Stylists
Meet the owners
Alchemy Studio was founded by Alyssa Wade, Sonia Luque and Margaret Alper. Three best friends that understood that a happy and healthy work environment was crucial to community wellness. So we did what any group of friends does- we had some wine and day dreamed about what our salon would one day look like - if we ever opened one.
Fast forward a year later, the stars aligned and a studio became available. Margaret and Sonia tend to keep their toes on the edge and take a little time to jump- but lucky for us, we have our fearless Alyssa to grab our hands and make the leap. Our dynamic just works like that. Sonia, a perfectionist with an amazing eye for detail is our aesthetic coordinator - whether she’s picking out décor, or helping you pick out an outfit, she’s always making sure we look our best. Alyssa is our number crunching guru - she’s the first to tell us that yes indeed we can expand, even if it feels scary! As for Margaret, she will forever be initiating feeling check ins, trying to fix plumbing on her own or making sure we hug at the end of business meetings.
Our commitment to each other and to building a business that allows us to all live out our dream has been nothing short of extraordinary. We are so grateful to be able to share this journey with our co stylists and clients.
Alyssa WADE
CO-FOUNDER
I’m an East Bay Area native, and I have been a hairstylist for almost 15 years. From the first day of cosmetology school, I knew this would be my forever career, and I’ve been in love ever since. I enjoy coloring and cutting all hair types, but blondes are truly my favorite work to do! If you’re a blonde, and maybe a little particular about your color- I’m your girl. That’s the stuff that makes my heart sing. I’m also always up for a challenge, so corrective color and big projects don’t intimidate me.
When I’m not working in the salon, I’m most likely doing CrossFit, snowboarding, kayaking, hiking, or playing with my puppy Pretzle.
Margaret Alper
Co-founder
Margaret here! I am an East Coast transplant and from my very first visit, I knew Oakland was where I would call home. Growing up I had no inclination of wanting to be a hairstylist - yet here we are, 10 years in the industry and I know I found my calling. I am a caretaker first, artist second- my work as a stylist allows me to show up authentically me!
The most rewarding part of my job is making connections with people. My hope is that when you sit in my chair, you feel seen, heard and taken care of. I love to see my people happy and I am a firm believer that having your hair done can completely change the way you feel. I am most passionate about balayage and redheads- they really light my fire! When I’m not in the studio, I am on the couch with Duke (my old man of a dog), making family dinner, or day dreaming about our next travel adventure. I love to read, write and make people laugh!
Sonia Luque
Co-founder
Hey there, I'm Sonia also known as the "aesthetics coordinator" of Alchemy Studio-as I have an eye for style and detail. I have a passion for travel and always find inspiration for hair and fashion on my trips. I love to create beachy effortless balayage, dimensional color for blondes and brunettes and short haircuts anywhere from a bob to a pixie. When I'm not at the salon, you can find me spinning away on my Peleton or spending time with friends.
Unlike the others, I went to Cosmetology School later in life. I was 28 years old when I decided to switch up my career path. I look back, so thankful that I never gave up because I was "too old" to follow my dreams. 13 years in the industry working on the East Coast and West Coast, I've found my home here in the Bay.
Heather Jassem
Stylist
I have been in the hair industry for over 17 years. I have spent many years achieving advanced certifications in all aspects of hair color and balayage. A large portion of my career was spent as a educator for L'Orèal Professionel inspiring other stylists. I’m now focused on working behind the chair making my clients feel beautiful and achieving their perfect look. I’m continuously inspired by the beautiful work I see fellow stylist do as well as the amazing style you can see all over the Bay Area.
When I’m not behind the chair at Alchemy Studio I love adventuring around the Bay Area with my mini (Harper) and pitty (Merritt). I love to bake, take long nature walks & spend time with my little family.
Alex Orcutt
Junior StYLISt
I’m an Oakland girl, born and raised right here on beautiful Piedmont Avenue. I recently graduated from Paul Mitchell in August of 2022. I’ve had a passion for hair since I was a little girl and would spend all of my free time watching hair videos. I have always loved all color from blonding services to bold, unique colors. I love big projects and corrective color - color is where my heart is. I know I’ve only been in the industry for less than a year but this is my career for life, hair is my passion and my happiness.
I love all things creative! I have been an artist my whole life and love to paint and draw. I love tattoos, art, makeup, live music, cooking and baking!
Angel McCoy
StYLISt
My name is Angel. I’m a Cali girl all the way and I’ve been a licensed cosmetologist since 2010. My inspiration for hair all started with the difficulty of my own naturally curly hair and playing with all my friends hair for fun in grade school. Until an 8th grade research project fully persuaded me to make this a career. Being able to use my creativity and vision to make someone else look and feel beautiful is what it’s all about for me. I specialize in beautifully blended natural blonding. Custom haircutting whether I’m creating a rounded shape for my natural curly girls or creating long layers with flow and movement or a sleek chin length bob. My favorite of all is event hair styling for any special occasion. I hold visual artistry close to my heart being a dancer all my life and being able to use hair as my canvas is what inspires me the most. My personal favorite go-to hairstyle to wear is messy textured beach waves or a sleek low bun. Fun fact, my favorite dance move is a good hair-flip!