Meet Team SASS.

  • Image of Sophia

    Sophia Avera

    Owner / Stylist

    Sophia has 20+ years of experience behind the chair, and as a National Educator / Partner with L’Oreal’s Soho and LA academies. She is fueled by creativity and the challenge of exceeding each client’s expectations and is thrilled to be realizing her dream by opening SASS salon. Sophia is best known for hair that grows out well, whether it is hair color, haircuts, or hair extensions.

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  • Image of Justine

    Justine McMullen

    Stylist

    Justine is a Master Stylist with over 14 years of experience behind the chair, Justine brings a rare combination of precision, creativity, and passion to every service. She is a certified Extension Educator for Amplify Hair Extensions, and TGI Balayage’s Visor Foil Team. As a master of balayage and a visor foil artist, Justine is known for creating seamlessly blended, lived in sun-kissed color and transformative dimensional looks. Her clients love her dedication to craftsmanship and personalized approach that leaves them feeling confident and beautiful.

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  • Stylist

    Megan Huber

    Stylist

    Megan, is a proud Jacksonville Beach, FL native with a passion for hairstyling that’s been with me since I was 8 years old. She specializes in blonding, any lived-in color look, hair extensions and cutting.

    What Megan loves most about her job is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and help people feel empowered.

    When she’s not working, you’ll find her enjoying time with her dog, horseback riding, or hitting the gym. She can't wait to meet you.

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  • Stylist

    Stew Vann

    Stylist

    Hi, I’m Stew! I’m a third-generation hairstylist and a luxury hair color and extension specialist based in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, working at SASS Salon. Growing up in my family’s salon inspired a lifelong passion for hair, and since then, I’ve developed expertise in creating personalized transformations for my clients.

    From dimensional color to seamless extensions, I specialize in styles that elevate confidence. I’m also a nationwide educator, teaching hairstylists advanced techniques to grow their skills and careers.

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  • Madison G

    Madison Gavin

    Stylist

    Madison brings over 15 years of salon experience and a deep love for effortless, beautiful hair. A graduate of the ESANI Paul Mitchell School and the University of Georgia, Madison recently made Jacksonville Beach her home, fulfilling her dream of living closer to the coast.

    Her motto? Hair should be fun, not fussy. Madison is passionate about helping her clients embrace their natural beauty. She believes everyone has amazing hair—it’s just about finding the right cut, color, and routine. Known for her expertise in blonding, natural color enhancement, and classic, lived-in styles, Madison focuses on creating looks that grow out gracefully and suit her clients’ lifestyle.

    With a warm, laidback approach, Madison brings the easygoing vibe of the beach into every appointment—offering not just great hair, but great energy.

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    Ashley Salazar

    Stylist

    Ashley is a native Floridian and proud graduate of the University of North Florida, bringing 4 years of experience behind the chair though her skill far exceeds her years. As a certified hair extension artist, she specializes in crafting dimensional looks through a seamless blend of extensions, custom color, and precision cutting.

    Ashley’s passion for the beauty industry led her to a career with SASS, where her infectious enthusiasm uplifts both her clients and her team. Her goal is simple yet powerful: to help every guest feel confident and radiant—inside and out. With a thoughtful, client-centered approach, Ashley creates stunning transformations that highlight each guest’s unique beauty.

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  • Image of Emily

    Emily Havemann

    Stylist

    Emily is a proud member of the original associate team at Sophia Avera Salon & Spa. She hails from the suburbs of Chicago, bringing a touch of Midwest warmth and thoughtfulness to every guest interaction. With 4 years of experience, Emily is a certified visor foil and hair extension artist, known for her artistry and dedication to her craft.

    She’s passionate about vibrant color transformations and balayage techniques, always striving to bring each client’s hair goals to life. A rising star in the salon industry, Emily looks forward to the opportunity to earn your business and build lasting beauty partnerships.

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  • Marcello

    Marcello Emanuele

    Stylist

    Marcello is a Master Stylist and a true student of his craft. With five hair extension certifications and a passion for custom coloring, Marcello has built a robust clientele through his exceptional skill and ability to make every guest feel truly valued.

    His infectious enthusiasm and uplifting presence are a perfect match for the SASS brand, bringing energy, professionalism, and artistry to every service. Marcello specializes in extension work, foiling, and creating lived-in color looks that grow out beautifully.

    When he’s not behind the chair, you’ll find him walking his dog or soaking up the sun along our beautiful beaches.

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  • Amonda Vancura

    Stylist

    Amonda grew up all over the Western USA from Hawaii, Southern Cal, and Arizona. Her international flare comes in part from her time in Mexico City. She started young as stylist by doing her families hair as a teen to making her passion her profession.

    Amonda finds magic in anything from a subtle change to gentle maintenance or fully transforming her clients. Her love for color formulation aka Chemistry further helps her create hair magic.

    When not behind the chair she stays busy by herding her brood of 3. Preferably doing so on one of our beautiful local beaches.

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  • Image of Tessa

    Tessa Basler

    Esthetician

    Tessa started her skincare journey in college when her acne didn’t respond to medical dermatology. She’s now a Licensed Esthetician with 14+ years of experience, specializing in dermaplaning, chemical peels, and customized facials.

    Tessa’s relaxing, soothing touch helps her clients reach their full skin care potential. She stays current with the latest technologies in skin care at Esthetics Association Florida.

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  • Associate / Stylist

    Julia Garcia

    Associate / Stylist

    JuJu is a proud graduate of Paul Mitchell The School in Jacksonville, Florida, and a rising star at Sophia Avera Salon & Spa.

    Currently training alongside Sophia herself, JuJu is on the fast track to becoming a Master Stylist and full-fledged SASSER. Her infectious personality, unwavering work ethic, and eagerness to learn make her a perfect fit for SASS’s culture.

    We can't wait for you to meet JuJu and watch her unlock her full potential behind the chair.

    https://www.instagram.com/hairgurujuju/?igsh=dDVoMm15c21iMXVq

  • Lauren Winger

    Associate / Stylist

    Lauren is a certified extension artist and rising talent at Sophia Avera Salon & Spa, currently building her book of business while training under the guidance of master stylist Marcello.

    She brings a passion for bold transformations—specializing in vivid colors, rich brunettes, and, of course, luxurious extensions. Her journey began as a salon assistant in her early teens, and now, in her early 20s, she’s fully stepping into her artistry behind the chair.

    Lauren embodies the SASS spirit with her “can-do, no-fuss” attitude and is quickly becoming a guest favorite. We’re excited for you to follow her journey as she grows into her full potential.

    https://www.instagram.com/alchemizedbylauren/?igsh=ZWM1Ync0cGJxOTg4

  • Katie Riechers

    Stylist

    Katie is a California girl who recently left her career as a boat stewardess. Her bright personality and light-hearted conversation are some of her many great traits.

    Men’s cuts, blow dries, and smoothing treatments are just a few the great services she offers.

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  • Image of Kenny

    Kenny Avera

    Owner / President

    Kenny’s background in business development and gift for building relationships is instrumental to the success of SASS salon. His focus in those areas along with an entrepreneurial spirit guides SASS through the many challenges small businesses face in an ever-changing world.

    He looks forward to meeting you whenever your visit to SASS coincides with one of his cameo appearances as a product expert or Director of First Impressions.

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  • Marcie Manna

    Marcie Manna

    EHP / Amplify Consultant

    Marcie is a National Sales Director for Amplify Hair Extensions. She's one of our guides to all things in the world of hair extensions. When she is not on the road she is looking after her brood of 4.

    Marcie has been a stylist for 23 years. She has a very strong educational background with a focus on hair loss and renewal.

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