Meet The Team

Owner/Master Colorist

Larissa is an experienced veteran in the beauty industry. Her natural gifts and passion were ignited at a young age as she watched her mom work as a Cosmetologist both outside and inside of the home. With a salon at her fingertips, she began experiencing with hair styling techniques.  It was common to find her up late at night wrapping her sister’s long hair in tight curls or practicing on a mannequin head.  During those formative years, her aptitude and love for transforming hair and people’s appearances become ingrained in her. She knew without a doubt this was her life calling.  She began her formal training by enrolling in beauty school as a senior in High School. Upon graduating, she passionately applied and got accepted into a prestigious Advanced Training Program with Gene Juarez where she developed highly specialized color techniques. She went on to work at Gene Juarez Redmond Town location for four years where she developed a very loyal client base.
She continued to improve and expand her skill set by getting trained to become a Balayage Specialist. Balayage is one of her trademark services.

Larissa’s desire to expand her services and career led her to begin leasing a station independently with various salons for the last eight years.  She pursued on-going training to fine tune her skills and keep up with the latest trends. As a way to add more value for her clients, she has partnered with local businesses to host fun marketing events showcasing fashion and unique merchandise. She continuously strives to improve her knowledge and expertise, traveling to New York numerous times to collaborate with colleagues on the latest trends. Additionally, she’s trained to become a product educator on top lines, as well as creating videos demonstrating how to perform balayage services for other stylists to learn from.

Opening her own salon is the culmination of a life long passion and dream.  She is excited to hand select her favorite tools, products and techniques from over a decade of experience and make it her own by offering a unique, high end experience for her clientele.

Why did you choose to name your salon Larissa Sofia?
I chose Larissa Sofia as a tribute to my Bulgarian roots and my late father who was born and raised in Sofia, Bulgaria. He was a fearless entrepreneur with an exceptional work ethic. He influenced my desires to own my own business; I know he would be proud of me for following my dreams and in his footsteps. My logo has personal meaning as well.  Each element was lovingly hand drawn by my sister, Natasha. The unique design formed a butterfly where the leaves come together; a ladybug was discreetly placed in the butterfly as a tribute to our dad whose childhood name for me always makes me think of a ladybug.  My name and logo is not only beautiful and shabby chic, it represents my style, my culture and special family ties.

Why do you specialize in Balayage?
Balayage is a technique I discovered over a decade ago while at Gene Juarez.  At that time it was only available in salons in New York with an average cost of $500 per service.

Why Did You leave Gene Juarez? 
I wouldn’t be the stylist I am today without the valuable training I received at Gene Juarez. I took a huge leap of faith when I chose to branch out on my own. My desire to offer full services and to be more creative with my branding and services is what continues to drive me.  My passion for the beauty industry has evolved over the years.  I now have the opportunity to teach others and to build an exceptional team.

Why did you pick Sammamish?
I moved to the Issaquah Highlands five years ago. I have been working in Issaquah during this time as well. I have fallen in love with the area, the people and the community. Sammamish is part of that atmosphere and I really wanted to open a salon that was part my neighborhood and community. I’m so excited to create a warm, friendly experience that offers all the things you can find in a high-end salon without the corporate feel.

What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy being active, especially with my shih-tzu, Rosie – she is my first and only child to date. I value spending time with my family and close friends. I also love to travel during my spare time. I recently went to Iceland last year. I’m a foodie at heart: being Bulgarian and Filipino,  I grew up eating an eclectic group of foods (thanks, Mom!).

“Almost weekly my hair receives a compliment. With high-lights and low-lights, Larissa makes my blonde hair look so natural. It’s easy to leave a recommendation for her here as I have already recommended her to several friends who were so happy that they are now her regular customers. It’s an added bonus that Larissa is also a super-nice person.” – Christina Hart

Hair Stylist/Color Expert/ Special Occasion & Braid Specialist

Connie is a lifelong resident of Issaquah, and even owns the house she grew up in since she was 2 years old. She has watched Issaquah grow from a small town without stoplights with vast farm lands to the busy suburb it is today.

Connie has been doing hair her whole life. But it wasn’t until Jan. 2018 she officially became a licensed cosmetologist. She has always loved doing hair as a hobby, and grew up doing family and friends hair.  She married in 1997 and had 3 kids. Both boys serve in the Marine Corp and her daughter attends Issaquah High School.

She tried various careers, but nothing quite seemed to satisfy her creative energies. Her kids never went to a salon to get their hair done, since she always took care of all their haircuts, styles, dying, etc.…

As the kids got older, Connie realized it was her time to achieve her dreams and went to Gene Juarez Academy in Federal Way to earn a Cosmetology License.

She has always loved doing braids and special occasion styles. Always looking for new ideas or latest trends to learn and master!

