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| Erica and the Top Knot pups! |
When I first met Erica she was a bubbly bride-to-be. As I sit down to chat with her today she is an official Sealed With A Kiss bride and trusted Charlottesville wedding professional! Erica currently owns Top Knot Studio on Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall, and let me tell you, she is a stylist extraordinaire! She certainly found her niche even though it wasn’t always her lifelong dream to own a hair studio.
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| Erica in her Casablanca wedding gown |
At sixteen she was known by her family and friends as your go-to girl when you wanted extra-special hair styling. Years down the road her once hobby developed into a passion when she attended hair styling school in MD where she grew up. Even after finishing her training she didn’t find herself in the hair industry just yet. She spent a couple of years working in marketing and one fateful day during her lunch break answered an ad for a salon on Capitol Hill. She interviewed and was hired on the spot as Salon Manager.
The Salon she worked for, part of the Bubbles chain, expanded to Barracks Road in Charlottesville as Salon Cielo. She relocated to Charlottesville where she managed the salon for 4 years. It was during this time that she realized she loved Charlottesville and wanted to make it her home. She continued to work at other salons and then decided she truly wanted to own her own studio and opened Top Knot in 2011.
Erica works with brides-to-be often and has great words of advice for marriage as well as wedding day hair. She advises brides to “know what’s important” on their big day and I can’t agree more. We went on to discuss that it’s not the little things that matter - it’s about living in the moment on that day and looking forward to all the moments in the future with your new husband.
In regards to wedding day hair she says that if your budget allows, book your stylist for the entirety of the day. She says many brides often can’t choose between one or two styles. Having your stylist for the day allows her to change and touch up your look and also relieves a lot of stress. We also chatted about the idea of “statement hair” - is this already a thing? If not, it should be! Can you imagine having the best of both worlds - elegant ceremony hair and then rockin’ reception hair? I think we’re onto something.
Erica went on to tell a story about a recent bride. This particular bride invited Erica to stay and enjoy the wedding even after her job was complete. She gushed that the bride was incredibly sweet, fun, and made a great impression on her wedding vendors as she really made everyone feel like family. As wedding professionals, it’s our job to provide our customers with the best product or service possible, but it never feels like a job when your customer treats you as part of their family. Our customers are truly part of ours too. They impact our lives and provide us with stories and photos we’ll never forget.
Lastly, I asked Erica what makes her business unique. A slight pause later she answers “Me!” and I shouted “YES!”. She went on to clarify that having her is like having a new friend who cares enough to do anything so you look & feel the MOST beautiful on your special day. Erica has such a glowing personality and friendly, professional demeanor. And not to mention, when you visit her salon you also get to visit with her two chihuahua’s Tbeau and Mamacita! Erica’s story and qualities definitely put her and Top Knot at the top of our most preferred vendors!
Thanks again, Erica!
Jessica
