Alejandro Rey Bonilla (Level 6 & Founder Esoterica) Click photo to stalk on FACEBOOK.
THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND:
Name: Alejandro Rey Bonilla
LEVEL 6 HAIR NINJA
Any nicknames you go by?
Ale or Hair Ninja
DONT BELIEVE THE HYPE from the woke mob. Due process is a great thing :)
What are your favorite things to do outside of the salon?
Cinema, photography, model hunt, travel, people watch, dining vegan, kick it with the family, workout, disney +
What's your favorite food that you thought you would NEVER try?
going Vegan!
What's on your playlist?
Post Malone
Any body piercings or tattoos?
Used to have my nipples,
bellybutton & eyebrow pierced, recently got my 1st two tattoos on my arms.
If you could have any superpower what would it be & why?
Teleportation because I hate traffic & planes. Maybe invisibilty to stalk people too :)
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Astronaut or a Ninja Turtle
Where did you grow up and what was it like?
Fort Worth & it was amazing. Little Ale had the best childhood & was groomed to be a successful leader & entrepreneur by his parents. Thanks, guys!
What are some of the crazy fads you and your friends went through?
Jnco's when we all Broke Dance, channel 45 local cable dance show, & Lowriders of course.
What things do you find yourself doing that you said you'd never do?
Flying on planes, taking days off work, not eating meet
Tell me a time in your life that was a time you'll never forget.
Mowing yards as a kid. I would spend hours alone thinking of ways to make more money & it was so therapeutic.
The Dallas night scene in my early 20's as a club promoter & the ideas it spawned for business.
What is something you're really proud of and why?
When my parents say they are proud of me. "When I grow up I'm going to be just like Alejandro" - Chris Bonilla (father)
What are some goals you're still trying to accomplish?
Inspire the world through my craft, education, cinema, & photography (capturing souls one at a time)
What are you scared of?
Drowning & having my
phone die.
Ever been in love?
Many a times, no regrets or regerts.
BEHIND THE CHAIR
How long have you been in the Hair industry & how did you get started?
28+ years & I had a neighbor kid ask me to fade him up. I did a good job & craved more. I haven't gone more than one week without doing hair since I was 13 years old.
What Sebastian product can you NOT live without?
Whipped crème is to die for! I use it on everyone & myself when I want to show off my mane.
Favorite client quote?
“You go tell Ale that he used to cut my hair in his garage!”- Patrick Ramos RIP
What is your favorite service to do on a client?
Full makeover. I like it when someone trusts me so much to make them look good & feel good.
Why do you love your career?
Making clients cry ....The feeling you changed someone's life with self-esteem & beauty so much that they cry tears of joy! So rewarding.
Any Fashion pet peeves?
Ladies, hide your damn bobby pins & at least use the right color for your hair.
What smell reminds you of hair school?
Rotten eggs & smoke. (Perms & lil old ladies who only shampooed their hair weekly)
Tell us about your first haircut.
My first woman's haircut was at the age of 15. The consultation went like this: “How many layers do you want? 2 or 3? LOL!
Training &
Certifications:
Ogle school of cosmetology Alumni, Video education for the state, Employer of the year, Advisory board
Toni & Guy classic, advanced, DFW educator for 3 years, advisory board DFW
Additional advisory boards: Duvall's, Paul Mitchell, ITS Academy, Avenue 5, Rusk shows, classes, & host for 5 years
Wella color, wet line, & world studio training with essentials in NYC
Sebastian color, wet line, & National Design team
Nioxin wet line & scalp expert
Delilah Damage free extension expert (Cold Fusion & Tape methods)
Creator of Next Level Stylist video training, producer, director, director of photography, & talent
Co-Creator of Next Level Photo editorial workshops
Esoterica Studios Cinema Producer, director, & director of photography, premiere editor
Esoterica Studios Model Agency casting director
Esoterica Studios Photographer, design, photoshop editor
Four Day Weekend Improv Level 5 graduate, Hollywood Improv workshop, Dallas Comedy House Improv free play
Hairskeen certified
Keratherapy certified
Onstage hair extension certified
MEDIA:
DREW PEARSON LIVE SHOW 2019 SEASON- main camera, lighting.