She has spent the last year training under Larissa as her Associate. Learning the melting techniques of balayage, foiling highlights to create brightness, and the fun of color to accent your natural features.  She has a special fondness for doing fun fashion colors for those who like to change it up.

In addition to that she loves cutting men’s styles just as much as women’s. Having 3 men in the house she has had many years of practice cutting various men’s styles.

For examples of Connie’s work check out her Instagram page @bellasconnie

“Connie was so great to work with. This was my first cut and she listened to my requests and checked in to make sure I was happy with everything, which I was. Looking forward to seeing her again in 8 weeks. Larissa Sofia salon was friendly, followed all of the safety protocols, was easy to get to and had plenty of parking. so glad I found them.” – Leslie L

“Walked in with total quarantine hair – nothing had been done to it for a year. Connie was amazing. Color and cut are perfect! Very clean and great Covid Precautions.” – Mary B

Stylist/Balayage Expert

Started out not knowing what I wanted to do in life, I knew I had to change my life around for my son and I. I had the skills to do men’s haircuts by practicing on my friends’ hair

first, then I learned how to do  basic haircuts into wanting to learn more by watching videos. My family told me to go to beauty school and be a barber, even if I don’t plan on pursuing it as a career, at least it’s a good skill to have, they said. So I decided to enroll into evergreen beauty school in Renton. Although I love cutting hair, I also fell in love and found my passion in being a colorist. Being a part of the beauty industry has given me so many opportunities to consistently grow into.. not only to improve my skills as a hairdresser, but also as a person.

I like challenges as well as growth and that’s why I love what I do. Aside from being a hairdresser, I am a mom to 4 children, 3 step daughters and my son. I love being a mom and enjoy cooking for my family. I’m very family oriented with a spiritual old soul who has a drive to accomplish any goals I set and put my mind into. I welcome all clients and my number one goal is to make my clients feel comfortable and beautiful. I strive to provide and deliver custom looks as a color and balayage specialist and haircut solutions as well as to listen carefully to match with my clients lifestyle and needs. I have the adaptability to cultivate my unique skill sets through my various experiences working with diverse clients and in different environments. Please check out and follow my Instagram page @nancetruebeauty

Unlike most women, I did not book a December hair appointment two months ago. With the upcoming panic of neglected hair for a holiday party, I called and was able to book a same day appointment with Nance.  My hair looks sensational.  Thank you Nance.
Larissa Sofia Salon is an owner operated local business with stylists who truly understand the importance of what they do. (Also watch for Rosie, the visually impaired, part-time salon mascot). I previously booked with Larissa, Connie and now Nance, and can count on a consistent, caring and professional experience with every stylist.  Nance took time to listen and provided suggestions for style, color and products for my hair type.  She is passionate about color.  She even brought out the color sample book and held multiple samples up to my hair until we found the perfect match for my aging skin tone. For someone who is risk adverse, she took time to make me feel comfortable but still encouraged me to try something new. If you are looking for a stylist who truly cares about finding the best the end result for your face, age and lifestyle, take a chance with Nance.  Book early, as a same day appointment was my good fortune. – Deborah S

Spending hours at the salon doesn’t sound to pleasant but when it’s to pamper yourself for a “mommy makeover” it definitely worthwhile. I came in with grown out blonde hair from a previous hairdresser. Nancy worked her magic & did exactly what I asked. I am so In love with my hair & even after weeks have passed I am still blown away. Thank you for your great hospitality & an amazing job on my new mommy look! – Amanda C

Stylist

Moving through life with ‘creativity’ as her guideline. She can’t sit around and just wait for things to happen on their own. She wants to inspire people around her and help others find their true happiness. She always loved creating beautiful things whether it was drawing, flowers, and most of all the stunning art of hair! In her opinion ‘success’ is being able to create things that bring out joy in others. That’s why she chose this path as a hairstylist! Being able to transform client’s hair based on their visions is her goal! She believes everyone’s dreams matter & will do her best to turn those dreams to reality for anyone who sits in her chair!

She’s grateful for where she’s at and excited about where she is going!

“I am so happy with the Keratin Express treatment that Nadezhda did on my hair today! She took time to find out if I had any trouble spots/cowlicks etc… and provided the necessary information to maintain the treatment not only for the first 24 hours but over the next several weeks. I highly recommend Nadezhda if you are considering this treatment. She is thorough, personable, and professional. Larissa Sofia is a lovely salon. I highly recommend it.” – Michelle G

“Absolutely fantastic! Blending, attentiveness, and totally understood what I wanted!” – Mariya O

Official Door Greeter

“I always look forward to visiting with Rosey during my appointments. Rosey is pure kindness and has such a big personality. I’m pretty sure she thinks it’s her salon!” – Mary H.