One of our most beloved communities is our salon and stylist friends. If you didn’t already know, amika is Brooklyn-born + salon-raised. We celebrate our heritage by bending rules that don’t make sense and pushing beauty boundaries. The brand may have been born in Brooklyn, but it was brought to life in the salon. That means all our haircare and tools are effective, high performing, and kind to your strands.  

In our “salons we love” series, we’ll be highlighting some of the amazing amika salons and salon owners that continue to inspire us to make great hair products for all. We also do a deep dive on how they got into the hair industry, what made them open their own salon, and what advice they have for new or existing salon owners.

“My name is Raquel brown and I own Blueprint Hair Studio in Bermuda!” 

“3 years.” 

“Another stylist recommended it to me!” 

“amika means what they say and their products and tools slay all day! The word friend is exactly how I would describe amika. From the friendly staff, education, and continued assistance you really are always there in every aspect of the brand and what they offer. A true ‘friend’!”

“I was inspired by braiding when I was a little girl. I was always very creative with everything I got my hands on when it came to hair. It was my happy place!” 

“I would say my clients led me to open my own salon. They would always say they could vision me having my own place and that they believed in me. Also, my mom and dad were always very supportive of me doing what I love!” 

“My advice for other stylists would be dream big and vision it in detail! Write everything you think you want down on paper and breathe life into it. I believe a lot in manifestation. Just seeing your dreams on paper makes you feel like it can be attainable. Then, when an opportunity presents itself, full steam ahead! Everything will fall into place when you have a detailed plan."

“We at Blueprint specialize in creative coloring, bridal and custom cutting. My hope for the salon in the future is to grow amazing stylists and keep creating jobs for people.” 

“I love using got grit dry texture paste for occasion updo styling! It’s great for expanding braids and creating tons of texture in an updo. I tend do a two strand technique to make the hair look like I curled the clients entire head. This is done by twisting and pulling at each overlapping section and pinning in place.” 

We love having thought provoking dialogue with our amika family + friends. If you want to be part of the conversation, don’t be afraid to reach out in any way. For the chance to be featured on The Strand and be part of our ever-growing community of salons, click here.