Meet The Team!

artistic director-founder

(private appointments only)

sAY hI TO giA!

Gia is a master colorist with 20 years of experience and the founder of Rising Lotus Salon. She is a color artist for R+Color, representing the brand through advanced color education. With a background working for top beauty brands including TIGI/Bedhead, Tarte Cosmetics, and now R+Color,

Gia is also the creator of the Rising Lotus Education Program—a customized, in-salon training curriculum focused on advanced cutting, color theory, toning, and makeup artistry. Designed to elevate stylists at every level, this program blends technical mastery with modern, trend-focused education.

In 2018, Gia launched Rising Lotus Salon with a mission to combine advanced artistry with a calming, elevated guest experience. Her approach to hair is rooted in creativity, continuous education, and personalized attention to every detail.

Credentials & Platforms:

• R+Color Regional Artist

• Former Makeup & Color Educator for TIGI/Bedhead

• Makeup Artist for Tarte Cosmetics

• 20 Years Behind the Chair / 7 Years as Salon Owner

Gia’s favorite quote:

“Don’t compare your life to others. There’s no comparison to the sun and the moon, they shine when it’s their time.” -Unknown

Gia’s Instagram: @gia_moscato

ELITE Stylist-

lead

color & updo educator

(online booking available)

SAY HI TO KAT!

Kat has had a deep passion for the beauty industry from a young age, and with over 15 years of experience, she has become a go-to expert for transformative color and precision cutting. As our Master Stylist and Lead R+Color Educator, Kat is dedicated to staying ahead of trends and elevating the salon through advanced education.

She specializes in dimensional color, balayage, fashion tones, and women’s haircuts—especially bobs. Her guests love her because she is not only incredibly talented but also real, relatable, and easy to talk to. From the moment you sit in her chair, you feel comfortable, understood, and confident that you’re in expert hands.

Kat is highly sought after and books quickly, so reserving your appointment in advance is recommended. She is committed to helping you discover your most confident, beautiful look with a personalized approach every step of the way.

Please note: Kat does not offer men’s cuts or pixie cuts.


Kat’s favorite quote:

“I found that ultimately if you truly pour your heart into what you believe in - even if it makes you vulnerable -amazing things can and will happen.”-Emma Watson

Kat’s Instagram: @hairbyjessikat

ELITE stylist-

lead cutting &

UPdo educator

(online booking available)

sAY HI TO BRITTANY!

With over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry, Brittany is a true expert in her craft and is always evolving through advanced education and trend innovation. As our Lead Cutting & Updo Educator, she brings mastery, creativity, and a passion for teaching that elevates everyone around her.

Brittany specializes in balayage, multi-dimensional and bright blonding, precision cutting for women and men’s fades, and special occasion styling. She is known not only for delivering beautiful, customized results but also for creating a welcoming, comfortable experience where every guest feels listened to and genuinely cared for.

As a master stylist Brittany books up quickly so book your appointment in advance!

Brittany’s favorite quote:

“Be the kind of woman who believes that she is capable of doing amazing things in this world. Be the kind of woman whose own dreams make her nervous-and then go ahead and do them anyway. Be the kind of woman who never asks permission to be herself.” -Rachel Hollis

Brittany’s Instagram: @itsbrittanyb4

EXPERT stylist-

curly hair & Bellami certified specialist

(online booking available)

SAY HI TO ARI!

Ari is known for enhancing natural beauty through curly hair design, and Bellami hair extensions. With advanced certification in the Mizani Air-Cut Technique, she works with all curl patterns and creates shapes that support natural movement and texture. She also loves dimensional brunettes, lived-in balayage, and transformative color.

Whether you’re embracing your curls, ready for a fresh cut, or dreaming of added length and volume, Ari delivers a calm, friendly experience that leaves every guest feeling confident.

Note: Extension appointments book out in advance—please schedule early. (A consultation IS required for new extension guests.)