As seen on TV: Ogle Commercials, Texas Women season 1 & 2, Operation Rock the Troops TV episode 1, WFAA Ch8 Family 1st, CBS Ch11 Fashion forecast, InStyle magazine Sebastian spread, Blackbook magazine.
NYFW: Charlotte Ronson, Christian Siriano
Awards:
Sebastian Whats Next Awards Finalist (twice)
Ogle employer of the year
Ogle Alumni of the year
Voted by your mom best hairdresser ever.
JUST BECAUSE
Dr. Pepper or Coke?
No sugar for me.
PC or MAC?
MAC for all my design work, PC for business
Beards or Mustaches?
Full man face, exquisite mustache, and beard!
Right Twix or Left Twix?
I always eat the right one first as I am right handed
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Dark Chocolate dipped everything, please!
Nekesa Mohler: Level 5
Art Director
Any nicknames you go by?
Kesa/Nesi
What're your favorite things to do outside of the salon?
Swimming, Netflix in my hammock, Wino-ing with the sister-bestie
What's your favorite food that you thought you would NEVER try?
Seafood. Especially sushi.
What's currently on your playlist?
Ashnikko
Any body piercings or tattoos?
YES. A lot, for both. If you wanna know, come see me!
If you could have any superpower what would it be & why?
Definitely TELEPORTATION! I am a "full body twerker" lol, AKA I have seizures & can't drive so that would be so dope.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Taller
Where did you grow up and what was it like?
East Africa, Kenya. It is beautiful but has its limitations as it's a 3rd world country. So I grew up without things like hot water, electricity, freedom of speech, etc...
What are some of the crazy fads you and your friends went through?
Well, we all went through an emo phase, right?
What is a question you often get asked and what's your response?
Question: If you're from Africa why are you white?
Answer: I'm like white chocolate, none of the color but all of the flavor!
What things do you find yourself doing that you said you'd never do?
Editing. I hate it but it comes with the territory of film & photography.
Tell me a time in your life that was a time you'll never forget?
Living in NYC while getting my masters in color.
What is something you’re really proud of and why:
Being an educator to shape tomorrow's stylists.
What are some goals you're still trying to accomplish?
Traveling and buying Real Estate so I can invest in my future.
What are you scared of?
Loud/sudden sounds.
Ever been in love?
Yes. I believe love is not limited but LIMITLESS! <3
BEHIND THE CHAIR
How long have you been in the Hair industry & how did you get started?
Well over a decade. My roots began at TONI&GUY and I've always seeked advanced education to be a well rounded stylist & educator as well as be able to offer HAIR SOLUTIONS for ANYONE & EVERY PROBLEM.
What Sebastian product can you NOT live without?
Whipped Creme, Trilliant & Dark oil. I can't choose one. Ineed them all lol!
What is your favorite service to do on a client?
Probably color corrections & hair replacement. I love changing lives & confidence!
Why do you love your career?
I get the opportunity to make people feel as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. I believe beauty does change lives.
Any Fashion pet peeves?
Saggy bobs!!
What smell reminds you of hair school?
Perms :l
Tell us about your first haircut?
I was the first one in my class in hairschool to be brave enoughto just dive in and take a client the first day out on the floor. I lied and said I was about to graduate. She had no idea until she came back and saw I was still there haha. She stayed with me in my move to the salon and my journey over the years as a stylist. We still laugh about it!
JUST BECAUSE
Dr. Pepper or Coke?
Pinot Noir
PC or MAC?
Pencil & Paper
Beards or Mustaches?
Beards AND Mustaches
Right Twix or Left Twix?
Both, obviously.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
White Chocolate.
Click pic to Facebook stalk
Any nicknames you go by?
