Melissa Thurston
Mel has been crafting her skills since 2014 when she first obtained her Cosmetology license. Hair Full of Secrets with Mel, LLC was established in 2018, in a 150 sq ft studio in Gainesville, FL. Mel shares her knowledge with her clients, exchanging tips and tricks, therefore coveting the name. In February 2025, she launched our second location, HFOS West Studio. This space focuses on our esthetic services featuring nails, lash extensions, and brow services! Our boutique is one of a kind and a trusted resource for your beauty investments.
Founder + Creative Colorist
Jessica Tillman
Jessica’s passion for hair began in 2015. She has since fallen in love with all things hair. She specializes in blonding techniques and believes in always putting the integrity of your hair first! Outside of work she spends most her time with her family. Come on in and let her help to bring your hair dreams to life!
Color + Extensions
Tristany Cram
Tristany is passionate about hair, especially curls! Her number 1 priority is maintaining the integrity and over-all health of the hair. Give her your hair goals and together you can lay out a plan to achieve them!
Colorist + Curly Specialist
Natasha Correa
Originally from the bustling city of New York, Natasha now brings her passion for hairstyling and makeup to Gainesville, Florida. With years of experience in the beauty industry, she specializes in creating stunning hairstyles and flawless makeup looks that make her clients feel confident and beautiful. Natasha is focused on quality extension services and custom coloring. Let's create something beautiful together!
Color + Extensions
Sophia Copeland
Sophia is a graduate from The Summit Salon Academy and has a deep passion for all things hair. She enjoys working with hair as an art form and the smile it puts on her client's faces. Sophia genuinely believes and lives by the saying, “If you’re doing what you love, you will never work a day in your life.” As a committed lifelong learner of the cosmetology industry ,she looks forward to creating meaningful relationships with her guests!
Color + Extensions
Lainey Testa
Lainey is a Summit Salon Academy graduate with a passion for lived-in colors and vibrant vivids. Her love for the beauty industry started in childhood, and brings that lifelong passion into their work. In addition to beauty, they hold a degree in wildlife conservation from the University of Florida. When not working with clients, she enjoys talking about art, pop culture, and everything in between. Proudly a Taurus, Lainey brings a creative and grounded energy to all that she does.
Color + Extensions
Sakinah Muhammad
Sakinah is a Gainesville native and has been doing nails since she was 16. She is a licensed full specialist and specializes in gel services, bringing in Gel X extensions to HFOS. Her passion for nail art has helped her sell her work in her own independent business for the last year after pursuing her bachelors in Accounting. When not doing nails, she enjoys traveling and is a music lover!
Nail Artist + Full Specialist
Alex Roman
Alex is a Cuban and Puerto Rican from Miami, Florida and comes with all the spice and flavor Miami has to offer. She decided to pursue a career in the beauty industry because she loves being creative and making other people feel beautiful, whether its through nails, skin care, or cocktails!