May 15, 2017

Meet Lisa De Simone of Soma Salon and Spa Aveda in Somerville

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa De Simone.

Lisa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Working in corporate America, each day became more unfulfilled than the next. I always had a passion for the beauty/fashion industry, having a degree in fashion merchandising and working part-time as a MAC makeup artist. But I could never build the courage to pursue my passion as a career. Finally the day came when I knew I had to leave the 9 -5 corporate grind and follow my passion. It wasn’t easy as I had to start my career completely over, obtaining licensure in esthetics, and working diligently to build a loyal clientele. It was a lot of sacrifice but being in a field that I love, it never felt like work and still doesn’t until this day. I met my business partner Shawn David working together at a busy Boston Aveda salon and spa. We worked well together complementing each other’s services, him being an amazing stylist and myself in skin care. We would always discuss opening our own salon and spa together but it always seemed like too daunting of a venture. I eventually ended up opening my first Aveda salon in a suburb of Massachusetts. It was a great learning experience as I was able to hone my skills as not only an advanced skin care professional but also and most importantly, a business owner. Shawn also continued to master his stylist skill set, becoming a much sought after stylist working for hi end salons in and around Boston. I knew I always wanted to return to the Boston area and open a lifestyle Aveda salon, and when the opportunity at Assembly Row presented itself, I wasted no time in reconnecting with Shawn David to see if he had interest in partnering on this venture. The rest as it’s said is history

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As with any business, no road is ever completely smooth. Sure there have been bumps along the way but with a world class team and Aveda as our partner, we have been blessed to overcome the growing pains and continue to see our business grow.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Soma Salon and Spa Aveda – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
SoMa of Assembly Row is a lifestyle Aveda Salon and Spa. The lifestyle designation attest to our commitment and belief in the Aveda brand and philosophy which can be defined by the mission statement: “Our mission at Aveda is to care for the world we live in, from the products we make to the ways in which we give back to society. At Aveda, we strive to set an example for environmental leadership and responsibility, not just in the world of beauty, but around the world.” We implement aspects of this philosophy in our daily services and operations.

At SoMA we specialize in a truly hands on approach of delivering the gold standard of client experience. From master level hair and skin services, complimentary hand massages and stress relief treatments to all our clients, and world class customer service.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
At SoMa Assembly we are always improving our salon environment to better the client experience, with new additions/renovations including a new style bar with iPads for complimentary client use. We will also be expanding our operations to one of Boston’s hottest neighborhoods with a tentative early 2018 opening!

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