Our Team

Shelly - Owner/Educator/Master Stylist

Shelly Malizola is the founder and owner of Allure Salon + Boutique, established in 1996. With the support of a dedicated team and loyal clients, she has grown Allure into an award-winning salon and boutique. Passionate about the beauty industry, Shelly emphasizes professionalism, advanced skills, continued education, and a supportive environment.

She is a member of the Chicago Cosmetology Association and the Professional Beauty Association and is a business coach for salons and small businesses. A graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business program, Shelly serves on advisory boards for local cosmetology schools and volunteers for Libertyville MainStreet events.

Allure has been recognized as a Top 200 Salon by Salon Today for nine years and has received multiple awards for its culture, customer service, and growth. Shelly's consulting firm, The Beauty Cloud, offers leadership training and business development for salon owners.

Outside of work, Shelly enjoys spending time with family and friends, fitness, gardening, decorating, reading, and traveling.

Sophia - Master Stylist/Cutting Educator/Leadership Team

Sophia Ramos is a seasoned hairstylist at Allure Designs in Libertyville, Illinois, with nearly ten years of experience in the industry. Her passion lies in transforming internal beauty into external radiance. Sophia began her hairstyling career at Tricoci University and has since has specialized in shoulder length and above cuts — bobs, pixies, men’s and women’s short hair cuts, creative coloring, and razor cutting.

Outside the salon, Sophia enjoys a variety of hobbies, including health and fitness, cooking, gardening, traveling, and home DIY projects. She believes in maintaining a balanced lifestyle, often unwinding after a busy day with exercise, walking her dog, or enjoying a glass of wine.

Sophia's love for beauty and fashion began in her childhood, playing with dolls and experimenting with her own hair and outfits. A notable experience at the Sassoon Academy in London continues to inspire her work. To stay updated with the latest trends, Sophia regularly attends classes, engages with social media, and gains insights from her Gen Z clients.

Julie - Master Esthetician

Julie is an experienced aesthetician at Allure Designs, where she has worked for 7.5 years. With 8 years in the beauty industry, Julie trained at Estelle Skin Care and Spa Institute, specializing in personalized facials and skincare routines using high-end products.

Julie excels in connecting with clients and understanding their skincare goals. She ensures thorough consultations, spending 5 to 10 minutes to align on their needs and expectations. Her ideal clients are women in their 40s who are dedicated to achieving real skincare results.

Outside of work, Julie enjoys camping, walking her dog, and relaxing with a good series. She loves listening to R&B while working, creating a soothing atmosphere for her clients. Book an appointment with Julie for a personalized skincare experience that will leave you feeling confident and refreshed.

Margaret - Master Level Stylist/Curly Haircut Educator

Margaret Patton is a seasoned hairstylist with over a decade of experience. Trained at the Ohio State School of Cosmetology, Margaret is known for her expertise in curly hair and her skill with the latest trends, including lived-in balayage. What Margaret loves most about her profession is the variety each day brings, allowing her to express her creativity while meeting her clients' unique needs. She stays current with industry trends through social media and continuous education, ensuring she brings the best techniques to her clients.

Margaret emphasizes thorough consultations to understand her clients' routines, preferences, and expectations, helping them achieve styles that fit their lifestyle and enhance their natural beauty. She also educates her clients on the benefits of salon-grade products, dispelling common myths about store-bought alternatives.

Outside of the salon, Margaret enjoys relaxing with her favorite music genres, including chill EDM and 90s hits. She also values fitness and family time to unwind after a busy day. Margaret is dedicated to ensuring every client leaves the salon feeling confident and beautiful.

Carmela - Advanced Level Stylist

Carmela is one of our newer talented hairstylists at Allure with a year of experience in the beauty industry. She trained at Paul Mitchell and specializes in extensions, highlights, double process, and fashion colors.

Carmela is dedicated to providing thorough consultations and clear communication to ensure her clients leave happy. She stays updated with the latest trends, with butterfly cuts and curtain bangs being her favorites.

Outside of work, Carmela enjoys bowling, drawing, playing games, watching movies, and spending time with her puppies. She loves listening to country music while she works, creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Book an appointment with Carmela at Allure for a personalized and enjoyable hairstyling experience!

Nicole - Advanced Level Stylist

Nicole Firestone is a skilled hairstylist with a decade of experience. She’s known for her unique style and expertise. Nicole discovered her passion for hair and makeup at the Miami Valley Career Tech Center in Ohio, inspired by her love for fashion and shows like America’s Next Top Model and Project Runway. Nicole specializes in cutting, styling, formal styling, and balayage. She also enjoys educating clients on makeup and skincare. Her go-to tools are sharp shears and clean brushes, and she loves using Oribe’s Alchemy line products.

At Allure Designs, Nicole thrives in the fun atmosphere, creating fabulous styles and connecting with clients. In her free time, Nicole enjoys fashion, dancing, painting, and music. After a busy day, she relaxes with a glass of wine and home-cooked food. She also recommends using a satin pillowcase for better hair and skin.

A career highlight for Nicole was attending Vidal Sassoon’s creative hair cutting course in London. She enjoys working with trends like balayage, layers, bangs, and styles with a lot of texture. Nicole’s ideal client is someone with an adventurous style who values the craft of hairstyling. She ensures every client feels pampered and confident when they leave the salon.

Shandy - Intermediate Level Stylist

Shandy is a dedicated hairstylist at Allure Salon + Boutique with 10 months of experience in the beauty industry. Trained at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture, Shandy is passionate about helping clients achieve their beauty goals by creating styles that fit their personalities and lifestyles.

At Allure, Shandy specializes in fashion colors, balayages, and short hairstyles. She believes in open communication during consultations to ensure each client achieves their perfect look.

Outside of work, Shandy enjoys spending time with family and friends, being in nature, and focusing on health and wellness. She relaxes with music and mixed martial arts after a busy day at the salon.

Book an appointment with Shandy at Allure Salon + Boutique for a personalized and satisfying hair experience.

Reagan- New Talent Level Stylist

Reagan Wilson is a dedicated hairstylist at Allure Salon with a passion for hair and beauty that dates back to her childhood. Known for her commitment to continuous learning and trying new techniques, Reagan enjoys meeting new clients and helping them leave with more confidence. She excels at creating the perfect beach curls with a 1-inch barrel and stays updated with the latest trends through social media.

Outside the salon, Reagan enjoys reading, golfing, and trying new activities. She relaxes by spending time with her dogs, reading books, or watching movies. Her go-to work music is country, which keeps the atmosphere relaxed and upbeat.

Reagan values detailed consultations to understand her clients' lifestyles and preferences, ensuring they leave satisfied with their new style. She emphasizes the importance of using leave-in treatments and heat protection for maintaining hair health between appointments. Reagan's proudest achievement so far is passing her state board exam. She is eager to welcome new clients and share her knowledge to help them achieve their desired look. Book an appointment with Reagan to experience her dedication and expertise firsthand.

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