Sonal is a personal style consultant and so much more.  She grew up in NYC and has traveled the world gaining insight through diverse cultures and environments.  She draws upon these experiences to help her clients discover their TRU personal style, allowing them to shine from the inside out.  An immigrant from India, she discovered early on that she wants to feel fantastic even when she can’t always afford the fashions.  In this issue of after40, Sonal showcases some of the accesssories she has collected locally and internationally.  When purchasing pieces for her collection, she always supports the initiative of local entrepreneurs.  All items are for sale by contacting her at: www.facebook.com/truyou.   Feeling great in what she wears evokes a reaction in others and brings a level of success to her day.  Her desire is to share her passion one on one with her clients or through public speaking engagements.

Lauren is a style consultant who has had a love and affection for fashion her whole life. She has a bachelor’s degree in fashion design and a minor in magazine journalism.  She completed internships in both areas of focus.  She attended New York Fashion Week in 2006 and 2007 where she interviewed many designers and attended their shows.  Locally, she’s created costumes for the American Cabaret Theatre, was a coordinator and accessory stylist for Midwest Fashion Week in March 2009 and serves her clients with personal styling and wardrobe makeovers, including custom design. Lauren encourages her clients to get out of their comfort zone and try things they've never tried before.  She provides them the opportunity to see how their lives can be enhanced, just by what they're wearing. Lauren is passionate about inspiring women’s style locally, bringing coastal ideas to the Midwest.

Susan Barnes is an aesthetician and the manager of Phases™ Skin Care and Laser Center at Turkle & Associates Cosmetic Surgery.  She has been an aesthetician for eleven years and has worked with Dr. Turkle for ten years. Susan most enjoys helping people feel better about themselves. She believes make-up should be an extension of good skin care and that it should not cover up your complexion – it should enhance it. Susan uses and recommends Colorescience mineral make-up because of its purity.

Christina Hemp is an aesthetician with Phases™ Skin Care and Laser Center. She has worked with Dr. Jan Turkle for nearly six years. Christina enjoys working with women to show them how they can use make-up to enhance their appearance and reflect their inner beauty.  She encourages them to try new things and to match their look to the occasion. She is an advocate of Colorescience mineral makeup and reminds women that not all mineral makeup is made the same.

Following her passion, Whitney began styling hair nine years ago and started with Ciao Bella Salon almost five years ago.  She continues to strengthen her skills by participating in hands-on workshops and shares her knowledge as a Paul Mitchell Educator.  She takes time with each client to learn exactly what their needs are.  She says achieving the perfect color for someone is the most fun because you can really change someone’s look with a touch of color.  Whitney’s hairstyles have been published in trade magazines.

Holly completed her education at Excel Academy eight years ago, and began styling hair with Ciao Bella Salon when they opened in March 2005.  She loves what she does, especially building a rapport with her clients.  She has an eye for knowing what looks good on them and enjoys sharing her expertise.  Her favorite part is when she gets to see the smile on her client’s face after she has successfully given them the style that they want. 

Cortland began styling hair almost four years ago and began his career with Ciao Bella Salon in November 08.  As a student, he won several state Cut & Color competitions.  Later, he trained at Bumble & Bumble Salon in NYC and has worked for them as a Network Educator.  He is also a therapist with Keratin Smoothing Therapy. He says he enjoys using his skills as an artist to help women see how beautiful and confident they can be, at any age.

Clair started in the health and beauty industry 17 years ago after completing a three year diploma in Beauty Therapy at the Durban Institute of Technology. On completion of her diploma she became a CIDESCO Diplomat meaning the education is recognized as the most advanced certification in the field of Esthetics and Beauty Therapy in the world. The skin is a reflection of the state of the body as well as lifestyle and diet and a CIDESCO diplomat can diagnose skin problems based on their training in Anatomy and Physiology. Having worked for various spas for a period of 10 years she opened Absolu Spa & Skincare in 2003.  Her passion and skincare knowledge affords her the opportunity to communicate the importance of good skin and body care to her clients, which ultimately results in healthier and happier lifestyles.  

Mariam, a licensed Esthetician, has been working at Absolu Spa since 2005.  She has worked in the industry domestically and in Europe for over 15 years and has extensive product knowledge.  Her specialties include European facials, licensed chemical peels, microdermabrasions, reflexology, ear candling, efficient and timely waxing using Nufree wax, acne treatment, Indian head massage, body wraps and body treatments.

Michele has been a licensed nail technician since 1998 and began her career at Absolu Spa almost three years ago.  Her favorite part about what she does is working one on one with her clients and getting to know each one.  She delivers a luxury service and women today are busy and love to relax.  She says service is the highest priority at Absolu, and clients keep coming back for the top notch customer care.