The Family a.k.a. Xamily
Boz • July 29, 2021
The Xamily
When Gaby and I started the process of creating a unique and welcoming salon environment back in 2015, we wanted to give it a family feel, rather than a bunch of people renting a space together. This is where the term XAMILY was born. Originally, Gaby was tired of the restrictions put on her by her then salon, where she could only go in to the salon on certain days and only at specified times. She was then very fully committed to traveling the world with Redken, training the trainer and teaching color techniques all over the world. She would have to strategically schedule her clients on the times when she was in town and the limitations put on to her by her salon at the time were less than accommodating.
In March 2015, we decided to build and open up what we affectionately refer to as XanderLyn ONE. It was a 600 square foot space in old-town Scottsdale and was perfect for Elizabeth (the first member of the Xamily) and Gaby to get away from where they currently working, saving some money and at the same time having a 24/7 flexibility in their schedules. The opening was great. There were 5 stations and Gaby and Elizabeth welcomed their clients with open arms and the clients immediately fell in love with the intimacy and to be honest the QUIET of the new salon. It wasn't long, however, before others wanted to be part of the experience.
Later that year, the Xamily put together the original FIVE, all of whom are still at the salon today: Gaby, Elizabeth, Andrea, Farrah and Josh. Five stations, five stylists, all working together as opposed to some other booth rental salons, where working side-by-side can be more competition and less cooperation. If someone was sick or needed time away to take care of one their kids, one of the others would immediately step in to help and there was never any fear of that person stealing their client. They all shared their combined education and knowledge and they all strived to make each of them better and more expert in their craft.
Of course, something this amazing doesn't stay quiet in the industry for long. The Xamily was growing and it was once again time to expand - thus, XanderLyn TWO was born, which was two and one-half times larger and now had nine stations and an esthetician room. We added Tiffany, Joey, Jamie, Jeffrey, Leslee, Vanessa, Heather and Alex to our Xamily and business was great! We really started to diversify our retail lines, so the customers would have a greater choice in what they could use for their hair. We were in a prime location on a fairly busy corner, but we still had the intimacy and coziness of a small salon. What didn't change is our concept of Xamily. Often, booth rental salons will advertise CHAIR FOR RENT and will basically take anyone who can pay the monthly fee. Gaby has always prided herself on making sure that anyone and everyone who joins the Xamily is a good fit for the team, not just someone leasing a space. The interview process is pretty intense and everyone in the salon has a voice when it comes to who we will bring in next. I can always tell when someone is a good fit because you can feel an intense buzz and positive energy in the air.
XanderLyn TWO was great and we even tried for a while to bring XanderLyn ONE back, but issues with parking and having a salon in an older building started to take a toll on us. January 2020 came and we found the new space that we are currently in. Updated building, great parking, easy access location and now 12 stations and a beauty room. We added even more amazing stylists to our team, some from XanderLyn TWO moving on and the new ones coming in. I should note that the ones that did move on, many we still consider part of our Xamily including Jeffrey, Joey and Alex and they are some of our closest allies. They just found their destinies in other places (even Alex moving back to New Jersey) and we could not be happier for them. At our new location, we added Gabby, Anna, Kandi, Kenzie and Niki, all of whom were immediately embraced by the Xamily and have all expressed their love for their new home.
We LOVE LOVE LOVE our Xamily and it will continue to grow, but only with those people that actually feel like part of our family and those that feel XanderLyn is their home.
It’s taken me months to find the words to write this. From the moment I learned of her passing, the shock was overwhelming—and honestly, it still hasn’t fully settled. I know I’m not alone in that feeling. Losing someone so beautiful, so kind, and so full of life at such a young age is beyond comprehension. Every time I walk into the salon, I still feel the echoes of her presence—her warmth, her kindness, her light. She was a shining star in our lives, and her absence has left a space that can never truly be filled. I remember the way she would look at me when I told a bad dad joke—rolling her eyes, maybe, but always laughing. She appreciated the effort, and I appreciated that about her. I remember our long text conversations about her career, her dreams, and the things she was working through. I’d offer little pieces of advice, and it meant so much to see her take them to heart. We shared deep conversations in the break room and on the salon floor—about life, purpose, beliefs. Gabby was a thoughtful soul, and I was always struck by the depth of her insights and the richness of her experiences. We learned from each other, and I always looked forward to those moments with her. Gabby, you are deeply missed. You left an indelible mark on our Xamily, and your spirit will stay with us for years to come. I will always carry the sound of your laughter, the brightness of your smile, and the warmth of your heart with me. Until we meet again—thank you for being you.