Ari’s favorite quote:

"Dreams are lovely, but they are dreams—fleeting, ephemeral, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It's hard work that makes things happen. It's hard work that creates change." — Shonda Rhimes

Ari’s Instagram: @createwitharianna

signature stylist- Bellami certified extension stylist

(online booking available)

SAY HI TO ALLY!

Ally’s love for beauty and hairstyling has been the driving force behind her exciting journey in the salon industry. As a certified Bellami Extension Specialist, she provides customized extension services while also specializing in sun-kissed highlights, lived-in balayage, and rich red and copper tones—some of her absolute favorites to create.

She is passionate about growing her craft and is known for her incredibly sweet personality and the genuine care she shows every client who sits in her chair. Ally takes the time to ensure each guest feels beautiful, valued, and completely at ease during their appointment.


Ally’s favorite quote:

"Dreams don’t have to just be dreams. You can make it a reality; if you just keep pushing and keep trying, then eventually you'll reach your goal.”— Naomi Osaka 

Ally’s Instagram: @hair.byallynicole

waxing specialisT

say hI to amanda!

Amanda is a licensed esthetician specializing in full-body waxing, with a focus on brow shaping, brow tinting, and Brazilian waxing. With over three years of experience, she has become highly sought after for her flawless technique and her ability to make every guest feel completely at ease.

Her warm personality, gentle approach, and attention to detail have earned her exceptional client loyalty—Amanda retains nearly every client she sees, a true testament to the trust and comfort she creates in her treatment room. Guests leave feeling smooth, confident, and cared for from start to finish.


Amanda’s favorite quote: 

“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” -Abraham Lincoln 

Amanda’s Instagram: waxing_byamanda

Rising APPRENTICE in training

Say hI to taylor!

Taylor is halfway through the Rising Lotus Ruby Apprentice Program and continues to impress with her detailed artistry, ambition, and passion for education. She is very passionate about all things beauty and can’t wait to get fully started behind the chair! She loves dogs, coffee, summer, traveling and sushi!

We are so happy to have her as part of our team and have no doubt she will grow into one of our lead stylists as she continues to progress through her training and build her clientele.

Online Booking Available:

-Color Retouches

-All Over Colors

-Glossing at Bowl

-Boy’s and Men’s Cuts

Favorite Quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

Taylor’s Instagram: hairby_taywarner

BOOK ONLINE here!

lead front desk

say hI to julia!

Julia just graduated from the University of Iowa and is back with us! She has a very warm personality, is extremely detail-oriented, and is always the friendly face you see at the front desk in the mornings. She has been with Rising Lotus for the past 2 ½ years, and we are super lucky to have her every time she comes home from college!

Julia’s favorite quote:

“Gratitude paints little smiley faces on everything it touches”- Richelle E. Goodrich 

front desk

say hI to julia!

Julia recently celebrated her one-year anniversary at Rising Lotus! She is bubbly, sweet, and always greets everyone with a warm smile. As a senior at Plainfield North High School, Julia balances school and salon life with ease and is truly a joy to be around. She loves connecting with our guests and is excited to continue welcoming you each time you visit Rising Lotus!


Julia’s Favorite Quote:

“Everything happens for a reason” -Unknown

ASSISTANT

say hI to gabby!

Gabby is positive, outgoing, and always has a smile on her face! She is an excellent assistant who takes pride in keeping the salon spotless and running smoothly. Gabby is known for her relaxing head massages at the shampoo bowl and for creating a welcoming atmosphere that our guests absolutely love.

Gabby’s Favorite Quote:

"It's not about having a pretty face. it's about having a pretty mind, a pretty heart, and pretty hair." -Miley Cyrus

assistant/front desk (seasonally)

Say hI to Brooke!

Brooke is currently attending the University of Arkansas and returns to Rising Lotus whenever she is home on break. She is a bright, kind presence in the salon, and we truly miss her when she’s away!

Whether she’s assisting behind the chair or welcoming guests at the front desk, Brooke is always ready to help and brings a positive, uplifting energy. We can’t wait to have her back whenever she can join us!

Brooke’s Favorite Quote: “Slow down you’re doing fine. You can’t be everything you want to be before your time”- Billy Joel