Joshua Charles
Stylist, Co-owner; Ames, Iowa
Joshua has been in the industry for 20 years and has had the honor of opening two high-end salons with his business partner and friend, Kari. His primary goal is to create an environment where each stylist and makeup artist has creative freedom to develop their craft. Though Joshua has had his ups and downs, his heart and passion always stay consistent, which has driven him to help others succeed. Outside of the beauty industry, Joshua hangs with his daughter and dog, rides his Harley and snowboards as much as time will allow.
Kari Camenisch
Stylist, Co-owner; Ames, Iowa
Kari Camenisch is a graduate of Buena Vista University in finance. She has held many roles in the financial industry and later received her degree in Cosmetology from The Salon Professional Academy. Kari’s passion is to make people look and feel their best. Her professional commitment is to deliver a fresh and inspired style, along with maintaining a working knowledge of the ever-changing beauty industry.
Sarah Barton
Salon Manager, Bridal Coordinator ; Ames, IA
As a former hair stylist, Sarah has valuable knowledge and experience of how the beauty industry operates making her role as manager of Valor & Violet a natural fit. She strives to provide a cheerful and professional environment for our guests and staff. Sarah also oversees Valor & Violet’s Bridal bookings and logistics, and looks forward to assisting our Brides with their wedding goals.
Kristen Essy
Stylist; Ames, Iowa
Kristen is from West Des Moines and attended the Aveda Institute Des Moines. Her passion for the beauty industry started at a young age and continues to grow. Kristen is always eager to help her clients feel great about themselves and is committed to consistently providing excellent customer service.
Madeline Price
Stylist: Ames, Iowa
Madeline graduated from the Professional Cosmetology Institute (PCI) in Ames. She loves interacting with clients and working with them to ensure their satisfaction. Madeline’s passion and drive have been her keys to success. She is well versed in advanced color, balayage, and color correction. Outside of work, Madeline enjoys spending time with family, friends and fur babies. Summer is her favorite time of year, she enjoys going swimming and taking bike rides.
Taylor Gourley
Stylist; Ames, Iowa
Taylor grew up around Steamboat Rock, Iowa. She has been doing hair since 2012. Taylor has extensive education, including advanced color formulation from the Dallas, TX Aveda Institute. She goes above and beyond for each client sitting in her chair, and wants to give them the ultimate experience. In her free time Taylor enjoys spending time with her husband and son.
Sydney Goche
Stylist; Ankeny, Iowa
Sydney grew up in Algona, Iowa always having a passion for hair. Her drive to be a hair stylist took her to PCI Academy in Ames, Iowa where she received her cosmetology and esthetician licenses. She has now been living the salon life for 4 years offering lash and hair services. Sydney loves enhancing people’s natural beauty and is always eager to learn.
Grant Braun
Stylist; Ames, Iowa
Grant grew up around Story City, IA. He has been with V & V since 2018. He has a passion for making people feel beautiful and transforming them. Loves a good blonde and color correction. In his free time, he loves being involved on and off stage in theatre, making people laugh, camping, and hanging out with friends.
Sydney Reysack
Makeup Artist; Ankeny, Iowa
Sydney has been in the beauty industry for 5 years but her passion for makeup came when she was a teen. She strives to enhance each client’s natural beauty. She takes pride in working with brides and making them feel stunning on their wedding day. Sydney can create a very natural to dramatic look depending on the client’s personal style.
Shayla Goche
Makeup Artist; Ankeny, Iowa
Shayla grew up in Algona, Iowa where her love of makeup first began doing prom and wedding makeup in high school. Since then Shayla has moved to Ankeny and has continued to learn, grow, and love the makeup industry even more. She loves playing with colors and showcasing her ability to enhance any feature! Her warm and outgoing personality ensures a fun and energetic experience.
Stacia Sothman
Stylist; Ankeny, Iowa
Stacia has been in the cosmetology industry since 2013. She was behind the chair for 5 years before teaching cosmetology for 2 years. She is now back full time in the salon and loving being able to serve her guests again. In her free time Stacia enjoys spending time with her family and her dog Cora, who you may see in the studio occasionally.
Sara Ramler
Stylist; Ankeny, Iowa
Sara has been in the cosmetology industry for 17 years. She was a stylist for several years before sharing her knowledge as a cosmetology and esthetics instructor for six years. Her love for her clients and extensive skill set brought her back behind the chair to do what she loves the most, making people confident and feel good about themselves.
Kate Wickwire
Assistant; Ames, Iowa
Kate graduated form the Aveda Institute of Des Moines in 2020. She loves blonding, fashion colors and hair cuts. She is eager to learn new techniques and tricks for hair and makeup. When not at work, Kate enjoys spending time with her family and friends.