Business development philosophy recognizes talent and rewards dedication
Marcy Moreno and Jeff Sagorac, owners of Cre8 Salon & Spa, are pleased to announce that in recognition of their hard work and loyal service, Stylists Parnelli Gard, Lily Nieves, Valerie Velez and Talia Wiedman have become shareholders in the business. Cre8 has grown its team from eight when it first opened in 2006 to its current roster of 38 employees. Its focus on developing leaders from within its ranks led the company to promote employee engagement by rewarding key people with an ownership stake. In addition to their creativity, top-notch skill and commitment to continuing education and customer service, each of these accomplished stylists has been tasked with managing various areas of the business’ operations.
In 2011 Educational Coordinator Parnelli Gard was hand selected by Redken NYC 5th Avenue as one of 350 Platform Artists in the U.S. Her ambition and skills have taken her behind the scenes of major hair shows, and she was invited to the prestigious New York City Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and the recent L.A. Fashion Week. Parnelli is the only Redken Artist in Southwest Florida, giving her the opportunity to mentor salon professionals across the country. Parnelli attends intensive workshops at least twice a year with some of the industry’s leading celebrity artists.
Front Desk Coordinator Lily Nieves realized her dream of becoming a stylist as a second career, and was mentored under Cre8’s associate program by Valerie Velez. She then traveled to New York to get Redken Color Certified, and is proud to be a Master Colorist. In 2014, she became one of the salon’s educators after only five years as a stylist. She has become known as Cre8’s curly hair expert, and is the social media community manager for the business.
Master stylist Valerie Velez is Cre8’s Special Event Coordinator, and a leading mentor at the salon. As a Redken master specialist and educator, Valerie is widely recognized as one of the leading experts in all phases of coloring, as well as the master educator to many of the talented stylists now performing at Cre8. In 2010, Valerie was trained by famed New York stylist Nick Arrojo in advanced razor cutting, which has allowed her to combine vision, knowledge and creativity with rigorous technical precision for each haircut.
Talia Wiedman graduated top of her class at The Salon Professional Academy, and began her career in 2009 studying under Certified Redken Artists, including Parnelli Gard. As Cre8’s Team Coordinator she handles scheduling for all departments and facilitates communications between team members and management. She also coordinates the annual Cre8 Family Day gathering at Lakes Park. She attends multiple color classes a year, learning from top colorists and staying ahead of the latest trends. She recently trained with Nick Arrojo in straight razor cutting and finishing. Wiedman is also a talented makeup artist.
Owner Marcy Moreno said, “As we continue to grow the business we depend on the skills and dedication of our people, and we strive to help them grow professionally along the way. Jeff and I couldn’t have done all this without them. Achieving shareholder status formalizes the sense of ownership and pride in their work that these talented, committed women share.”
Cre8 Salon & Spa
Established in 2006, Cre8 Salon & Spa is a full-service salon and day spa. It is one of only three Florida salons carrying the Nick Arrojo hair care product line, classifying it as an Arrojo Ambassador Salon, and owner Marcy Moreno is Arrojo Razor-Craft Certified. Cre8 also is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for completing the most haircuts by a team in eight hours, a world record the salon set in November 2011 during a fundraiser for the Florida ALS Association. Cre8 is located at 814 SW Pine Island Road, #202 in Cape Coral, in the Fountain Shops on Pine Island Road and Skyline Boulevard. For more information call 239-458-2704 or visit www.cre8salon.com.
