At the newly opened Ciao Bella Salon, owner and master stylist Karen Sheppard has assembled a diverse team as professional and talented as she is.
Walking in the door, the client notices immediately the cleanliness, the fine touches of the decor, the glistening chandelier and flowers. Karen’s professionals are an advertisement to their own skills, stylish and trendy boasting truly stunning hair. The Ciao Bella team members’ personal images radiate their love for fashion and flair.
“We all work together here. Every one of our stylists shines," Karen says. "Our image is casual elegance. Every client’s positive experience is our focus. We’re competitively priced and cater to everyone.”
Ciao Bella’s new location is an airy, open space right off Tamiami Trail South with easy access, parking and close to the West Villages and other surrounding communities. Karen started her career in Maine, relocating to Florida 25 years ago. She has a stellar reputation and received many accolades, including several Best of Venice awards for Best Salon and Beauty Consultant, along with being one of Venice’s Top 40 Business Professionals. Karen welcomes everyone.
“Have a cup of coffee, a glass of wine,” she says. “You can relax and let us create the most beautiful you.”
Master Stylist Joe Zottola, who is fluent in Italian, studied extensively at London’s renowned Toni & Guy salon, as well as the Jingles Academy. His mastery with coloring and cutting techniques led him to an extensive career as a salon owner in Pittsburgh for more than 30 years.
Stylist Olivia Crowley, a Sarasota native, completed her training with Pivot Point technology. She specializes in the latest trends in balayage. Her expertise lies with an exceptional eye for color and the latest practices, creating beautiful, innovative designs.
Master stylist Brandy Lukyanov is a world traveler. Perfecting her craft over the last 15 years, she did hair and makeup for a worldwide photography company based out of Houston. Later in Seattle, she continued to improve her coloring and cutting skills with Goldwell and Wella before moving on to Bumble and Bumble in New York City.
Blaine Benson was raised in the salon industry. He is truly the designer with an edge. Pivot Point-trained, he puts in the extra time to clearly understand the client’s needs to create contemporary and fashion color designs.
“Other salons can be strict and stressful, everyone running around,” he says. “We are calm and casual, devoting individual personal time to our clients.”
“We have such a unique and different group,” Brandy says. “I really feel we cater to anyone. We want to show people their own kind of beauty, their own beautiful. At Ciao Bella, love is in the hair.”
2161 Tamiami Trail South, 941.220.7112, Vagaro.com/ciaobella3