Lex or Red
What're your favorite things to do outside of the salon?
watch anime, play dungeons and dragons, and watch anything horror or true crime related!
What's your favorite food that you thought you would NEVER try?
Hot sauce.
What's playing on your IPOD?
Metallica or or Pantera typically
Any body piercings or tattoos?
3 tattoos and 2 piercings (for now)
If you could have any superpower what would it be & why?
Definitely shapeshifting! I can never make up my mind on anything!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Always something artistic, I've always loved anything that has to do with color
Where did you grow up and what was it like?
I was born and raised in Arlington, TX but I went to school in Kennedale where everyone knew everyone and everything
What are some of the crazy fads you and your friends went through?
Scene hair, checkerboard wristbands, and converse
What things do you find yourself doing that you said you'd never do?
Living the domestic life with a wonderful man
Tell me a time in your life that was a time you'll never forget?
My time at Shelton's. They helped me shape my passion and find my way to Esoterica.
What is something you’re really proud of and why:
I'm proud of living to the fullest I can! Trying new things and experiences whenever I can
What are some goals you're still trying to accomplish?
Anything work related really. I wanna work on New York fashion week and work on the Wella design team. I also want to be a Master Colorist.
What are you scared of?
Any bug that's sticky and flies!
Ever been in love?
Yes, I currently am with my best friend.
BEHIND THE CHAIR
How long have you been in the Hair industry & how did you get started?
I have been doing hair officially for 3 years and I started school 5 years ago with an apprenticeship in between! I got started at Ogle School for Hair Skin and Nails and my first salon was Shelton's Salon and Day Spa.
What Sebastian product can you NOT live without?
Dark Oil for sure!
What is your favorite service to do on a client?
Probably color and cut! I love creating the whole look.
Why do you love your career?
I love to be able to create beautiful things and enhancing the beauty of my clients. That smile at the end of a service is my favorite part.
Any Fashion pet peeves?
Saggy pants!!
What smell reminds you of hair school?
Perms
Tell us about your first haircut?
I had a bob with bangs and I liked it so much I cut it myself when I got home!
JUST BECAUSE
Dr. Pepper or Coke?
Coke
PC or MAC?
PC
Beards or Mustaches?
Beards
Right Twix or Left Twix?
Left because I'm a lefty!
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Swirl
Kyndal Samaniego
Level 2 Stylist
click image to facebook stalk
Ft. Worth & Dallas location
Any fashion pet peeves ?
Sandals with jeans.
What smell reminds you of Hair School?
Blech
Who is your industry mentor?
Megan Arrington, Ale The Hair Ninja, Terry K and Nekessa
Favorite quote from a client?
"This is like chemistry?!”
Best perk about your Career?
Making people look and feel beautiful.
Can't live without which Sebastian product & why?
Dark Oil (the smell and wearability) and ERUPTEK the texture you get is awesome!
Favorite service to do to a client?
Hair Cuts or Hand paint! I do love my blondes ?
BEHIND THE STYLIST
What's your favorite things to do when not styling hair?
Art: painting, drawing, ect. OR getting some grub! I love to cook and to eat!
What's your favorite food you thought you would never
try?
Oysters
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A Mother!
What super power do you wish you had?
To be able to fly
Where did you grow up and what was it like?
I grew up in Arlington Texas! It was a lot of traffic and travelling to Dallas when I got my license!
What are some of the crazy fads you and your friends went through?
Wearing LIVESTRONG bracelets and Silly Bands! Then we all found
out that Armstrong was doping they went out really quick!
Is there anything in particular that you wish you could do over?
I wish I would have seen my grandparents more!
What things do you find yourself doing that you said you'd never do?
Having a “midnight snack”
Tell me a time in your life that was a time you'll never forget?
I will NEVER forget my first Dance competition at UTA
Dr. Pepper or Coke?
DR.PEPPER
Mac or PC?
Mac
Sunblock or Tan?
