Experience Beauty like never before with Amara

If you're looking for a high-quality hair salon experience, Amara is the place to be. Our stylists are passionate about hair and always stay up-to-date with current trends and techniques. We have a wide range of experience levels, from fresh out of beauty school to seasoned stylists. This means that we have someone to fit each client's needs. Our mission is to make each client feel heard and understood, and to provide them with a style that enhances their natural beauty. Book with us today to see what we can do for you!

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, after that, I started adding in employees in 2018. We now currently have 16 stylists 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. Teaching everyone how to build connections, and communicate a clients desires is at the top of our training list. 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 would love to hear your recommendations! Thank you for reading a little bit about me. I look forward to seeing you at the salon!

ig: @MICHOKLANDHAIRCOACH

SHELBY PRITCHARD

Hairstylist/Mentor

Level 5

Hi! My name is Shelby Olson. My journey at Amara started when I was 13 years old sitting in Michelle's chair as a client in Huxley. When I was 18 and in nursing school Michelle convinced me to take a leap of faith and try beauty school instead with the promise to hire me if I liked it. Well, five years into working at Amara and I can honestly say I have loved every minute of being in this industry! My days are spent with the sweetest clients, stylists, and usually an assistant at my side. I love getting to work with clients and teaching at the same time! You will rarely find me without a coffee in hand while at work! In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband Cody and our two kids Stella and Roman! We are in the thick of it with our kids being just 14 months apart but we love every minute of it! 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! Thank you for taking the time to read and I hope to see you at Amara!

ig: @SHELBS.STYLES

MIKAYLA WILSON

Hairstylist/Mentor

level 5

My name is Mikayla Wilson, and I've been a licensed cosmetologist since 2017. I've been at Amara since the fall of 2019 when it was just three of us in a tiny suite! 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 Vaughn, daughters, Logan and Lainey and our dogs Rylie and Veda. 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

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. Behind the chair I stay busy doing rich beautiful brunettes, blonding, and gray coverage. I love to give a great blow out to really enhance your color appointments. I often search for new techniques for adding highlights and dimension into the hair. In my free time I like to go out with friends, shop, 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/Mentor

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. Behind the chair you can find me doing lived in luxury blonding, extensions, and keeping up with my amazing clients! I also have the opportunity to help teach by having my own assistant. I love working together to create amazing hair! When I'm not behind the chair you can catch me working out, or hanging out with friends, boyfriend, and family. I live in Ankeny and I love it! . 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!