Get to Know Luxelab Salon in Santa Monica, CA

Cheryl Gibson, Orlando Ortega and their salon Luxelab
Beauty Launchpad is spotlighting the winners of its Top 20 Salons contest, sponsored by Wella Professionals. Here, Orlando Ortega and Cheryl Gibson welcome us to Luxelab Salon in Santa Monica, CA.
Courtesy of Luxelab Salon

Beauty Launchpad is spotlighting the winners of its Top 20 Salons contest for 2025! Sponsored by Wella Professionals, this contest spotlights innovative and unique salons that go above and beyond to provide stellar experiences for their clients and opportunities for growth for their hair pros.

Here, Orlando Ortega and Cheryl Gibson (@orlandoitis @cherylgibsonrivas) welcome us to Luxelab Salon in Santa Monica, CA, established in 2002. 

Q&A with Salon Owners 

Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is the backstory of your salon? What motivated you to start your business?

Cheryl Gibson (CG): Luxelab began in 2002 with Jason Lara and David Abrams at the helm. Our company quickly grew to multiple locations. We have since dialed back to one location, our first location. Orlando and I have been managing the company’s other locations and have come back home to take over the business. 

Luxelab shampoo bowl area and salon interiorLuxelab shampoo bowl area and salon interiorCourtesy of Luxelab SalonBLP: What is the overall aesthetic of your salon? What inspired you when designing the space?

CG: Our salon is a clean and modern minimalist space. We will be going through a revitalization of Luxelab soon.

BLP: What services do you provide your clients? Are any of these services signature and/or exclusive to your salon?

CG: At Luxelab, we cater to all your hair care needs. Every stylist on our team specializes in both cutting and coloring. As an inclusive space, we’re here to ensure everyone feels welcome and cared for.

BLP: What products are used/retailed in your salon? Do you have a personal favorite?

CG: Oribe, Shu Uemura, Kerastase, Mizani, L’Oréal Professional, Epres, K18, T3, Ibiza and Ergo.

BLP: What makes your salon unique and stand out?

CG: Our salon stands out because of our unique philosophy and purpose. We are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive environment for a diverse community of creatives. Education is at the heart of what we do, with a program designed to help the next generation learn and excel at the highest level. Collaboration is key—we work closely with our team to ensure we’re always progressing together, aligned in vision and purpose. This shared mindset builds a strong, unified core, proving that when we move forward as one, we can achieve extraordinary things. Luxelab salon chairsLuxelab salon chairsCourtesy of Luxelab Salon

BLP: What takeaway do you hope clients have after a visit at your salon?

CG: Above all, we hope our clients leave feeling beautiful, re-energized and ready to conquer the world. With the right cut and color, we believe anything is possible!

BLP: What piece of advice would you give to a new salon owner?

CG: Culture is everything. Focus on creating an environment where your team feels safe, supported and free to express their creativity. Prioritizing a positive and inclusive space builds the foundation for success—financial growth will naturally follow.

BLP: What changes do you want to see in the industry to help salon owners and hairstylists working in salons grow and thrive?

CG: We believe more time and effort should be dedicated to supporting the next generation of young stylists entering our industry. With recent changes in licensing and education, it’s essential to foster a more positive and encouraging environment for new talent to thrive and grow. This truly needs to include a career development path, where they can grow and become as successful as their mentors.

BLP: What’s next for your salon? Do you have any goals for 2025?

CG: We’re excited to announce the reinvention of Luxelab! Our space is undergoing a complete transformation, blending innovative design with enhanced functionality. The new look will not only reflect the creativity and talent of our team but also elevate the experience for our clients, engaging all the senses in an inspiring way.

Follow the Salon 

Website: luxelab.com

Instagram: @luxelab

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