Darling and Dapper – Who even are we?

Meet the

Owner

“People needed a place to cultivate their confidence. A salon that’s good for the soul, to encourage inner beauty and a sense of self-worth that the world seems to undermine.” – Elizabeth Darling, fellow human

 

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Weddings
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Amazing Artists/Stylists
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Awesome Awards
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Years of Experience

Coastal

Virginia

Darling and Dapper Studio isn’t just a salon; it’s a haven for confidence. Founded by Elizabeth Darling, whose own journey of self-discovery led her to create a space where beauty is cultivated from within, rather than just painted on.

Growing up, Elizabeth never found her creative calling in traditional artistic pursuits. It was when she discovered the transformative power of hair and makeup that her passion ignited. Recognizing a need for a salon that went beyond superficial aesthetics, she took a leap of faith and opened Darling and Dapper Studio in 2011 (you may remember it as Behind the Veil Studio)

Here, amidst the plants and warm, cozy ambiance, a team of experts don’t just style brides for their wedding day; they empower all individuals to radiate confidence that extends far beyond the salon. With each brushstroke and hairstyling flourish, they build a canvas of inner beauty, reminding every guest that their worth shines brightest from within.

Darling and Dapper Studio is more than just a portfolio of Vogue features and celebrity collaborations (though those are pretty impressive too!). It’s a testament to the power of human connection, a space where confidence blossoms and self-love takes root.

So, whether you’re planning your dream wedding or simply seeking a day of pampering and empowerment, Darling and Dapper Studio welcomes you with open arms and a team ready to help you discover your most radiant self.

Meet our In-House Confidence Builders

Taylor Shira

Howdy, I’m Taylor!  Hailing from Texas, I have tons of experience with all the big + glam thangs, but my true specialty lies within the lived-in + low-maintenance realm. Whether you want a huge change, or want to rock a look that is entirely your own, my main goal will always be sparking your own unique confidence within yourself. I have the coolest son named Jenks who has taught me so much about neurodivergence and the need for spaces that feel safe to EVERYONE. If you have any need (at any age) for a more quiet + private or customized environment, PLEASE let us know! I offer low-stimulation geared appointments on Mondays by request. I passionately believe that everyone deserves to be heard, respected, treated with patience and celebrated every day, and that trust is the baseline foundation between artists + guests. I’m excited to meet + create magic with you!

Josè Quiroz

Meet Josè!  A multicultural visionary with Latin flair, who believes all hair is beautiful, and not just defined by race.  Hair does not have to divide us or keep anyone out of the salon because of fear or trepidation.  He prides himself in creating a safe space for all humans, all textures of hair, and everyone who wants to feel fantastic.  We are stoked to have him on our team — he specializes in fashion colors, blonding, all textures, and Japanese scalp massage.

Tina Glass

My name is Tina Glass, I’m a 30 year old spooky hairstylist who graduated from Rudy and Kelly out of Virginia Beach. I’ve been in this industry for 2 years and love everything about hair. My passion started with participating in pageants, art classes, photography, musical theater, and film work as a kid…  it just kept growing from there. I’m obsessed with doing fashion colors, blonding, special occasion styles, haircuts, and fairy hair//feathers. I look forward to being your stylist and having you in our space!

Trin Fennell

Hey! I’m Trin- (they/she) I am as passionate about people as I am about hair. With over 7 years in the industry as a bridal artist and hairstylist, everything between formal styling, textured hair, and the edgy and eclectic – it’s all met with skill and excitement.

I value self-expression, authenticity, and autonomy. On your journey to self-confidence and empowerment, I am honored to provide a helping hand through thorough consultation, personalized styling and product education, and a happy dance (see it for yourself!)

Michelle Dippo

Hairstylist with an art degree. I have such a passion for hair and art. I love to make people see the beauty in themselves and enhance what your momma gave you. I’ve been doing hair for almost 10 years and have experience with all colors, textures, and haircuts. I do love a good fashion color but I’m also a sucker for a fantastic barbering cut. I worked at a barber shop for a year and love being able to upgrade my beard services. I pride myself on being realistic for all my clients and helping them achieve their goals while maintaining healthy hair. I am an LGBTQ+ safe space and love being able to help you see your true self when you look in the mirror. Whether it be blonding services, fashion colors, color corrections, grey blending, or just a haircut, I will make sure you feel like a rockstar. 

Samantha Fleck

My passion for hair started when I was 4 years old learning how to braid on my American Girl Dolls. Throughout my life I was always doing hair and makeup for myself, my family, and my friends. I officially became a licensed cosmetologist in February of 2023 but feel as though I have spent my entire life passionate about this field. My hair mission is inclusivity and integrity. I welcome all hair textures into my chair, with my priority being hair health. Precision cutting is a true love, where I specialize in short and long haircuts, dry cutting, razor cutting and clipper cutting. I am also a blonding specialist, focusing on blended color. Vivid colors are a guilty pleasure and gray coverage is my training background. I am a certified master stylist with Bellami hair extensions and provide all extension techniques. Braiding and updos have a big piece of my heart, and I love having the privilege of helping brides and guests feel beautiful on their special day.