Discover the artistry of Josh Lee Howard, our featured artist for August-September. Hailing from Arizona, Josh's journey into hairdressing was influenced by his family's salon legacy. His knack for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary led him from fixing bikes and cars to mastering the craft of hair. After enrolling at Allure Beauty School, Josh quickly made a name for himself in top Valley salons. His expertise spans from simple cuts to bold color transformations, making him a standout in the industry. As a key member of the XanderLyn Salon team, Josh has embraced a culture of creativity and innovation, continually advancing his skills through industry classes. Experience Josh's exceptional talent and dedication firsthand. From his chair, you’ll enjoy a blend of technical skill and artistic vision that turns hair dreams into reality.
Meet Tiffany Carter: XanderLyn Salon's Summer 2024 Spokesmodel XanderLyn Salon proudly presents Tiffany Carter as the face of Summer 2024. With her captivating charm and timeless elegance, Tiffany embodies the essence of modern beauty and sophistication, making her the perfect ambassador for XanderLyn Salon's global campaigns. A Beacon of Beauty and Style Tiffany Carter's journey to becoming XanderLyn Salon's spokesmodel reflects her innate sense of style and passion for beauty. Her effortless blend of classic allure and contemporary trends resonates with audiences worldwide, showcasing her as a symbol of grace and inspiration. Celebrating Individuality with XanderLyn Salon Known for its innovative hair care and beauty solutions, XanderLyn Salon celebrates Tiffany Carter's partnership as a testament to their commitment to inclusivity and excellence. Together, they invite beauty enthusiasts to embrace their unique style and confidence. Global Impact, Local Inspiration From sleek updos to vibrant summer hues, Tiffany's versatility and global appeal transcend borders, inspiring men and women everywhere to explore their personal beauty journey with XanderLyn Salon's expert guidance. Join Tiffany Carter and XanderLyn Salon Celebrate Summer 2024 with Tiffany Carter and XanderLyn Salon as they redefine beauty standards and empower individuals to shine. Stay tuned for exclusive insights, beauty tips, and more as they embark on a season of elegance and transformation. About XanderLyn Salon XanderLyn Salon is a leader in premium hair care and beauty services, dedicated to delivering exceptional results and memorable experiences. With a team of talented stylists and a passion for innovation, XanderLyn Salon continues to inspire and elevate the beauty industry worldwide. As Tiffany Carter steps into her role as XanderLyn Salon's Summer 2024 spokesmodel, she invites you to discover the beauty within and embark on a journey of self-expression and confidence.
As the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp, it's time to update your look and stay on top of the latest trends in hair fashion. Fall is the perfect season to experiment with new hairstyles, colors, and textures. At XanderLyn Salon, we're excited to bring you the hottest 2023 fall hair trends that will have you looking fabulous and feeling confident this autumn. Rich Autumnal Colors When it comes to hair color this fall, think deep, rich, and warm. Shades inspired by nature's autumn palette are all the rage. Consider transitioning from your summer blonde to a darker, warmer hue like chestnut brown, auburn, or even a rich copper. These shades will not only complement the season but also add depth and dimension to your locks. Face-Framing Highlights Face-framing highlights are making a comeback this fall. They're an excellent way to add a touch of brightness and dimension to your hair without going for a full-color change. Whether you opt for subtle caramel highlights or bold, chunky streaks, these face-framing accents will enhance your facial features and add a touch of radiance to your overall look. Natural Texture Embrace your natural hair texture this fall. Effortlessly tousled waves, soft curls, and even naturally straight hair are in. Say goodbye to excessive heat styling and hello to low-maintenance hair that looks effortlessly chic. At XanderLyn Salon, our stylists can help you enhance your natural texture and provide expert guidance on maintaining it. Short and Chic Short hair is making a statement this fall. Whether you're considering a trendy bob, a pixie cut, or a modern shag, shorter hairstyles are all the rage. They're not only easy to manage but also give you a fresh and youthful appearance. Our experienced stylists can work with you to find the perfect short style that suits your face shape and personal style. The Modern French Twist The classic French twist is getting a modern twist this fall. Instead of the traditional sleek and polished look, we're seeing a more relaxed and undone version. Think soft twists, loose tendrils, and a touch of messy elegance. This style is perfect for both casual and formal occasions, making it a versatile choice for the season. Accessorize with Headbands and Scarves Hair accessories are back in a big way this fall. Headbands, scarves, and hairpins are making a strong comeback. They're a simple yet effective way to add flair to your hairstyle and elevate your overall look. At XanderLyn Salon, we have a variety of stylish accessories to choose from to complete your fall look. Conclusion This fall, it's time to refresh your look and embrace the latest trends in hair fashion. From rich autumnal colors to face-framing highlights and natural textures, there are plenty of options to choose from at XanderLyn Salon. Whether you're looking for a dramatic change or a subtle update, our skilled stylists are here to help you achieve the perfect fall hairstyle. Book your appointment today and get ready to turn heads with your fabulous fall look.