   

Okay…well not quite. I forgot to mention that Alayna and I are going to Avignon to see the lavender fields, to Champagne for a tour (and yes it will include champagne), to Provence for a walking wine tour and to Versailles to tour the grounds.

We will also visit Parisian salons, talk to stylists about current trends and maybe even book appointments to get our own European looks.  

Congratulations to Peyton Taylor for posting the best bon voyage message on our Facebook page.  She won a $50 gift card to the salon for her post, which sums it up pretty well: “One of my favorite actresses, Audrey Hepburn, could not be wrong in saying, ‘Paris is always a good idea.’ From the Champs-Elysees to yummy creme brulee, make this your BEST idea ever! Avoir du plaisir!”  

Thanks, Peyton – and “have pleasure” we will. Follow our journey through our Facebook diary posts. Also – be on the lookout for a follow-up blog that will showcase Parisian styles and highlights from the trip. Au revoir for now!