Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Liokareas.
Hi Jessica , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started doing hair in 2001 after attending Pittsburgh Beauty Academy and quickly fell in love with the industry. Over the years, I worked at several salons throughout Pittsburgh, where I gained experience, built a loyal clientele, and grew both personally and professionally.
I’m also a mom of four, and after having my third child, I decided to create a salon at home. It gave me the flexibility to be present for my family while continuing to build my career and do something I truly loved.
In May 2025, I took another leap and opened Amber + Ash Salon, my own independent suite in the South Hills. I wanted to create a space that felt personal, calm, and intentional, where I could give each client an experience that felt completely their own.
My newest adventure is my biggest yet. I recently purchased a historic building in Upper St. Clair that I’m transforming into Boyce Station Collective. My vision is to create a thoughtfully curated space that brings together beauty and wellness professionals, a coffee shop, creative spaces, and a rental space for small events, workshops, and gatherings.
After more than two decades behind the chair, this next chapter feels like a natural evolution of everything I’ve built along the way. I want Boyce Station Collective to be a place where small businesses can grow, people can connect, and the community genuinely wants to spend time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Like any business, there have been challenges, but each one has taught me something and has made me stronger.
Balancing my career with being a mom of four has been one of the biggest challenges. There have been seasons where I felt stretched in every direction, trying to be the best mom, wife, and business owner while still showing up for my clients. It wasn’t always easy, but it taught me how to be more intentional with my time, set boundaries, and focus on what really matters.
Starting my own salon, first at home and then opening Amber + Ash, came with a lot of learning curves. Managing everything on my own, the financial side, marketing, and building my brand and clientele was overwhelming at times. There were moments of doubt, but I kept pushing forward and stayed focused on the bigger picture.
Now, with Boyce Station Collective, the challenges are on a whole new level. Taking on a historic building, navigating the purchase, zoning, permits, renovations, and managing all the moving parts can be a lot. But I’m so grateful to have an incredible support system. My husband has been by my side through it all. He’s my biggest supporter and is also the contractor, bringing the vision to life with his hard work and dedication. My dad, with his years of experience in plumbing, has been invaluable, offering guidance and advice along the way. Their help, knowledge, and encouragement give me the confidence to keep going and will definitely help lead me toward my goals.
Through every challenge, I try to stay grounded in my faith, lean on my family, and remember why I’m doing this, for my four kids, my clients, and to create something meaningful for our community.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve been a hairstylist for over 20 years, and I specialize in color and extensions, but what I’m most passionate about is the entire experience I create for my clients. I want women to leave my chair feeling beautiful, confident, relaxed, and genuinely taken care of.
When you come into Amber + Ash, your appointment is completely personalized. Before your visit, I use a client form that allows you to customize your experience. I offer drinks and snacks, can set up a workspace if you need to work during a longer appointment, and create a relaxing shampoo experience with a scalp massage. I want my clients to feel like they can settle in, relax, and know that everything is being taken care of.
What sets me apart is that I don’t want an appointment with me to feel like just another quick hair appointment you could get anywhere. I pay attention to the little details and try to create a luxury experience that still feels comfortable, personal, and welcoming.
After more than two decades in this industry, I’m proud that I still genuinely love what I do. Hair is the service, but making women feel cared for and beautiful is the part I love most.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I think the quality that has been most important to my success is my willingness to keep growing and evolving. I’ve never been afraid to learn something new, change direction, or take a chance when I feel called to something bigger.
At the same time, I’ve always believed that how you make people feel matters. Whether it’s a client sitting in my chair, another business owner I’m working with, or someone in my community, I genuinely care about creating an experience where people feel comfortable, valued, and supported.
I’m also very determined. When I have a vision, I’m willing to put in the work to figure out how to make it happen, even when I don’t have all the answers in the beginning. I think that combination of connection, determination, and always being willing to grow has gotten me to where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Jessicalio.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: Amberash_studio and boycestationcollective
- Facebook: Amberash_studio
- Other: Hey link me.com/AmberAshStudio
