WELCOME to my FIRST BLOG POST! Cue the confetti đ
Hi Luna fam,
I've always loved to write so I'm going to start this blog to update you on the latest happenings at the studio, but also to give me an outlet to do what I've done in previous years, but we called it a NEWSLETTER! đ Back in the day of my first studio, I would geek out over creating the copy and then setting up the graphics, printing and MAILING them to my client list. Yes, you heard that right. The good ole' US MAIL. Oh how times have changed, except my desire to share my heart hasn't. Welcome to the LOVE ISSUE on this Valentine's Day.âŁď¸
Today's post will be the beginning, and as it is develops, I hope you find it interesting and fun, and a place to shout out my amazing clients as they start up or level up their businesses, add to their families or celebrate milestones. I will include portrait tips, wardrobe help, and other things relating to photography, life, and other things I find interesting to share.
My goal is to at least post monthly, but I may include my social posts here as well to keep it fresh and updated. Please come back to see what's new but for my first post, I have the incredible opportunity to talk about inspiring entrepreneurs that I've photographed who are making waves in their industries. This month, Iâm thrilled to feature Cherise Carmel, the owner of The Collective Salon in Port Clinton, Ohio. Cherise is not just a talented stylistâsheâs a visionary, creating a salon environment unlike any other in town. She specializes in blonding and certified bead extensions, a mom of three and lover of sweets, iced shaken expressos and vacations!
Meet: Cherise Carmel of The Collective Salon
Creating a Safe and Empowering Space
Cherise's journey began with a desire to build something unique: a salon where both clients and stylists feel safe to be themselves.She saw a gap in the local beauty industry and set out to create a welcoming, empowering space where artistry and authenticity thrive.
And she succeeded.
Now, she leads a team of passionate stylists, watching them grow and develop their craft every day. âEverything about my business makes me proud, so I donât know if I can pick just one thing. Watching my team grow within a space I created makes me proud.â
But success doesnât come without its challenges.
Overcoming Challenges & Staying Motivated
Like any business owner, Cherise had to navigate obstaclesâone of the biggest being time management. Figuring out where to invest her energy while running a growing business was a learning process, but sheâs found her rhythm.
Her advice for fellow entrepreneurs? "If it was supposed to be easy, everyone would be doing it. Anything is possible with hard work and dedication! Youâre doing great."
10 Tips to Love Your Hair â From a Blonding & Extensions Specialist
As a blonding and extension specialist, Cherise knows a thing or two about keeping your hair looking healthy, radiant, and full of life. Here are her top 10 tips to love your hair:
- Invest in High-Quality Products â Salon-grade shampoos, conditioners, and treatments protect your investmentand keep your hair looking its best.
- Donât Overwash â Washing too often strips natural oils and dries out blonde and extension-treated hair. Stick to 2-3 times a week.
- Use Purple Shampoo Wisely â Too much can over-tone and dull your blonde. Use it once a week to keep brassiness at bay.
- Deep Condition Regularly â Keep moisture locked in with a weekly deep conditioning treatment (especially for extensions!).
- Brush Gently, Especially with Extensions â Use a loop brush or wide-tooth comb to prevent tugging and breakage.
- Protect Your Hair While Sleeping â Silk pillowcases and loose braids prevent tangles, frizz, and breakageovernight.
- Limit Heat Styling â Too much heat can weaken your hairâalways use a heat protectant before styling!
- Stay Consistent with Trims â Regular trims prevent split ends and keep your hair looking fresh and healthy.
- Hydrate from Within â Drink plenty of water and eat nutrient-rich foods to support strong, healthy hair growth.
- Trust Your Stylist â Book maintenance appointments, ask questions, and follow professional recommendations for long-lasting, gorgeous results.
To book an appointment with Cherise, visit www.thecollectivesalonpc.com or follow her on Instagram @cherise.thecollective!
Look Like a Model: Guided Posing with Master Photographer Lori Fox of Luna Studios
If youâve ever worried about what to do in front of the camera, let me assure youâyou donât have to! At Luna Studios, I specialize in fully guided personal branding sessions where youâll walk away with stunning, engaging portraits that elevate your business and increase your brandâs exposure.
You donât need to know how to poseâthatâs my job! From the moment you step into my studio, Iâll guide you every step of the way so you feel comfortable, confident, and look like a magazine cover model. (In fact, Cherise IS a cover model for this post!)
10 Ways Iâll Guide You Through Your Personal Branding Session
1. Pre-Session Consultation â Weâll discuss your brand, messaging, and goals so every pose and expression aligns with your vision.
2. Wardrobe & Styling Guidance â Iâll help you choose outfits that complement your brand, flatter your figure, and make you feel amazing.
3. Custom Lighting & Angles â Professional lighting and angles tailored to you will enhance your best features and create a polished, magazine-worthy look.
4. Step-by-Step Posing Direction â I donât just tell you to "look natural"âI demonstrate each pose and guide you through micro-adjustments for the perfect shot.
5. Facial Expression Coaching â Not sure how to look confident, approachable, or powerful? Iâll give you prompts and cues to bring out genuine, engaging expressions.
6. Hand & Body Placement â Iâll direct your hands, posture, and body positioning down to the smallest detail, ensuring that even if you feel awkward, youâll look incredible. Trust me!Â
7. Movement for Natural Poses â Stiff poses are a thing of the past. Iâll guide you through subtle movements that keep your portraits looking relaxed and authentic.
8. Confidence Boosting â Youâll never feel alone in front of the cameraâIâll be your biggest hype girl and business bestie, making sure you feel empowered and at ease.
9. Live Image Previews â Iâll show you select shots during the session so you can see how incredible you look in real-time, adjusting as needed.
10. A Curated Final Gallery â After the session, youâll receive stunning, high-quality portraits that showcase your personality, attract clients, and elevate your business.
You deserve branding portraits that reflect your success, passion, and the powerhouse entrepreneur you are. Letâs make that happen!
⨠Ready to book your session? Letâs create something incredible together.
4 Comments
Feb 17, 2025, 6:23:17 PM
Lori Fox - I appreciate that, Kassi! I am really enjoying this new outlet. Come back soon.
Feb 17, 2025, 6:22:24 PM
Lori Fox - Thank you so much, Linda! I appreciate your support. Keep watching for the next edition.
Feb 16, 2025, 10:03:43 PM
Linda Mooney - You are a very talented person, love it.
Feb 14, 2025, 1:06:08 PM
Kassi Stotz - Love, love this Lori! I look forward to seeing what you feature next month!