About

Founder | Hair Artist | Educator | Lifelong Student

Beauty begins with seeing.

For more than twenty-five years, I've been studying people through the art of hair. Somewhere along the way, I realized that hair was never really the destination—it was the medium.

What truly fascinates me is perspective.

Every person who sits in my chair has a story, a vision, and a unique way they hope to be seen. My role isn't to create a version of beauty that reflects my tastes. It's to understand who they are, who they aspire to become, and to use my craft to help reveal that person.

That philosophy eventually became the foundation of Kantor & Company.

When I opened the salon in 2017, I wanted to build more than a beautiful space. I wanted to create a culture rooted in curiosity, artistry, and genuine human connection. A place where people felt heard before they were styled, understood before they were advised, and inspired long after they left the chair.

That same philosophy led me to establish Kantor & Company Academy. After years of mentoring newly licensed professionals, I realized that technical skills alone weren't enough to build a meaningful career. Great artists don't simply learn techniques—they learn to observe, to ask thoughtful questions, to understand people, and to remain students for life.

I believe education begins with observation. Technique follows.

Whether I'm studying a new nail service, refining a haircut, exploring painting on the New Jersey shoreline, or mentoring the next generation of professionals, I approach every opportunity with the same mindset:

Stay curious.
Stay humble.
Keep learning.

Because the moment we believe we've mastered our craft is the moment we stop growing.

My hope is that every guest leaves feeling more like themselves than when they arrived, and that every student leaves knowing not only how to create beautiful work, but why it matters.

At the end of the day, I don't simply create hair.

I help people see themselves—and I teach artists to see others.

SALON MANAGER

Jennie joins Kantor & Company after being a longtime client of Eileen’s for over 20 years. Their lives have intertwined as their husbands worked together many years ago introducing Eileen and Jennie to each other. She has owned her own businesses and comes with a vast knowledge of “where the numbers need to be” and how things should run. She also comes with extensive experience in customer service beginning with her family’s resort in northern Minnesota where she grew up.

Jennie manages our salon and takes care of the business behind the scenes while mostly working remote, keeping policies up to date, HR files complete, supporting the marketing social media efforts, and administering payroll, and managing the financials. She also makes herself available to our staff as a person they can entrust. She is integrated into the Kantor & Company Hair Academy supporting Eileen administratively. You will see her visiting with clients and helping on the front desk from time to time as Jennie also loves interacting with our clientele.

Jennie has lived in Boulder for over 25 years and raised her boys here. She’s been a resident since May of 1979 and absolutely loves Colorado. When she is not working, she spends time with her husband and their Westie, Angus, riding their e-bikes, and loves being with her family, especially her grandsons and granddaughter.

Jennie is passionate about helping others become their most genuine self and to help them find their own beauty so they can radiate.

Derek joins Kantor & Company as our Salon Operations Manager, bringing more than 23 years of experience behind the chair, specializing in custom hair color and exceptional guest experiences.

His career began in Alabama, where he built his craft in two highly respected salons in Mountain Brook and Homewood before relocating to Austin, Texas. There, Derek intentionally sought out new challenges, diverse clientele, and opportunities to expand both his technical artistry and leadership skills.

A firm believer that education is the foundation of every successful stylist's career, Derek has trained with some of the industry's most influential artists, including Nick Arrojo, Sally Hershberger, and Rita Hazan, among many others. His passion for continuous learning now fuels his commitment to helping others grow.

At Kantor & Company, Derek combines decades of firsthand salon experience with his love of systems, guest care, and team development. Whether supporting the front desk, coaching the salon team, improving operations, or creating memorable guest experiences, his goal is to help every part of the business thrive.

"I'm truly excited to use my experience behind the chair to support our entire team—from the front desk to the salon floor—and to help bring Eileen's vision to life. It's an honor to be part of a company that values artistry, education, and genuine connection."

Originally from the South, Derek brings a little sweet-as-molasses Southern charm to Boulder, blending hospitality with professionalism in everything he does. He now lives in downtown Denver with his roommate and his two beloved dogs, Sanford and Isobel, and is excited to work alongside some of the industry's very best while welcoming every guest who walks through the doors of Kantor & Company.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR + STYLIST

Annika has been in the beauty industry since 2015, graduating with an esthetician certificate from the esthetics program at her high school. A year later she obtained her Colorado esthetician license and began working at facial bars and waxing studios in the Boulder area. She then returned to cosmetology school in 2017 to obtain her cosmetology license.

