A remarkable transformation has occurred in Safely Sunning in downtown Topeka. Founder, Heather Souther, orchestrated a move to a new location and significant expansion, with the introduction of a full-service salon.
Sakred Salon offers an array of services, from spray tanning and teeth whitening, to Botox, fillers, and various skin treatments. Permanent makeup, hair services, acrylic and gel nails, body treatments, facials, cupping therapy, lash extensions by a five-time certified lash artist, and more.
The salon’s atmosphere is a blend of Heather’s personal style, boho-chic, with functionality, while also feeling bright and airy. A deliberate choice of black ceilings complements the brown spray tan application process. Light neutral gray walls ensure the accurate representation of tanning hues and hair colors. Heather’s favorite touch is a heartfelt message on the wall in her handwriting, conveying gratitude and the promise of a nurturing space for clients’ body, mind, and soul.
Heather’s vision extends beyond aesthetics; it was important that she find the right group of professionals to join her. To Heather and the team, the salon’s mission is to make everyone feel loved, invited, and included.
“I never want anybody to not feel great coming in and being here with us,” Heather says. “When they leave, I want them to feel like Beyonce in front of a fan. Like they can take on the world. Like nothing can stop them.” Visit vagaro.com/safelysunningsakredsalon.
More Than Length: The Power of Extensions
Since joining Sakred Salon in October 2022, Nichole Mitchell has felt right at-home in what she describes as a calm, relaxing, and family-friendly environment. Nichole brought with her a decade of experience as a hair stylist, offering services that include hair extensions, coloring, cutting, and body waxing.
As fall trends emerge, Nicole says her clients are asking to transition their look from light summer locks to cozy autumn vibes. Clients opting for darker tones are not necessarily changing the color of their natural hair, but are adding darker hair extensions to gain depth, volume, and length.
“With hair extensions, you can do anything and everything,” Nichole explains. “People think of hair extensions just for length, but I have one client, for example, with very fine hair and we added her extensions mainly for volume.”
“If you’re going to invest the money in yourself, we want to make sure you’re going to take care of the investment,” she explains.
Nichole says one client came to her after battling medical issues that caused her hair to begin falling out. She received extensions to give her hair length and volume, and received a profound confidence boost in the process.
That, Nichole says, is what it’s all about. “Style to me is what makes you feel good, what makes you feel confident, and what makes you go into the world and be your best self.” To book an appointment call/text the salon @ 785.600.0979.
Nailing It: The Latest Gel Nail Trends
Meticulous and detailed, the art form of gel nail art requires ample practice to master. But it has proven to be a much sought-after skill that manicurist Kailee Hoeffner has mastered. Since joining Sakred Salon in May, Kailee has been booked and busy.
The landscape of nail art trends is as dynamic as it gets. Presently, 3D designs are all the rage, while airbrush techniques are back in vogue after a hiatus, and the timeless chrome finish remains a consistent favorite. Almond-shaped nails are enjoying the spotlight, embodying elegance and versatility.
“The way clients express themselves through their nails varies so much,” Kailee explains. “People usually change their nails every few weeks, so it really gives them freedom to go as out-of-the-box as they’d like.”
Navigating the realm of nail aesthetics can be overwhelming, particularly for newcomers. Kailee stocks an abundance of photos to help inspire those clients who are looking for a bit of direction. When it comes to choosing a shape, Kailee says the nail bed is key.
From hand-painted marvels to varied designs on all ten nails, Kailee thrives on unleashing her creative prowess. She takes pride in crafting nails that mirror each client’s distinct personality and personal style.
“Nail art is such a fun way to express your style and everyone does it so differently,” she says. “I love seeing clients’ personalities come out in their nails and you can tell they leave feeling beautiful, confident, and wanting to showcase their fresh set.”
To Kailee, style signifies the physical embodiment of self-expression. Her job’s joy lies in catering to diverse individuals, and designing nails that resonate with their unique style preferences. With every set she creates, she contributes to the tapestry of individuality that weaves through personal appearances. Visit vagaro.com/safelysunningsakredsalon.
The Art of Confidence
Sakred Salon owner Heather Souther recognized Alicia Carrier’s talent as a permanent makeup artist before they ever discussed a potential working relationship. Heather saw the eyebrows of one of Alicia’s clients and knew she wanted her and her skill set as part of the salon.
“Heather’s salon struck me because of the women empowerment,” Alicia recalls. “All the girls are so supportive and there is a great, positive atmosphere. You want to be at work every day. It’s truly incredible.”
Alicia began permanent makeup two years ago in California before moving to Kansas. With a mission centered on restoring women’s confidence, Alicia can help clients address eyebrow concerns. Overplucking trends have left many with thinning brows, prompting a desire for revitalization. Offering makeup-like shading or natural hair strokes, Alicia tailors each approach to her clients, making every appointment unique.
“A good brow is a face lift for the face – lifts the eyes and whole expression,” Alicia explains.
Witnessing clients shed tears of joy upon seeing their brow transformation is a humbling experience, one that still makes Alicia emotional. She recalls a cancer survivor who, after chemotherapy took all of her hair, found solace in Alicia’s artistry.
Alicia’s scope extends beyond brows – she has delved into eyeliner artistry and even contributed to breast cancer survivors’ journeys by recreating areolas. Alicia’s passion translates into rapid confidence changes for her clients.
“Your style is your statement in life,” she says. “It’s how you walk with confidence and show it to others.” Visit finelinebeautystudio.com.
Visit CityLifestyle.com/Topeka to view additional photos from this article.
“Style is what makes you feel good, what makes you feel confident, and what makes you go into the world and be your best self.” - Nichole Mitchell
“Your style is your statement in life. It’s how you walk with confidence and show it to others.” - Alicia Carrier