Celebrity, This issue

Q&A with Ken Paves

1. What attracted you to Delray Beach and ElevenSpa?

I love that the Palm Beaches have a year-round community that attracts beautiful, stylish, happy people from all over the world. I am very excited about this great opportunity to bring my brand to the heart of South Florida. I also saw great similarity in the vision I have for my brand and what ELEVEN is creating. The decision was very simple. Delray Beach is a great destination and a perfect fit!

2. How did the collaboration for the new salon come about?

Nikki Oden and I were introduced to each other by a mutual friend. Sparks flew from the moment we met! Nikki and I share the same philosophy; it’s not only about making our clients look great it’s about making them feel amazing! I am so pleased to now offer the services of my top stylists and myself to those living in the area and those visiting ElevenSpa in South Florida, as well at their new location in Las Vegas!

3. I know that you started out many years ago at Oribe in Miami. Have you always had an affinity for the South Florida area?

When I began working with Oribe in Miami, I fell in love with the turquoise ocean and amazing weather of South Florida. I always knew I’d one day come back to this area and open a salon.

4. When did you know that styling was the career you wanted to pursue?

I grew up in Michigan with my father working seven days a week in the auto industry. My mom worked part-time jobs and raised three boys. I would sit outside of my mom’s bathroom as a “spectator” whenever she would do her hair and make up for special functions or holiday parties. I was in awe at how these rare moments of self made her feel. My mom is my muse and has also appeared in the media with me. When my father retired from the auto industry after 32 years, he made me promise him I would choose a job that I would love to do after 32 years. It has been 14 years and I still love it. I love to help women to recognize their own beauty and to feel confident about themselves. To me, that is the essence of beauty.

5. Tell me a little about the experience you want the customers of your salon at ElevenSpa to enjoy.

I want each client to leave my salon feeling beautiful and confident about how she looks. I am a very hands-on stylist, and I believe when I work with women they really feel that I am there for them, 100 percent about them and that my sole goal is to make them feel gorgeous which in return resonates as their unique outward beauty.

6. HairUwear has obviously been very successful. Do you have any future projects you can share with our readers?

I recently launched a new hair care collection called Ken Paves Healthy Hair. The line consists of Boost Up Color Drops (which are like color cosmetics for the hair), Shampoo, Conditioner, Curl Balm, Shine Serum, Volumizing Spray and a Strong Hold Shaping Spray. Each product in the line is designed to promote strong, nourished hair. Also, the entire line is paraben free, safe for colored or chemically treated hair and gentle enough to use every day. It was very important to me that I create cleaning and styling products that were of the best quality, beautifully scented and without harsh chemicals.

7. What is one of the past hair trends that you were glad to see go?

I can think of two off the top of my head no pun intended! The eighties perms were a horror of crunchy, over-processed frizz that obscured the beauty of healthy hair and made everyone look exactly the same. And I certainly don’t miss those straight-up, teased bangs. I think they were called “The Pump.” No one was flattered by that look, and again, it made the hair look damaged and unhealthy. Not a good look!

8. What current trend are you really into?

The current and timeless trend is individuality. Women are wearing hairstyles that flatter them, not just hairstyles that celebrities are wearing. Wearing a style that is specifically designed to flatter your own features, hair texture and lifestyle is what makes a woman feel confident when she looks in the mirror. That’s when she feels most beautiful.

9. What’s the most important hair tip or advice you could give someone?

The way we present ourselves tells the world a lot about us. Never tell the world you want to look like everyone else. Define a sense of beauty true to yourself, and change your hair as often as you change your mind! It should always be fun and playful.

10. Do you have any future plans for any more Ken Paves salons in Florida?

We are always open to new opportunities and looking for innovative ideas so you’ll just have to wait and see what comes next!