Meet our on site Wedding Team

Taylor Shira

Going into cosmetology school, I knew for a fact that bridal hair and makeup were going to be my focus.  Even today, as much as I love cutting, coloring, and other everyday salon services, my heart gets most excited for special event styling.  What an honor it is to be able to create that kind of magic for someone on such a huge day.  I’m a ~not so slight~ perfectionist, and I believe we have a responsibility to our brides and clients to listen, envision, empathize and create.  I’ve been told I have a sparkling personality, so you can rest assured I will be your biggest hype girl!  Boho and lived-in vibes are my favorites, but I love everything from “no makeup” makeup, to extraaa extra.  My main goal is to make you feel like your absolute best self, no matter what it takes to get there. I’m looking forward to connecting with you!  *throws confetti*

Samantha Fleck

My passion for hair started when I was 4 years old learning how to braid on my American Girl Dolls. Throughout my life I was always doing hair and makeup for myself, my family, and my friends. I officially became a licensed cosmetologist in February of 2023 but feel as though I have spent my entire life passionate about this field. My hair mission is inclusivity and integrity. I welcome all hair textures into my chair, with my priority being hair health. Precision cutting is a true love, where I specialize in short and long haircuts, dry cutting, razor cutting and clipper cutting. I am also a blonding specialist, focusing on blended color. Vivid colors are a guilty pleasure and gray coverage is my training background. I am a certified master stylist with Bellami hair extensions and provide all extension techniques. Braiding and updos have a big piece of my heart, and I love having the privilege of helping brides and guests feel beautiful on their special day.

Monica Oglesby

Hi! I’m Monica and I am the funny, motherly, salt and pepper, sassy oldster of the group.

I am a makeup artist who believes in the transformative power of makeup and loves helping clients feel confident and beautiful by ENHANCING THE BEAUTY WITHIN!

Art and makeup have always been a part of who I am, combining the two professionally has been an unexpected dream come true.

I am also a mother to an incredible daughter, son in law and a rambunctious beagle mix named Hazel. I love all things coffee, books, dogs, and peanut butter.

Markia Robinson

Hi!  I’m Markia — I have been in the wedding industry for years and decided to help people even more by going to nursing school.  I still love to pamper brides and clients in between clinical rounds and being a mom to my hilarious daughter.

Tina Glass

Hi, my name is Tina! I’m a hairstylist and makeup artist, based out of the Virginia Beach area. My love for cosmetology began when I did pageants, film work, and musical theater growing up. I specialize in cuts, color, fashion colors, blonding, fairy hair, & special occasion updos & makeup. Can’t wait to have you here with us! 

Carolina Dantas

Hi there! I’m Carolina (pronounced “Caroleena”), born and raised in Brazil, I’ve been doing makeup for 8 years. Coming from a tropical climate, I’ve perfected the art of creating long-lasting makeup that stays flawless, no matter the weather—rain, shine, or heat, and even if you shed a few tears. I truly believe that makeup is an art form that brings out your natural beauty. It’s more than just applying colors; it’s about expressing who we are. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing beautiful people leave my chair feeling confident and radiant. I’d be thrilled to help you shine in your own beautiful way. Get ready for an exceptional experience with me! 🙂

Jade Allen

Hi, I’m Jade! ♡
I decided to get into bridal artistry because I absolutely love being able to make the bride and her friends feel gorgeous on this special day! There’s nothing more rewarding than having a small part in someone’s huge day that they will remember for the rest of their lives.  I am a nurse outside of being a bridal stylist and doing this allows me to tap into my creative and artistic side. I can’t wait to meet you, have fun, and enhance your natural beauty!

Kate Morgan

Hey there, I’m Kate! 

Since cosmetology school, I have specialized exclusively in bridal styling and I absolutely adore it.  I can’t imagine doing anything else! I specialize in boho, soft texture, and romantic styles. I love the energy encompassing someone’s wedding day. It’s so special, full of love, joy, and memories and I revel in being part of that.  Being a bridal artist isn’t about transformation, it’s about invoking confidence and complimenting a bride’s inner beauty to ensure she looks and feels like her very best! That’s my favorite part! I can’t wait to meet you on your very special day <3

Trin Fennel

Hey! I’m Trin- my pronouns are they/she, and Im your local, quirky, 23 year old formal styling junkie! At 17 I started my journey at Rudy and Kelly Academy in my hometown VB. Since, my love for hair and makeup, as well as my passion for people, has grown TENFOLD.  I define my specialty as naturally occurring, free spirited styling – elevating the beauty you already possess!  I happy dance after every reveal! Come say hi!  

Elizabeth Darling

Every day I’m surrounded by inspiration and greatness – and I’m so lucky to have a team around me that supports all of my crazy ideas.  Cultivating this tiny vision into what it is today is wild, and it never would have been possible without Jeramie, my staff, or all of the clients who continue to support us.  Thank you for loving us!

Special Guests

Yesica Metcalf

Meet Yesica!  She is a native to sunny San Diego, California and was on our in house and wedding team for a little over a year.  The military had other plans for her family however, and has since moved back to California where she is rocking it out in her own salon.  However, we still have the pleasure of  being visited by her talent from time to time, and we’re so excited when she’s in town to help with weddings.  

 
“I love versatility and I am not afraid to achieve what’s best for our guests. What I love most about being in the beauty industry (est 2006) is meeting everybody in this wonderful community.  Meeting new people and hearing everyone’s stories and no matter what someone is going through seeing them leave happy and feeling better about themselves is truly inspiring to me as a cosmetologist.”    -Yesica

Sol Fagundes

Meet Sol!  We had the pleasure of having her to ourselves for years, but alas, she resides in Northern Florida now.  But we are lucky enough to have her help out on occasion, and love it when she’s in town to help pamper clients!
“My philosophy is about using makeup as a tool to enhance a woman’s natural beauty.  That doesn’t; mean no makeup, it means makeup that is tailored to your unique style and features.”
 -Sol