Sunblock for sure, I wear so much my vitamin D levels are below the mins! Thank god for Vitamins haha
Facial hair or clean shaven?
FACIAL HAIR!!!!!
Heels or flats?
HEELS! If I am not close to 6” Tall I don’t feel glamours! ?
Six Flags or Hurricane Harbor?
Do you mean Wet n Wild? I would most deff want to stay wet then sweat any day in the summer!
Savanah Smith
Level 2 stylist
Ft. Worth & Dallas location
Click image to facebook stalk
WHAT made you want to go to hair school?
I have always loved everything about the beauty industry since i was a young child, i used to watch my mom get ready, doing her makeup and pretend i was doing mine with her, so when i was going to college and wasn’t really passionate about any of my classes i decided to pursue a career i’ve always been interested and passionate about.
WHAT is the most enjoyable part of your career?
I love getting to meet and interact with new people everyday and being able to make them leave our chair feeling more confident in themselves or with their hair is really rewarding for me.
WHEN i’m not behind the chair what are you doing?
Whenever i’m not behind the chair you can find me out with my friends or most of the time just at home cuddled up watching movies
Ciara Perdomo
Level 1 Stylist
click image to facebook stalk
Ft. Worth location
Any fashion pet peeves ?
Cargo shorts
Who is your industry mentor?
Ale the Hair Ninja
Favorite quote from a client?
"You can't do my type of hair" Then I killed it.
Best perk about your Career?
Always something different, keeps it fun.
Can't live without which Sebastian product & why?
Dair Oil because of the smell and so light weight
Favorite service to do to a client?
Color of all types!
BEHIND THE STYLIST
What's your favorite things to do when not styling hair?
Drawing and beign outside
What's your favorite food you thought you would never
try?
Octopus - fried
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A tattoo artist
What super power do you wish you had?
Teleportation so I will never be late
Where did you grow up and what was it like?
California in the valley (hood). Hispanic poor neighborhood it had its ups and downs. The streets are rough but my home had much love.
What are some of the crazy fads you and your friends went through?
Scene kid forever!
Is there anything in particular that you wish you could do over?
Staying out of trouble :)
What things do you find yourself doing that you said you'd never do?
Being like my mom. (great women)
Tell me a time in your life that was a time you'll never forget?
Hair school was an adventure.
Dr. Pepper or Coke?
DR.PEPPER
Mac or PC?
Mac
Sunblock or Tan?
Sunblock because you get dark quick like my daddy.
Facial hair or clean shaven?
Clean facial hair lined up from the barber
Heels or flats?
sneakers
Six Flags or Hurricane Harbor?
Six flags all day!
ciara.mp4 from Esoterica Studios on Vimeo.
Bobbie Brown: Level 1
Stylist
Any nicknames you go by?
Spookie Barbie
What're your favorite things to do outside of the salon?
I'm a gamer nerd, watching horror movies, reading, and doing Muay Thai!
What's Muay Thai; How long have you been doing it?
It's a lot like kickboxing! We use elbows and knees though! i've been a fighter for 7 years and a coach for 4 years!
What's your favorite food that you thought you would NEVER try?
I've never liked fish growing up. I'm all about it now! I eat raw sushi and crawfish!
Any body piercings or tattoos?
I have a few piercings since I fight I sadly have to avoid them. Tattoos is therapy for me! I have a ton! My favorite so far is my horror sleeve. I plain on getting a lot more.
If you could have any superpower what would it be & why?
To transform! I love changing my look and color. I'm a walking unicorn!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a cop. I went to college for criminal justice and loved it!
Where did you grow up and what was it like?
Born in raised in Texas! I grew up living the southern Yee-haw life!
What are some of the crazy fads you and your friends went through?
I was a "Scene Queen" in high school. haha now its mix of what I call "Yallternative".
What is a question you often get asked and what's your response?
Question: Were you named after the "Bobby Brown".
Answer: NO... and that's my prerogative!
What things do you find yourself doing that you said you'd never do?
