
MEET OUR GLOW-GETTERS
Kristen Wilhelm | Creator & Hair Guru
Kristen is the face and brilliance behind GLOW. A passionate mother of four and lover of all things related to wellness and beauty.
Kristen graduated from Clemson University with a BS in Business. Her desire to create led to Graham Webb, where she discovered a love for making others feel beautiful! In 2003 she obtained her cosmetology license and later that year became an American Board Certified Colorist. Her career has been full of rich experiences in various salons, sole proprietor of Salon Kris, the Director of Hair for Primp Style Lounge, and an educator for Eufora International.
She is also the proud co-founder of Sensory Sundays with her partner Garrett Wilhelm. Sensory Sundays is a non profit dedicated to helping special needs children and families whose children have trouble with haircuts.
Liz Kurila | Co-creator & Body Guru
Liz is a passionate advocate for the benefits of massage therapy and holistic health/wellness. Massage enables her to connect with people, address their pain or stress issues, and assist her clients to feel more free and balanced in their bodies. She is well-versed in natural ways to support well-being and holistic health.
A graduate of JMU with a degree in Health Science, she searched for a way to truly make a difference for people in their health. Over the past 15 years, she deepened her skills in massage therapy, learned to support her body with essential oils, became a certified health coach, and recently completed her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training. Leveraging this wealth of experience and knowledge, she feels more prepared than ever to be able to serve a community that wants to look and feel their best. Liz lives in Ashburn with her husband and two children.
Maddy Goubeaux-Nelson | Hair Guru
Maddy has been working in the beauty industry for 8 years now. Born and Raised in Northern Virginia, she attended Vocational School for hair at 16, and began immediately working in a salon setting. She has made it a priority to educate herself along the way in all facets of the business, and prides herself on her ability to communicate with her clients and deliver a style that is customized to them specifically. From Multi-Dimensional Hair Color catered to best accentuate a guests skin tone and eye color, to styles for men and women to emphasize their best features. She helps educate her clients on how to maintain their style, as well as protect their hair’s integrity so they may always be GLOWING!
Samantha Plummer | Hair GURU
Samantha began her beauty journey in 2004 when she attended Yvonne de Vilar Scientific Skin Care. Working in everything from day spas and medi-spas, to a plastic surgery office, she then made the leap to continue her journey and attended Graham Webb Academy for cosmetology. She has a passion for learning and continues to take advanced courses to keep up with the latest hair trends. Customizing color and cuts specific to the client’s look and lifestyle is always her goal, as well as educating clients on how to replicate the look at home. Samantha also specializes in men’s cuts and grooming, so come on in guys!
Kaitlin Avila | Hair Pro
Virgo Sun, Libra Moon
Kait received her cosmetology license in 2010. She worked as a hairstylist while completing her business degree and this has been her sole career path ever since. She mostly enjoys creating low-maintenance, dimensional looks for her guests through a variety of highlighting techniques. Kait prides herself on a thorough consultation and detailed education and instruction on how to maintain your color and desired look at home.
Emily Pino | Hair GURU
Emily attended cosmetology school in New Jersey from 2005-2007. After she graduated she moved to virginia with her family. Here she apprenticed to obtain her VA license. This jersey girl at heart loves doing multi dimensional color, hightlights, extensions and big blowouts! She specializes in truly listening to her clients and her loving attention to detail. Outside of the salon she spends time with her family, her husband and their dog charlie. She also enjoys singing every weekend at her church.
Kara Maunes | Hair GURU
Born and raised in Baltimore MD where she spent most of her professional career, Kara is a new resident of Northern VA. She attended cosmetology school at the Robert Paul Academy of Cosmetology and Arts and Sciences after a brief career in accounting. She returned to teach at the academy in 2015. She is certified in several extension techniques/brands and has a passion for blonding and large transformations. She also enjoys formal wedding styles and makeup. She currently resides in Loudoun County with her family and furbaby, Archibald Rufus Holt.
Alexa Zagorites| Curl and Texture Guru
Alexa was raised hating her curls, she went on to become dedicated to helping curly girls love their hair. A stylist since 2007 she dedicated herself to curls in 2008, for 10 years she has mastered the technique and art of curly hair and is here to support you. If you struggle with time, frizz, wearing your hair in its natural state and just not knowing where to turn her proven systems are your answer. With her wonderful outgoing personality, she also heads up all guest service at GLOWstudios.
Amy Mullins | Hair PRO
“Hair is a canvas, let’s create your unique look.”
A creative perfectionist at heart, Amy’s motto has always been, “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” Never one to back away from a challenge, Amy pursued her dream of becoming a stylist after a recent battle with cancer. With the guidance of talented stylists, from GLOWstudios and Pr Partners Academy, Amy is ready to help her clients find their “true beYOUty.”
Gretchen Lustenberger | Operations Director / Skin GURU
Gretchen relocated to Northern VA from her home state of New Hampshire in 2012. As a small business owner in the food and wine industry for over 10years, she discovered a love for helping people feel better from the inside out. As her life changed, her fundamental belief of the link between nutrition and beauty led her to the Dermal science Academy in 2017. It was there her talents directed her to become an adult educator, lash artist and licensed esthetician. She lives in Ashburn, Va and is the mother to two beautiful girls. Her contagious personality, welcoming presence and knowledge make her the perfect addition to GLOWstudios.
Sule Can | Assistant Guru
Originally from Turkey, Sule Cann has been in the United States since the age of
She has worked in various salons across northern VA and has been in the cosmetology industry for. She possesses the unique ability to care for our staff, keep our studio gleaming and make each and every guest head massage an unforgettable experience. She resides in Loudoun County where she raised her two children, her pride and joy.
Kayla Medina | Guest experience / Marketing GURU
If you call GLOW, it’s likely you know Kayla. The bubbly voice on the other end of the phone begins your guest experience with us. Having lived across the US, raised in a military family, Kayla’s ability to create a great first impression is one of the most important at the studio. She has a degree in art education and studio art from the University of Kentucky. She has taught kids ranging from age 4-18 and with multi ability levels. She brings her artistic talents to all the marketing and chalk art inside the studio and on social media. Her creative energy and talents are a perfect addition to GLOWstudios.
Lydia Humberson| Skin PRO
Lydia was born and raised in the NoVA and DC area, she is a proud Gemini and a self-proclaimed astrology nerd. She has always loved skincare and skin health (since suffering with severe cases of eczema since she was a baby) The pandemic allowed for reflection and launched Lydia into a career in skincare. For Lydia, becoming a licensed esthetician was both personally rewarding and allowed her to meet new people. She is able to empower them with knowledge and education to help them feel and look their best. She graduated from Lillique Training institute in Fairfax Va, and joined GLOW in late 2021. Her attention to detail and warm personality are amazing asset to KEEP OUR GUESTS GLOWING.