Team | Empower

Meet our Team

Empower was conceptualized by Kerri Maphis and Vanessa Solomon out of friendship, a shared vision, and a calling to make a difference in their community. It didn’t take long for their dream to become a reality and Empower opened its doors in January of 2020.

Kerri

CO-FOUNDER & CO-OWNER

MASTER STYLIST

Hi! I’m Kerri and I co-own Empower. I have been behind the chair for 17 years with experience in all hair types. My speciality today is lived-in color, balayage, and hair extensions. My goal as a stylist is to help you achieve the hair of your dreams while maintaining its health and condition. I have a natural, simple approach to hair styling and love working with you to enhance your natural beauty.

Zodiac Sign: Cancer
My playlist consists of: Adele, John Legend, Sam Smith
My dream vacation is: Sri Lanka

Vanessa

CO-FOUNDER & CO-OWNER

MASTER STYLIST

I’m Vanessa, a St. Pete native born to a family of hairstylists and co-owner of Empower. I have 15 years of experience behind the chair, but I’ve had a comb in my hand as long as I can remember. I enjoy modernizing classic looks to make them fun and wearable for men and women on the go. Natural hair coloring and precision haircutting are my favorite, but most of all I like to have every guest feeling completely pampered.

Zodiac Sign: Leo
My playlist consists of: Beyonce
I live for: thrill and adventure.

Alana

SENIOR STYLIST

Hi! I'm Alana, originally form sunny San Diego where my hair journey began 16 years ago. My passion is helping you feel confident through your hair transformations and getting to know each of you. I specialize in lived-in color and blonding services, but I also love creating rich brunette tones. When I'm not at the salon, I'm exploring everything has to offer with my little family and enjoying time at the beach.

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Favorite Food: Tacos

I live for: Island vibes

Diana

STYLIST

Hi! I'm Diana, also known as "Dee". I am originally from Buffalo, NY (Go Bills!) and am enjoying Sunny St. Pete! I've been a full time stylist for that last 3 years but have been in the industry for over 10 years. My specialties include blonding, dimensional brunettes, and hair extensions. My goal as a stylist is to make every guest look and feel their best when they leave my chair.

Zodiac Sign: Pisces
My playlist consists of: EDM and Reggae
I live for: my French Bulldogs (Bentley and Beamer) and the beach.

Bayli

STYLIST

Hi! My name is Bayli! I've lived in St. Pete since 2017 and graduated from the Aveda Institute in 2018. I didn't jump right behind the chair but am so excited to start my journey with Empower and to start building my clientele. My favorite part of being your stylist is seeing you walk out with your post-hair appointment confidence and glow. In my free time I love going to local shops and getting coffee with my husband, Zach.

I love: Jesus + my church
My playlist consists of: Gracie Abrams, The Japanese House, and Holly Humberston
I make: Sourdough Bread

Sara

STYLIST

Hey, my name is Sara! My journey with hair blossomed in 2016 and I have spent the last 7 years specialized in haircutting. I find myself continuously falling more in love with this craft everyday and am so exciting to start offering color services as well! Beyond my artistry, I find myself most passionate about connecting with my guests and creating safe spaces in my chair for the magic to truly unfold. From all things holistic haircare, to lived-in looks, and even precision bobs I have so much fun from start to finish in every appointment.

Zodiac: Virgo
My playlist: Grantee Peng, Kraunghbin, Tess, and all things reggae.
Favorite Food: Sushi
My hobbies: Dance and all things fitness.