Meet Irene Katsamakis: Salon Owner, Wife, and Mother

We had the good fortune of connecting with Irene Katsamakis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Irene, why did you pursue a creative career?
I chose to pursue an artistic and creative career because it is forever changing and it gives me the ability to flourish in an environment where you are also surrounded by the very same people such as yourself. To be artistic and creative you have passion in almost everything you see, and to have the ability to use that passion everyday in your career is truly why I pursued this path! 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career started when I chose to enter the beauty world by enrolling in Cosmetology School when I was around 16 years of age. Even though this was the road I wanted to go down I was quickly put into a management position at the same time working for a beauty retailer. It was my first job where I learned the basic foundation of running a small group of individuals and educating myself on a lower spectrum of budgets and sales. Once I knew I reached my potential where I was I moved forward to snag a job with LVMH and this is where I was able to “Spread My Wings” the company had so much to offer and I stayed with them for quite sometime. I took all my knowledge and found myself working for Tön Vangard (back into the salon life where I wanted to be). I started off as more of a consultant and made my way as owner. Tön Vangard has this amazing brand of [HAIR] [INK] [BODY] [DRINK] and so much potential and creativity, Tön Vangard is a brand of top tier stylists/artists and trendsetters who are dedicated to customer service. We believe our creativity and our ability to think outside the box is what ultimately sets us apart as a brand. If I had to answer the question “ Was it easy to get where I am today professionally?” My answer would be, it was quite a ride and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was coming to visit me in Fort Lauderdale and I wanted to show them the best time ever we would first spend a night at the W Hotel right on the beach, they have the most amazing views and accommodations and personally what I think is a true 5 star experience. We for sure would spend lot of time on the sandy beaches and soak up all that amazing sun that Fort Lauderdale has to offer. I would love for them to see all the incredible features Downtown Fort Lauderdale exhibits such as FATVillage Arts District, Las Olas and the mouth watering food hot spots like Royal Pig and Roccos Tacos! To end our perfect visit I would take it down a notch to a more nature and outdoor setting and relax and enjoy the charming state parks like Huge Taylor Birch State Park and even check out the Bonnet House Museum.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to give a lot of credit to my husband. He really has helped me spiritually and mentally throughout my whole career. He has guided me down some ruff roads and help me maneuver through some difficult storms. Even durning the good, great and better times he has a beautiful way of showing support and strength, a huge shoutout must go out to him.

Website: Www.tonvangard.net
Instagram: Tonvangardfla
Linkedin: Irenekatsamakis
Facebook: Tön Vangard USA
Yelp: Tön Vangard

Image Credits
Jessica Rodgers – Velite Trendsetter Isabella Cerone – Velite Trendsetter Stephen Coleman- Trendsetter Amy Ambrosia- Trendsetter Roxanne Steel- Trendsetter