Since then, Annika has committed herself to continuing her education through the study of myriad styling and dying techniques. The Process of expanding her knowledge and understanding techniques new and old is one of the most appealing things about the industry to Annika. She has explored advanced color, cutting, and extension application techniques with the guidance of leading stylists in these disciplines within the cosmetology industry. Due to her tenacious pursuit of color application techniques, Annika is now able to specialize in corrective color, fashion color, and lived in color for any and all hair types.

Annika has been a featured makeup artist on the cover of Veneno Magazine, as well as the head stylist for music videos, burlesque performances and high profile photography campaigns. Utilizing her accumulated knowledge and experience, she is looking forward to start working with brands she loves to create accessible educational seminars for stylists new and seasoned. Annika’s difficult start in the hair world now fuels her desire to pass on her knowledge in the hope that her way of teaching will help new stylists excel when starting out in the industry.

When Annika is not in the salon or taking education classes, she is usually out going to concerts, eating her way through any town she visits, traveling, and probably visiting some hot springs with her loved ones.

OUR SALON’S EMOTIONAL SUPPORT PUP

Bunny is our gentle, snuggly emotional support dog at Kantor & Company. She loves greeting guests, spreading calm energy, and offering comfort to anyone who needs it. Whether she’s napping in a sunny spot or leaning in for a head scratch, Bunny’s presence adds warmth and ease to the salon—she’s truly part of what makes Kantor & Company feel like home.

Sophia always knew she was destined to work in a salon in some way. Growing up surrounded by the beauty industry, she developed a love for hair and the connections that come with helping people feel their best.

When she's not behind the chair, you'll likely find her camping when the weather is just right or at a concert. In fact, if you're a big music fan, there's a good chance you've crossed paths with her at least once!

As a newer stylist, Sophia is passionate about continuing her education and expanding her skills in all areas of the hair world. She brings enthusiasm, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning to every guest she meets.

Growing up in Ithaca, New York, Rhiannon always knew she wanted to become a hairstylist. She began beauty school while still in high school, determined to turn that dream into a lifelong career. After earning her cosmetology license, she worked in salons throughout college before expanding her experience in Boston and New York City.

With more than 18 years behind the chair, Rhiannon brings a thoughtful, personalized approach to every guest. Whether creating a customized haircut, dimensional color, a special occasion style, or recommending a hair care routine, her goal is always the same: to help each person feel confident, understood, and authentically themselves.

Throughout her career, Rhiannon has continued to refine her craft through advanced education, including Wella color classes, precision cutting workshops, product education, and industry hair shows in Chicago and New York City. She has also participated in editorial and runway work, including events supporting the American Red Cross Heart Health campaign and Victoria's Secret Angels.

What Rhiannon values most is that hairstyling is never static. She believes there is always something new to learn and enjoys collaborating with her teammates, sharing ideas, and seeing each challenge from a different perspective. That curiosity allows her to continually grow while creating an experience that is both welcoming and deeply personal for every guest.

Outside the salon, Rhiannon's greatest joy is spending time with her two young sons. Whether hiking, camping, or discovering hidden gems throughout Boulder, she loves creating adventures with her family. After taking time to focus on raising her boys, she is excited to be back behind the chair, reconnecting with guests and doing the work she has loved since childhood.tion goes here

Born and raised in Colorado, Lexi has always been drawn to creativity. From an early age, she knew she wanted a career where she could express her artistic side while helping others feel confident and beautiful. Hairstyling became the perfect blend of both.

Lexi began her career specializing in haircutting and quickly discovered a passion for continual learning. Today, she is expanding her expertise into color services and is dedicated to refining her technical skills through advanced education, hands-on experience, and mentorship. She believes every guest deserves a look that reflects their personality and leaves them feeling their very best.

One of Lexi's greatest strengths is her curiosity. She is always looking for new techniques, fresh inspiration, and opportunities to grow as a stylist. She enjoys collaborating with her teammates, learning from those around her, and embracing new challenges that help her better serve her guests.

When she's away from the salon, Lexi enjoys getting lost in a good book, taking walks with her dog, traveling, and spending quality time with her family and friends. She looks forward to welcoming guests into her chair and helping them discover a style they'll love.