THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND:

Name: Alejandro Rey Bonilla

LEVEL 5 MASTER STYLIST

Any nicknames you go by?

Ale or Hair Ninja

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, belly button & 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 Master Stylist

7+ years with Esoterica

MCE (Master color expert with Wella)

NYC global studio trained

Next Level Stylist educator & platform artists

Boot camp approved with the Hair Ninja

Toni & Guy Academy Alumni

Hairskeen certified

Keratherapy certified

Onstage hair extension educator

instagram: @your.hairapist

click pic to Facebook Stalk

Maddie Griffin – Level One Stylist

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or click image to stalk on Facebook

Eso Boot camp certified

Wella specialist classes

Hairskeen certified

Keratherapy certified

Onstage hair extension certified

BEHIND THE CHAIR

Any fashion pet peeves ?

When people don't straighten their roots!

What smell reminds you of Hair School?

EPA

Who is your industry mentor?

The Hair Ninja 

Favorite quote from a client?

"Wait this is more complicated than I thought"

Best perk about your Career?

Making people look and feel beautiful. The industry is always changing so it never gets old.

Can't live without which Sebastian product & why?

Dark Oil, do I even need to explain?

Favorite service to do to a client?

Balyages or vivid colors.

BEHIND THE STYLIST

Any nicknames you go by?
Bear

What's your favorite things to do when not styling hair?

Art: painting, drawing, ect.

What's your favorite food you thought you would never try?
Fish

What did you want to be when you grew up?
An Artist

What super power do you wish you had?
To be able to fly

Where did you grow up and what was it like?
Grand Prairie Tx, and Burleson Tx. One was busy and the other was more laid back both very culturally different.

What are some of the crazy fads you and your friends went through?

Plaid shorts and matching colored shirts.

Is there anything in particular that you wish you could do over?

No, all the decisions I have made throughout my life led me here!
 

What things do you find yourself doing that you said you'd never do?

Wearing makeup!!

Tell me a time in your life that was a time you'll never forget?

Getting a pixie at 8 years old.
 

Dr. Pepper or Coke?

That's not how you spell Lemonade

Mac or PC?

Mac

Sunblock or Tan?

Sunblock for sure, freckles are not the suns friend!

Facial hair or clean shaven?

Depends on the person

Heels or flats?

Vans sound good to me

Six Flags or Hurricane Harbor?

Do you mean Wet n Wild? But both.

CHRISTY - Level Three stylist

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5 years experience

Fort Worth location

Eso Boot camp certified

Wella specialist classes

Hairskeen certified

Keratherapy certified

Onstage hair extension certified

 Any nicknames you go by?

Chrissy Leigh

What're your favorite things to do outside of the salon?

I love to travel! Short road trips or adventurous plane rides. Can't get enough.

What's your favorite food that you thought you would NEVER try? Sushi

 What's playing on your IPOD?

 Weezer, Misfits, A Day To Remeber

Any body piercings or tattoos?

Ears and nose piercings and 6 tattoos.

If you could have any superpower what would it be & why?

Teleportation would make traveling SO much easier.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A ballerina  

Where did you grow up and what was it like?

San Angelo, TX. Basically the desert. 

 What are some of the crazy fads you and your friends went through?

Shorts with words on the butt (like from limited too). And of course scrunchies.

What things do you find yourself doing that you said you'd never do?

Shaving the side of my head.

Tell me a time in your life that was a time you'll never forget?

 Christmas Day when I got my very first bike. 

What is something you’re really proud of and why: Accomplishing my dreams of being a hairstylist in the DFW area.

What are some goals you're still trying to accomplish?

 My craft, I'm still striving to perfect my brows and makeup.

What are you scared of?

Clowns
 

Ever been in love? Currently. My boyfriend Chris is pretty amazing.

BEHIND THE CHAIR

How long have you been in the Hair industry & how did you get started? 

Just about two years. I realized the only thing that could hold my interest was watching hair and makeup youtube videos and that's when I realized it was time to make it my profession. 

What Sebastian product can you NOT live without?

Dark Oil- LOVE

Favorite client quote?

