My Allergy Journey

Hi! I'mAnnette.

I graduated top of my cosmetology class in 1998 expecting to have the world at my feet. I had goals and huge expectations. My career looks much different than what I had anticipated.

It's Better.

If someone would have told me 25 years later I would own an allergy friendly salon focused on clean beauty, I would have given them an epic eye roll. In 2009, chemical allergies and autoimmune disease changed my life and caused my focus to shift dramatically. I had to change the way I approached my view on beauty or leave an industry I loved.

I am passionate about teaching clients and mentoring other stylists to be beautiful without jeopardizing their health.

I spent years in the beauty industry using lots of different brands to achieve the results my clients wanted. Then one day, it all came to a screeching halt. My hands were on fire with a burning itching rash that couldn't be ignored. Before I knew it, the same rash had moved up my arms to my elbows and was even spreading along my hair line and down my back. A visit to the doctor for a dose of steroids cleared it up, but it came right back.

After consulting with an allergist and undergoing a battery of tests, my worst fears were confirmed. I had developed allergies to ingredients I was using everyday behind the chair. It was a nightmare. I was a new business owner and every single product I was using except 3 contained these ingredients or a derivative of it. It was time to make some serious changes or leave an industry I loved. I spent hours researching my allergies, finding alternatives and trying new brands that fell in line with my needs.

As I spent time at the allergist and dermatologist for treatments, I met many other patients that had similar issues to varying degrees. Through my experiences and research I have been able to help many clients meet their beauty goals without sacrificing their health in the process.

Annex has become a refuge for individuals who would not be able to visit a traditional salon environment without coming in contact with ingredients they are allergic to.

If you are a client that has experienced topical allergies or having breathing issues due to allergic asthma please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have about your upcoming service. Your safety and comfort is my top priority.