West coast roots, a lot of heart, and your beauty best friend.
My beauty story is rooted in Northern California. Originally from San Jose, I moved to Sacramento in 2017 to pursue my craft, spending seven years mastering my artistry. But my love for the salon began long before that. As a teenager, I would spend all my hard-earned money getting my hair done as often as I could. Hair has always been my ultimate form of expression. That unmatched feeling of walking out of the salon chair was the biggest confidence booster for me growing up, and it still is today. I want that exact feeling and so much more for every single client who sits in my chair.
Before transitioning into a beauty professional, I spent over a decade bartending and working in retail. Because of those years, you can totally say I’m a true people person. Human connection and supporting others is my true passion, and it is the driving force that influenced my career. I don’t believe in rushed, transactional appointments. To me, being your "beauty best friend" means keeping communication entirely open and honest, ensuring this is a safe space built on mutual trust, deep listening, and shared joy.
I believe the best results happen when you feel completely comfortable sharing your honest hair goals and frustrations. That is exactly why I pride myself on turning traditional services upside down by focusing entirely on clear communication and mutual trust. I blend a polished, lived-in style with the technical "why" behind hair health and product performance. Instead of temporary salon moments, I prioritize collaborative guest education, thoughtfully curating techniques, products, and tools. By teaching you how to care for your unique hair and skin canvas, we build a sustainable routine designed entirely around your lifestyle and personal investment level.
My love for visual art and storytelling has taken me on some incredible creative adventures. Right before my cross-country move, I spent four unforgettable weeks in the Sierra Mountains working on an independent feature film (releasing very soon!). Serving as an assistant to the phenomenal hair and makeup artist Antoinette Yoka left an permanent mark on my heart and deeply refined my sharp eye for camera-ready, lighting-friendly beauty. Since planting roots in Wilmington, I’ve brought that same high-level magic to our local community. I recently had the incredible honor of doing makeup alongside the elite glam squad for the North Carolina Azalea Festival Queen’s Court. Getting to immerse myself in that ultimate week of pure girlhood and empower those women is exactly why I love this industry and I am so excited to continue this journey.
True beauty is designed with intention, and our journey is a complete partnership. Whether we are customizing a low-maintenance color to complement your skin tone, or diving deep into a masterclass to revise your makeup kit, I am here to refine the natural radiance you already possess so you feel beautiful every single day.
I can’t tell you how excited I am to meet you!
Off the Clock with Lily.
When I’m not behind the chair custom-curating your next favorite hair or makeup look, you can usually find me exploring the Carolina coast with my boyfriend Ian, our talkative German Shepherd Max, and a lifelong obsession with visual art, music, and storytelling.
The Creative Roots
(Before the Chair)
A Lifelong Eye for Detail: Long before I became a beauty professional, I was completely immersed in visual art. I spent all four years of high school in photography class (even TA-ing for my junior and senior years) and stayed for a 6th-period yearbook class when I could have easily gone home early. Today, I still love capturing life—whether it’s an aesthetic food pic, a candid portrait with Ian, or a gorgeous Wilmington sunset.
The Soundtrack & Turntables: My Spotify algorithm was built brick-by-brick, and I’m pretty proud of it. In my younger years, I blew every gift card at Sam Goody on CDs, made custom mixtapes, and eventually dabbled on turntables back when festivals and working at a club filled my schedule. I’ve even curated playlists for my previous salons, and while I want to collect vinyl in the future, my digital collection is my pride and joy.
The Film Lover & Stream Binger
The Comfort Binge:The Office is my ultimate rewatch. Ian and I have watched it from beginning to end a ridiculous number of times and yes, we even watch the seasons without Michael Scott. King of Queens and Everybody Loves Raymond come in a close second. But if we are talking true millennial behavior? I was obsessed with The OC back in the day, owning every single DVD box set and CD soundtrack.
Movie Night Vibe: When it comes to film, I’m easy to please and can find the good in almost anything. I love a suspenseful mystery-thriller with a splash of true crime, epic fantasy adventures, or scaring myself with a gory slasher film.
The Mandatory Snack Setup: Couch time with Ian and Max requires an elite snack lineup. Give me popcorn with an unhealthy amount of butter, Milk Duds, Sugar Babies, and a cherry ICEE. If I’m feeling really saucy, I’m adding nachos smothered in cheese and jalapeños.
Local Favorites & Weekend Rituals
Oak Island Outings: On weekends, we pack up early and head to The Point at Oak Island. I love that you can spend all day drifting between the beach side and the sound side. You’ll usually catch me there soaking up the sun with a great thriller or fantasy novel in hand.
The Wilmington Shortlist: My absolute guilty pleasure is a great smash burger and fries. For me, Mess Hall and Zeke's Smash are tied neck-and-neck for the best in town. If I'm keeping it light, I’ll grab a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a peach High Noon—but if I'm channeling my former bartending days, it's a Jameson neat with a pint of soda and a lime.
Life with Max: Even at 10 years old, Max still has bursts of hilarious puppy energy. He is constantly "talking" to us, loves a good nap, and treats his toys like babies—he holds them, licks them, and has never ripped a single one up.
At the Ballgame: I love the game, the rules, and the newer ump-challenge dynamics. While I have a few vintage SF Giants jerseys from my West Coast days, dating a guy from Pennsylvania means we root for his home teams now, too.