 "You're like a magician, but with hair."

 What is your favorite service to do on a client? 

Any kind of color!

Why do you love your career?

 I get to be personal on a level that not many careers are able to do and make people see themselves like never before.

 Any Fashion pet peeves?

Socks with Sandals.

What smell reminds you of hair school?

Pravana Vivids.

Tell us about your first haircut?

 It was a one-length trim. Just about an inch off. I was so nervous that it took me about an hour and a half with the blow-dry included.

Training & Certifications:

 Most referrals- TSPA Dallas

Most product sold- TSPA Dallas

Most repeat requests- TSPA Dallas

Most colors- TSPA Dallas

Most haircuts-TSPA Dallas

Training on cuts with Chris Baran

Training on color with Tracey Cunningham

JUST BECAUSE

 Dr. Pepper or Coke?

Dr. Pepper

PC or MAC?

PC

Beards or Mustaches?

Beards

 Right Twix or Left Twix?

Left

Chocolate or Vanilla?

Chocolate, duh.

Shawntana Atkins – Level Two Stylist

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or click image to stalk on Facebook

Eso Boot camp certified

Wella specialist classes

Hairskeen certified

Keratherapy certified

Onstage hair extension certified

BEHIND THE CHAIR

Any fashion pet peeves ?

Bras showing 

What smell reminds you of Hair School?

Perms

Who is your industry mentor?

Ale, of course. 

Favorite quote from a client?

"You made my whole summer"

Best perk about your Career?

I enjoy making people look and feel beautiful. It doesn't get repetitive or boring. 

Can't live without which Sebastian product & why?

Shine Define! has a flexible hold and adds shine.

Favorite service to do to a client?

Balyages. 

BEHIND THE STYLIST

Any nicknames you go by?
Shawna

Ever been in love?

Married to the love of my life.

What's your favorite things to do when not styling hair?

Spending time with my fur babies and family.

What's your favorite food you thought you would never try?
Pineapple
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Dog Snuggler

What super power do you wish you had?
Teleportation so I could travel the world.

Where did you grow up and what was it like?
Ranger Texas born and raised. Small.

What are some of the crazy fads you and your friends went through?

Scrunched crispy hair.

Is there anything in particular that you wish you could do over?

I have regrets for sure but I wouldn't be where I am now without those experiences.
 

What things do you find yourself doing that you said you'd never do?

Getting married

Tell me a time in your life that was a time you'll never forget?

Surfing in Rincon.
 

Dr. Pepper or Coke?

Dr. Pepper

Mac or PC?

Mac

Sunblock or Tan?

SPF 100! War on wrinkles!

Facial hair or clean shaven?

Beards forever!

Heels or flats?

Yes

Six Flags or Hurricane Harbor?

No!

Jacky Reyna original "Bad Ass"

Level 4 Master Stylist

Nioxin Expert

Boot Camp approved by the Hair Ninja

Has a Dog named Ollie (and a tattoo of him)

Eso Boot camp certified

Wella specialist classes

Hairskeen certified

Keratherapy certified

Onstage hair extension certified

Click pic to Facebook Stalk

Danielle - Salon Coordinator

LEVEL ELEVETYMILLION! :)

Any nicknames you go by? 
D

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 and belly button are pierced along with 4 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.

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

Tara Randolph- Level THREE stylist AVAILABLE SATURDAYS ONLY!

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Eso Boot camp certified

Wella specialist classes

Hairskeen certified

Keratherapy certified

Onstage hair extension certified

BEHIND THE CHAIR

Any fashion pet peeves?

Color bands from box dye!

What smell reminds you of Hair School?

Any type of coffee

Who is your industry mentor?

Abraham Valdez from TiGi and Ale Bonilla

Favorite quote from a client?

"i cant believe how natural it looks"
 

Best perk about your Career?

Being able to meet people from various industries i wouldnt ever have the chance to

Can't live without which Sebastian product & why?

 Whipped Cream! its a god send! works with so many hair types!

Favorite service to do to a client?

I couldnt choose just one, every client is different and every hair needs a different service, and i love all of them, especially when my clients notice the difference

BEHIND THE STYLIST

Any nicknames you go by?

