We are so happy you landed upon our website and are taking the time to get to know us before you book your appointment! We are eager to meet you and get our hands in YOUR hair! Please scroll through our instagram's to get to know us and our work better! Book online right here or text us with questions at 515-305-3416.

One of our missions at Amara is to raise up the next generation of hairstylists in a better way than we were ever taught. Our training includes technique, business, and customer service all in one. If you book with a level 1 or 2 stylist, you can expect them to be newer to the industry. We take great care in our training process and are confident in their skills on the floor.

Level 4 and up stylists almost always work with an assistant. The way we do this is your level 4+ hairstylist will do your consultation, haircut, and color. After that their assistant will wash, (maybe) tone, blow dry, style, and check you out! It's an amazing way for our assistants to learn the tricks of the trade, build client relationships, and gives our high level stylists opportunities to teach and grow themselves as well. We aim for every Amara stylist to have the perfect work/life balance so that they can continue being a hairstylist for their whole career while avoiding common injuries and burn out that are so prevalent in our industry.

MICHELLE OKLAND

Owner

My name is Michelle Okland. I started Amara in 2017 with a passion to create a welcoming salon with the best guest experience! I have done a little bit of everything in the industry. I worked as a commission based employee for five years, then a single suite owner for two years, then I started adding in employees in 2018 and the outlook for 2022/2023 is to have 12-15 employees at Amara. As an owner and boss I am passionate about raising up the next generation of hairstylists. I want my staff to be confident enough to stand on their own someday or fulfilled enough to be a part of a team! There are so many benefits to both! Business training is just as important for our staff as hair training. Outside of the salon you can find me at home with my husband, Josh and our two kids, Kingsley and Elin. We call our kids the sour patch kids because one is always sweet and the other is always sour. We just never know who will pick which role everyday! My parents live in Ankeny and I love to spend time with my family as well. I’m obsessed with reading and trying new restaurants and I love to hear your recommendations! Thank you for reading a little bit about me. I look forward to seeing you at the salon!

ig: @MICHOKLANDHAIR

MIKAYLA WILSON

Hairstylist

level 5

My name is Mikayla Wilson, and I've been a licensed cosmetologist since 2017. I absolutely love my career, and I love coloring hair the most. Especially adding beautiful dimension with a balayage or highlight. Whether it's going lighter or darker, I'm your girl! If someone asked me to describe myself, I'd definitely say I'm passionate, a go-getter, and class clown. I like to make things fun for everyone! When I'm not working, I enjoy my time with my husband, daughters, Logan and Lainey and our pooch, Rylie. If I hear a catchy tune, you bet I'm shakin' my booty along to the beat!

"Mikayla is great at what she does. Truly and artist. It's wonderful to find someone you trust with your hair. Go see her! Let Mikayla be the person you trust with your hair." -Wynde P.

ig: @HAIRBY.MIKAYLAWILSON

SHELBY PRITCHARD

Hairstylist

Level 5

Hi! My name is Shelby Pritchard. I started working at Amara in December of 2018. Once I started working I quickly discovered my passion for blonde hair and rooted looks. You will rarely find me without a coffee in hand! In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and cat Mabel. I also enjoy listening to podcasts, more specifically anything true crime related! My absolute favorite places to shop are Urban Outfitters, Vicidolls, and of course...Target! This year I would love to get my hands in more blonde hair and really build my color clientele. Thank you for taking the time to read and I hope to see you at Amara!

www.shelbypritchardhair.com

PIPER JOHNSON

Hairstylist

level 4

Hi! My name is Piper and I'm so excited to introduce myself and have the opportunity to get to know you as well! Growing up I was a tomboy so my choice of career may seem surprising to those who knew me when I was young! However, I can assure you, I love all things beauty, hair, and fashion. As the token brunette in a salon full of blondes I do tons of rich beautiful brunettes and love to style long hair. Especially if I have time to throw a braid in too! I am passionate about the art of foiling and often search for new techniques for adding highlights and dimension into the hair. In my free time I like to go out with my boyfriend and friends, cook food, and hang out with my family. As one of six siblings there's always somewhere to be or something to do! I hope to see you in my chair soon!

ig: @PIPERJOHNSONXHAIR

ADDI MOORE

Hairstylist

level 4

My name is Addi Moore. I was born and raised in State Center, IA where my parents, sister, and brother still live. I am the oldest child and with that comes my OCD and love for organization and all things beautiful. When I'm not behind the chair you can catch me at the salon organizing the backbar and making videos, working out, or hanging out with friends and family. I just moved to my first apartment in Ankeny with my best friend and so far I love it! On my days behind the chair I love to focus on blondes, lived in colors, extensions and brondes. I'm looking forward to continuing to build my clientele at Amara and meeting new people everyday! I look forward to learning more about YOU and creating the best color and style for you!