Meet the team
Amber Lesse Owner & Stylist
Amber has been in the hair business for 17+ years and has enjoyed every minute of it. Her clean beauty journey began just before the start of the pandemic. The shutdowns gave her time to sit and reflect on how to bring her holistic approach to an industry that is filled with harmful products. Fast forward to November 2021, her passion was suddenly amplified when she was diagnosed with stage 2b, grade 3, hormone positive breast cancer. Amber is now in remission and back to working behind the chair.
She specializes in Sun-kissed, natural looking blondes, but also enjoys the occasional brunette and of course red heads! When it comes to cutting, she works with scissors and razors but really enjoys straight razor cutting to give the clients hair the freedom movement! She has trained with with Bumble & bumble, Vidal Sassoon, among many others during her career. Need extensions? She is also a master certified stylist with Bellami hair extensions and can do tape-ins, i-tip, k-tip (her favorite for natural looking / customizable extensions), as well as hand-tied and machine wefts.
Blake S. Barber
Blake Stein is a barber, originally from Orlando, FL but has lived in Los Angeles since 2014. He has been a licensed barber for over 10 years, after attending Paul Mitchell the School Orlando and Paul Mitchell the school Costa Mesa for more education. He started his career as an assistant at 901 Salon in West Hollywood. Shortly after that, he took an opportunity with John Paul Mitchell Systems to help create their first barber line of hair products, known today as MVRCK by Mitch! After 4 years, and MVRCK was released, he chose to step away from the corporate hair world and start working behind the chair again. He loves working next to his beautifully talented fiancé Erica Liercke! He now has work/life balance and is able to devote more time to his hobby he enjoys so much, photography!
Cydney G. Stylist
Cydney is originally from the DMV, Cydney moved to Los Angeles in 2021 to pursue her modeling career. Lucky for her, she is also a talented licensed hairstylist who specializes in cutting. She’s our go-to for haircuts and non-toxic smoothing treatments here at amber. When she’s not in the salon taming your mane, she’s most likely walking down a runway in 4 inch heels or at a fun concert with her closest friends.
Jennifer T. Stylist
Jennifer has been in the hair industry for 5 years and specializes in natural-looking hair color transformations and extensions. Her goal is to always create a positive and peaceful experience for all of her clients.
Joshua F. Stylist
Joshua has been styling hair since he was a youngster, drawn to the creativity it offers. Becoming a professional hairstylist was a natural choice for him. With over 20 years in the industry, he's worked in fashion shows, research and development, education, and his favorite role: behind the chair.
He specializes in custom haircuts that suit each client's personality and lifestyle, from men's styles and curly cuts to bobs, pixies, and long layered tresses. Joshua also enjoys hair coloring, using various techniques to complement each cut. When you visit, he might even share some astrology insights.
Krishna A. Stylist
Starting at a young age, Krishna had a natural affinity to hair. She is a well rounded stylist but especially loves highlighting techniques. With 10 years of experience, she continues to love being a student. Her hope is that you leave the salon feeling more yourself
Kristina F. Stylist
Meet Kristina, a seasoned professional with over 13 years of experience in the beauty industry. Hailing from the glamour of Beverly Hills, Kristina recently brought her expertise to the vibrant community of Amber. With a lifelong dedication to holistic living and a love for clean products, Kristina infuses her salon experience with a commitment to natural beauty. As an educator for a prestigious hair extension company, Kristina not only excels in her craft but also shares her knowledge with fellow stylists. Her specialties lie in hair extensions and hair color, where she combines technical skill with a keen eye for personalized beauty. Trust Kristina to transform your hair into a work of art, leaving you feeling confident and radiant.
Riley V. Stylist
With a deep-rooted passion for hair spanning 9 years, Riley began her journey in Charlotte. She has dedicated herself not only to crafting beautiful hair but ensuring each client walks away feeling their absolute best, embodying that picture-perfect hair moment. Returning to her LA roots in Santa Monica three years later she delved into new techniques, particularly excelling in color. Whether it's blondes, brunettes, lived-in, or bold styles, she creates the ideal color that not only complements her guests but aligns seamlessly with their lifestyle.
Dani S. Studio Manager
Born and raised in the mountains of Humboldt County nestled beside the Trinity River, Dani gained a fond appreciation of nature and all of its benefits. She strives to inspire others to embrace simplicity and quality in their personal care regimens. Always on the lookout for effective and eco-friendly products, Dani believes that a mindful approach to skincare and haircare is a key element in fostering overall well-being.
Caroline L. Guest Services
Caroline is 22 years old, and currently enrolled in cosmetology school at SMC, with the goal of being licensed and graduating by 2025. Originally from the Bay Area, she moved to her current location about 2 years ago with her best friends.