TT

What are you scared of?

BEARS!!!

Any piercings or tattoos?

Couldnt count tattoos and i have my ears pieced twice

Ever been in love?

Absolutely. My favorite love is from my husband

What're your favorite things to do when not styling hair?

Kayaking, Hiking, walking my dogs, COOKING for my family!

What's your favorite food you thought you would never try?

Couldnt answer this one yet, im pretty adventurous.... but i love CHEESE

What's on your playlist?

depends on my mood and day, i love a good variety

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A pirate.

What super power do you wish you had?

Eat all the carbs and not gain weight

Where did you grow up and what was it like?

I grew up just outside Seattle, Wa on a boat and just outside Niagara Falls, Canada. I had the best childhood anyone could imagine!

Is there anything in particular that you wish you could do over?

Yes and No. Any change in my path wouldnt bring me to where i am today

What things do you find yourself doing that you said you'd never do?

Nothing. I was raised an adventurer and nothing that makes you grow as an individual is off the table

What is something you're really proud of and why?

I moved to Texas by myself and made a name for myself. I have the best family in the world and it wouldnt have been possible without them but to know i made it on my own is quite an achievement. Were all strong, just takes that one adventure to prove it to yourself

What are some goals you're still trying to accomplish?

3 Dogs trained at the same time would be nice LOL

Mercy Green- Level THREE stylist BY REQUEST ONLY AT OUR DALLAS LOCATION

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MCE candidate!

(Wella Master Color Expert)

Eso Boot camp certified

Wella specialist classes

Hairskeen certified

Keratherapy certified

Onstage hair extension certified

BEHIND THE CHAIR

Any fashion pet peeves?

Glossy Eyeshadow

What smell reminds you of Hair School?

Perms

Who is your industry mentor?

Jamie Sea and Kasey O’Hara

Favorite quote from a client?

“Make me look like a scene kid.
 

Best perk about your Career?

I can rock whatever hair color I’m feeling! I’ve literally had every color in my hair and my clients love it!

Can't live without which Sebastian product & why?

 Dark Oil for the smell, benefits, and shine!

Favorite service to do to a client?

VIVIDS. Let me turn you into a mermaid.

BEHIND THE STYLIST

Any nicknames you go by?

Mercy or Lambo

What are you scared of?

Frogs.

Any piercings or tattoos?

I have a couple tattoos, which just so happened to be plant related. This was not planned.

Ever been in love?

Yes <3  

What're your favorite things to do when not styling hair?

Play guitar and sing for my cats.

What's your favorite food you thought you would never try?

Sushi

What's on your playlist?

Halsey, Taking Back Sunday, Selena, and Panic! At the Disco. I am still an emo kid at heart.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A singing astronaut.

What super power do you wish you had?

Super speed!

Where did you grow up and what was it like?

Dallas, Texas. I lived in a pretty rough neighborhood but it taught me diversity.  

What are some of the crazy fads you and your friends went through?

We used to color our hair by boiling Kool-Aid and dipping our hair into it. It worked, but the Kool-Aid never came out. DON’T DO IT.

Is there anything in particular that you wish you could do over?

Hair school. I would pay more attention in Core J

What things do you find yourself doing that you said you'd never do?

Living in Fort Worth! I was very #TeamDallas for a while.

Tell me a time in your life that was a time you'll never forget.

College. It’s where I met my best friends and discovered myself, and my passion for hair and makeup.

What is something you're really proud of and why?

My education. I earned my Bachelor’s in Music Media from UT Arlington and then pursued cosmetology right after. Most people would do it the other way around, but it worked out perfectly for me. I wouldn’t do it any differently!

What are some goals you're still trying to accomplish?

I want to become a Wella Educator and pursue my Master Color Expert certification.

JUST BECAUSE

Dr. Pepper or Coke?

Dr. Pepper

Mac or PC?

Mac.

Sunblock or Tan?

Sunblock

Facial hair or clean shaven?

Facial hair!

Heels or flats?

BOOTS

Left Twix or Right Twix?

Left

Six Flags or Hurricane Harbor?

Disneyworld