Handcrafted
Confidence
“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.” – Liz Darling
Coastal
Virginia
I didn’t grow up playing with my mom’s makeup. I never paid much attention to my hair in high school. I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. I was drawn to art based, creative outlets — culinary, photography, writing — but none of them were truly satisfying. It finally occurred to me that I was working with the wrong medium. I needed people and a chance to relish the thing I’d misplaced for years: Confidence. The opportunity to open a salon fell into my lap… aggressively. I simply could not turn it down. I knew there was an unaddressed demand for more than just a salon, more than just a place to get your makeup done, but a place of passion and talent, and above all; warmth. 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. I knew (without really knowing) that I could fulfill that need. So I took the proverbial leap of faith and decided to figure it out on the way down. It’s a beautiful thing when career and passion coalesce. Even more so when you’re blissfully unaware until you wake up one day completely in love with what you do, and who you’ve become because of it.
Owning and running this company has taught me more than I had ever thought possible. I’ve learned from and worked with some of the top names in the industry: From David Tutera, Dina Ousley, and John Paul DeJoria, just to name a few. I’ve even been fortunate enough to have my work featured in Vogue, the Louve, and on a billboard in Times Square. These are perks to an already fantastic dream come true. These ultimate lessons in confidence, however, originate from my clients. Initially, I intended to help people discover their beauty, to use hair and makeup as tools to handcraft confidence… but in doing so, every client I’ve had the privilege to know has become a part of me and has repaid their experience tremendously. I would not be who I am today without those who continued to support me, my company, and my passion.
-Liz Darling, Founder
Taylor Shira
Hiii! My name is Taylor!
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*
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.
Chelsey Garcia
Hello, I’m Chelsey! My family and I have just moved to the area because of the US Navy. We love being active and outdoors. You can meet us out camping often! Through the years I have wanted to be able to help people while still being able to use my creativity. Cosmetology finally lets me do that by turning clients’ beauty desires into reality! Seeing my client’s face and confidence light up is the best satisfaction of what I do. From clippers,
scissors, hair color or extensions can make your dreams come true!
Trin Fennell
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!
Krysta Phoumiphat
Hi everyone! I’m Krysta — I started off in the air force, but as it turns out, I’m meant for far prettier things. After immersing myself in my passion for beauty again, I began to consider a career in the beauty industry and it was the best decision I ever made. I cried almost every day during the first month of school because I was so happy. I was ecstatic because I was encouraged to be creative, and was surrounded by like-minded individuals every day. Although it has had its challenges, I have never been so happy.
I still cannot believe that this is my career field and am excited to show you my art! I specialize in balayage, cutting, makeup, and just generally making people feel amazing. I have had fantastic clients and opportunities, and I am striving to reach my dream of being a celebrity hairstylist and makeup artist. I love working at Darling and Dapper and I hope to see you soon!
Ann Espriella
HI! My name is Ann! I am currently in the apprenticeship program at Darling and Dapper. I love creating art through makeup and hairstyling. My goal is to make sure that anyone who sits in my chair feels comfortable, beautiful, and as special as they truly are! When I’m not doing hair or makeup you will see me chasing around my three-year-old daughter, traveling with my family, or perfecting my craft and technique.
Beca McKay
Hey! My name is Beca.
I’ve been a hair stylist since 2010. I’m a Virgo so I like things to be just right and, of course, aesthetically pleasing. Dry texture cutting with a razor and accentuating with dimensional, super flattering hair color are some of my favorite things to do behind the chair.
I also love drinking coffee with my cat, Carrie, painting and drawing, going on adventures, and watching spooky movies.
Amber Stawson
Hi! I’m Amber.
I’ve been with Darling & Dapper since 2014 and absolutely love the amazing culture that’s been created here. When a client sits in my chair I want them to feel comfortable, special, and heard.
I pride myself in always taking the extra time for detail & balance with my work, while also keeping it realistic to the client’s lifestyle.
Travel & experiencing new people & places are at the top of my list in life.
Oh, and my animals are my sweet angels, so talking about your fur babies is always a must with me.
Taylor Matthews
I’ve been a hair stylist for 8 years now and I love my job, especially my guests! I specialize in custom blonding. From strong contrast to beachy blondes, I love creating the illusion that the sun is always hitting the right spots of the hair! I am also certified in advanced coloring with Eufora Color. If being blonde isn’t your thing, we can also customize the perfect color for you!
Sarah Cowell
Hi! Im Sarah, and I promise to never manipulate your face or my work.
I will never use Face Tune or any other dishonest tool, commonly used in the industry. Ever. You are enough. I want you to see yourself unfiltered.
I love sparkle, drama, smokey eyes, but… they are accessories, NOT masks.
I will fight the beauty standards which say every fine line must be finer; every roll or pore must be smaller; every curve must look bought. I love enhancing but it has to be true.
Anna Koons
I’m born and raised here in Hampton Roads. I lived in Norfolk until I moved to Vb in 2020. These days I spend most of my time home with my kids who are 12, 8, 2, and 1, so if anyone wants to come over with coffee that would be great! I love traveling, and fishing with my husband although I don’t get to do it as often as I’d like these days. I enjoy summertime, cooking, music, reading, and foooooood.
I especially love connecting with people, which is why I enjoy doing makeup so much. Meeting new people and learning even just a snippet of their stories gives me life. See you around!!
Monica Oglesby
Hey! I’m a single and sassy one with an incredible daughter and a rambunctious beagle mix. Art and makeup have always been a big part of who I am but combining the two professionally has been an unexpected dream come true! I Love all things coffee, books, dogs, and peanut butter.
Mimi Cesa
Hi there! I’m Mimi! I’m a Colorado native who moved here with my husband and two fur babies back in early 2020! Whether you find me behind the front desk as the salon manager or traveling to do hair and makeup with the wedding team I’m always living the dream with a smile on my face and enough caffeine in my system to power a small city. It’s my goal to make you feel like the best version of you. Soft glam and big boho buns are my favorite, but I’m never afraid to step out of the box to help create your beauty goals whatever they may be! If I’m not in the salon you can usually find me with my nose in a book or curled up enjoying the newest true crime documentary! I can’t wait to meet you!
Danielle Cramer
I’m Danielle and I’ve been a VB local my entire life. I have a beautiful daughter who is my everything. I was previously a dog groomer for 10 years before I switched to cosmetology, I loved it but it wasn’t my passion. I watched my stepmother, a hairstylist with 30 years under her belt, have the life I always dreamed of and I decided to follow in her footsteps and enroll in school, and I haven’t looked back since! I quickly found my home in another salon in Chesapeake, but I never thought I’d find two! I joined the Darling and Dapper wedding team and I have found the best mentors and coworkers, and I couldn’t be happier!
Alessandra DelFreo
Hey ya’ll! My name is Alessandra. I’ve been an esthetician for 9 years and a massage therapist for 8. I’ve worked in so many different settings from Chiropractic to a medical spa. I’m originally from Pennsylvania, but the Marine Corps brought me here to The Beach. I love the time I spend in the treatment room with my clients, helping them feel better and bringing out their natural beauty.
When I am not working, I love spending time with my fiancé Matt, our 3 children Braylon, Vincent, and Makenna, and our 2 crazy dogs Chance and Indie. In my free time, you can find me with my nose buried in a book at the beach or on my SUP, planning my wedding, or trying to keep my plants alive. I’m so excited to be joining Liz and the Darling & Dapper team and I can’t wait to meet all of you!
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!
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.
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.
Hayden Muller
We have the pleasure to introduce Hayden — a salon owner from Richmond! He guest spotlights with us every couple of weeks, and we are honored he chose us to grow with.