Social media and creating content. Now I have a tiktok platform "malibu_bobbie". I also help run several social media platforms for business companys. I love it so much!
Tell me a time in your life that was a time you'll never forget?
Being a single mom, working and going to school full time at Paul Mitchell. I was so exhausted. In the end it was so worth it!
What is something you’re really proud of and why:
Stepping out of my comfort zone and furthering my education. You gotta be uncomfortable sometimes in order to grow!
What are some goals you're still trying to accomplish?
Now that I have my cosmetology license. I want to go back to school and earn more certifications!
What are you scared of?
I'ts weird... I hate the sound of balloons popping. Sharks and clowns freak me out. Wasp....If you see me run...You should too. haha
Ever been in love?
Yes funny it's funny how love works. I met my now husband back in July, 2022. Then got married august 11th, 2023! I was content with myself and he came out no where. Now we are inseparable!
BEHIND THE CHAIR
How long have you been in the Hair industry & how did you get started?
I've been playing with hair since highschool. I started with wedding/prom makeup and hair. 2021 I finally decided to go to school at Paul Mitchell Cosmetology school.
What hair products can you NOT live without?
Amika The Closer, Trilliant & Dark oil is my jam!
What is your favorite service to do on a client?
Vivids, Balayage and makeup is my favorite! I love seeing how excited my clients are and all their selfies!
Why do you love your career?
I love meeting new people and building up their confidence. My love language is to give. Giving my clients the best service EVER fills my heart!
Any Fashion pet peeves?
Wearing cowboy boots and athletic shorts... please make it stop! haha
What smell reminds you of hair school?
Perms and tears (kidding)!
What is your favorite school memory?
I did a fashion show for Halloween! I went as Tiffany from Chuckys bride. I customized my own wig and had a chucky doll as my accessory. it was so fun! I had people and kids take pictures with me after.
JUST BECAUSE
Dr. Pepper or Coke?
Dr. Pepper!
PC or MAC?
PC all the way!
Beards or Mustaches?
BOTH!
Right Twix or Left Twix?
Not a fan of twix... Give me a recess instead!
Chocolate or Vanilla?
I equally enjoy both!
Danielle Thomas Salon Coordinator Fort Worth. Click image for Facebook link
Danielle Thomas - Salon Coordinator
LEVEL OG
Any nicknames you go by?
D or Dani
What are your favorite things to do outside of the salon?
Relax with my family, read cheesy romance novels and watch movies.
What's your favorite food that you though you would NEVER
try?
Alligator tail.
What's on your playlist?
60's, 70's and 80's music.. just love it.
Any body piercings or tattoos?
Yes, my ears are pierced and i have tattoos.
If you could have any super power what would it be & why?
I would like to move things with my mind because sometimes I just don't want to get up.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A Vet.
Where did you grow up and what was it like?
I grew up right outside of Chicago and it was fantastic! Snowmen for days and warm summers by the lake.
What are some of the crazy fads you and your friends went through?
In my younger days we would see how high we could spray our bangs up and later we would wear pagers that were not even working.
What things do you find yourself doing that you said you'd never do?
I used to say I'd never get married and have children. The thought of it always scared me. Got married 11/9/13 and had my beautiful son
Landon on 8/8/14 and have been so very happy and can't ever imagine a world without my guys!
Tell me a time in your life that was a time you'll never forget.
Falling through the ice into the river while ice fishing.
What is something you're really proud of and why?
I'm proud of myself for taking a leap of faith and moving to Texas. Best idea ever!
What are some goals you're still trying to accomplish?
The one major goal right now is finding and buying my forever home. UPDATE: DID IT!! BOOM
What are you scared of?
The idea of Zombies, spiders and tornadoes.
Ever been in love?
Oh yeah!
JUST BECAUSE
Dr. Pepper or Coke?
Dr. Pepper
PC or MAC?
PC
Beards or Mustaches?
I don't care for either.
Right Twix or Left Twix?
Can't decide so I will eat both.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Vanilla
Print 