Meet The Team

Leslie Vasquez, President

Leslie has more than 25 years of diverse experience in the beauty industry, including owning and operating a haircare distribution company, traveling the world as a trainer for a hair extension company, and running her own hair salon. She opened the Platinum Lounge in 1999 to create a positive and relaxing environment for her growing clientele. Leslie is a nationally recognized hair extension expert and is a master in several methods of hair extensions, including ProHair, Great Lengths, Hairdreams, and Microlines. In addition, she excels at color correction and has been a hair color educator for L’Oreal Professional, Eugene Perma, and Schwarzkopf Professional. A leader in the local salon community, Leslie is also a member of the Advisory Committee for Shoreline School of Cosmetology. Read Leslie’s Blog

 

Darya Lundberg, Stylist

After graduating in 2010 from Shoreline School of Cosmetology, Darya joined the Platinum team with a love for all things creative. She is inspired by vintage styles as well as modern classics. When it comes to styling Darya crafts beautiful formal up do’s and loves working with you to create a personalized style. Favorites of Darya include Bridal hair, hair cutting, and color.  Darya is experienced with styling for photo shoots and local fashion shows. With a passion for all facets of art, Darya has studied design, photography and painting at the California Institute of the arts in Los Angeles. Click here to read Darya’s Blog!

 

Amanda Wardein

Over the last decade of her hairstyling career, Amanda has mastered the art of haircutting. The comfort and ease which she displays behind the chair will make any client feel right at home, whether you’re going for a dramatic change in color and style or simply refreshing your look. Amanda excels in creating natural looking, multidimensional, hair color that will enhance and radiate your natural beauty. If you’re a mom just looking to sass up your style or someone who’s looking for that professional edge in the boardroom, Amanda will help you create the look that’s right for you and your lifestyle.

 

 Alex Silverman, Management

Alex has been around the beauty industry his entire life and now he is in it. Taking over as the Salon Manager; Alex is at the phones, answering emails, and talking to you on Facebook and twitter. Currently working on a BA in Economics at the University of California Santa Cruz Alex is very good at figuring out an issue you have at the front desk. So give him a call down at the Lounge today.

Leslie Harris, Reception/ Wedding Coordinator

The Platinum Lounge’s only east coast native Leslie Harris comes to us all the way from New Hampshire. Relocating to Santa Cruz in June of 2010 Leslie, known by many as Leela, has a B/A in European History with a minor in Genocide studies from Keene State University. Leslie is enjoying California’s weather and our beaches, and like our coast, has a knack for all things romantic. Leela is your contact for your wedding needs at the Platinum Lounge.

Ashley Hoy, Stylist

Like a lion tamer, Ashley can turn any unruly mess into a manageable mane. Known as the frizz buster Ashley specializes in smoothing treatments and healthy looking hair. Ashley really loves to help clients find solutions to all of their hair woes, by adding a shot of shine to dull strands or taking the frizz from an unmanageable style she really can take your look to the next level. She does all this while being the most cheerful person anyone has ever met, an award winner in customer service; it really is a delight to spend some time in her chair. Ashley would love to see what happiness she can bring to you.

Jacklyn Wigley, Stylist

Jackie’s love for colors fuels her love for nature. Jackie has always been an avid outdoorswoman and spends much of her free time enjoying the environment. In the salon Jackie has a passion for using colors to transform hair into a style you love. Jackie specializes in ombré coloring, natural and dimensional hair colors, fashionable cuts, Keratin treatments, and waxing. Outside of the salon Jackie enjoyed working on local fashion shoots and short film sets. Jackie is dedicated to giving you the color you should have been born with.

 

Mea Silverman, Apprentice Stylist

Mea is the Platinum Lounge’s first apprentice. Currently a student at the CosmoFactory Mea is accelerating her learning through the new apprenticeship program. She may be young but Mea is no stranger to the beauty industry, Mea has virtually lived in a salon since a very young age and has developed her natural talent for makeup over the last few years.