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
With nearly 20 years behind the chair and deep roots in the East Bay, becoming a hairstylist has been both my career and my calling. From my very first day in cosmetology school, I knew this was it. Thankfully, that clarity has only grown stronger over time.
I specialize in Color and Cuts across all hair types, with a particular passion for Blonding, K-Tip and Sew-In Weft Hair Extensions, and transformative Hair Color. I lean into big, complex projects and am fueled by taking on a challenge!
What drives me just as much as the craft itself is the people around me. I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to help build up the next generation of stylists as a salon owner — sharing what I've learned, raising the standard of our work collectively, and creating an environment where everyone gets better together. Great hair comes from great teams, and cultivating that culture is something I put my heart into everyday.
Beyond the salon, I serve as a volunteer on the stunt team for Cheer San Francisco: a non-profit cheerleading organization supporting the LGBTQAI+ community — because apparently I enjoy both high-stakes hair and high-stakes lifts! I also love fitness, baking sourdough, and spending time with my crew: Brandon, Oliver, Ben, and Pretzel.
You'll typically find me behind the chair Tuesdays Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Whether you're a guest ready for your next transformation or a stylist looking to grow, I'd love to connect!
Margaret Alper
Co-founder
Margaret here! I am an East Coast transplant and from my first day in Oakland, I felt like I finally fit in. Similarly to finding my calling as a hairstylist! I am a caretaker first, artist second-my work 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, you’ll find me day dreaming, convincing someone to try and run a marathon, planning a family vacation or taking my puppy on an adventure!
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 at Orangetheory Fitness or training for half marathons! It's true, I drank the kool-aid!
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. Now 16 years in the industry working on the East Coast and West Coast, I've found my home here in the Bay. I feel so fortunate to work with a group of women who inspire and support one another in a beautiful space doing beautiful hair!
Heather Jassem
SENIOR Stylist
I have been in the hair industry for over 20 years and have spent countless hours achieving advanced certifications in all aspects of hair color and balayage. A large portion of my career was spent as an 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 hair 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 to travel the world, spend time with my family, go on nature walks with my dog Merritt and laugh with my friends.
Alex Orcutt
StYLISt
Hi, I’m Alex! I’m an Oakland native, born and raised on the beautiful Piedmont Avenue. My love for hair started at a young age—I’d spend hours watching hair tutorials, captivated by the artistry and transformation of color. I love everything from blonding and balayage to bold, statement-making color and I thrive on big color projects and corrective work. Color is my true passion, I’m equally enthusiastic about extensions, which allow me to bring even more creativity to every look.
Creativity fuels me in every form. I’ve been an artist my entire life, expressing myself through painting, drawing, and a love for tattoos, makeup, and live music. Cooking and baking are also among my favorite ways to unleash my creativity and enjoy life outside of the salon. For me, hair isn’t just a job—it’s my passion, and it brings me pure happiness.
Angel McCoy
Senior StYLISt
Hi, I’m Angel! I’m a Cali girl through and through and have been a licensed cosmetologist since 2010. My passion for hair began with the journey of learning how to manage my own naturally curly hair, along with the joy of styling my friends’ hair for fun throughout grade school. It was an eighth-grade career project that inspired me to turn that passion into a profession. I specialize in beautifully blended, natural-blonding and custom haircutting, whether that means creating the perfect shape for curly hair, long layers with movement for all textures, or as short as a sleek chin-length bob. My favorite part of the service is the finish, where I get to combine creativity, artistry, and vision to help my clients look and feel their absolute best.
As a lifelong dancer, visual artistry has always been close to my heart, and I love using hair as my canvas. When I’m not behind the chair, you can find me spending time with family, catching the best sunset at the Berkeley Marina, or relaxing at home. A fun fact about me is that my favorite dance move has always been a good hair flip!
Madalynn Hoskins
StYLISt
Hi, I’m Madalynn! I’ve been behind the chair for 9 years, but I’ve been obsessed with hair since high school (I was always finding someone to “practice” on). I went cosmetology on Oahu at 20 years old and quickly knew this was exactly what I was meant to do. I love working with blondes, bold creative colors, and complete transformations, but most of all, I love helping people feel their absolute best. My background in customer service taught me how important it is to make each client feel comfortable, heard, and taken care of. When I’m not at the salon, you’ll probably find me thrifting treasures, enjoying happy hour, going on long walks, or being creative through painting and cooking. Hope to see you in my chair soon!
Izzy Marsilio
Junior StYLISt
Hi my name is Izzy, I am a junior stylist at Alchemy Studio. I’ve always had an interest in hair and was begging to get my hair colored since I can remember. Once I managed to get a little streak of pink in my hair there was no turning back. I graduated from Paul Mitchell the school East Bay, in December of 2024 and have been working at Alchemy ever since. I am an aspiring color and extensions specialist, and I love helping people express themselves authentically through their hair. Outside of the salon I like going to drag shows, spending time with my pets, and doing crafts of any kind. Behind the chair I am currently offering blowouts, haircuts, keratin treatments, hand tied wefts, and k-tip extensions. Book a consultation and we’ll find which method is best suited for you and your hair goals!