Stylists
Meet the owners
Alchemy Studio was founded by Alyssa Wade, Sonia Luque and Margaret Alper. Three best friends that understood that a happy and healthy work environment was crucial to community wellness. So we did what any group of friends does- we had some wine and day dreamed about what our salon would one day look like - if we ever opened one.
Fast forward a year later, the stars aligned and a studio became available. Margaret and Sonia tend to keep their toes on the edge and take a little time to jump- but lucky for us, we have our fearless Alyssa to grab our hands and make the leap. Our dynamic just works like that. Sonia, a perfectionist with an amazing eye for detail is our aesthetic coordinator - whether she’s picking out décor, or helping you pick out an outfit, she’s always making sure we look our best. Alyssa is our number crunching guru - she’s the first to tell us that yes indeed we can expand, even if it feels scary! As for Margaret, she will forever be initiating feeling check ins, trying to fix plumbing on her own or making sure we hug at the end of business meetings.
Our commitment to each other and to building a business that allows us to all live out our dream has been nothing short of extraordinary. We are so grateful to be able to share this journey with our co stylists and clients.
Alyssa WADE
CO-FOUNDER
I was born and raised in the East Bay, and have been a hairstylist for almost 18 years. From the first day of cosmetology school, I was lucky enough to know this would be my forever career. I’m often overcome with gratitude that I get to do something so creative and connective every day; bringing joy to others and helping them see their beauty is such a privilege. I enjoy coloring and cutting all hair types, but I have a special place in my heart for blondes, as well as hair extensions. I’m also always up for a challenge, so corrective color and big projects are welcomed!
When I’m not in the salon, you can catch me volunteering as a charitable cheerleader for Cheer San Francisco as a member of their stunt team. I also enjoy weightlifting, baking sourdough, and spending time with my little family (Brandon, Oliver, Ben, and Pretzel).
I work behind the chair every week Tuesday through Saturday. I look forward to meeting you, and helping make your hair dreams a reality!
Margaret Alper
Co-founder
Margaret here! I am an East Coast transplant and from my first day in Oakland, I felt like I finally fit in. Similarly to finding my calling as a hairstylist! I am a caretaker first, artist second-my work allows me to show up authentically me! The most rewarding part of my job is making connections with people. My hope is that when you sit in my chair, you feel seen, heard and taken care of. I love to see my people happy and I am a firm believer that having your hair done can completely change the way you feel.
I am most passionate about balayage and redheads, they really light my fire! When I’m not in the studio, you’ll find me day dreaming, convincing someone to try and run a marathon, planning a family vacation or taking my puppy on an adventure!
Sonia Luque
Co-founder
Hey there, I'm Sonia also known as the "aesthetics coordinator" of Alchemy Studio-as I have an eye for style and detail. I have a passion for travel and always find inspiration for hair and fashion on my trips. I love to create beachy effortless balayage, dimensional color for blondes and brunettes and short haircuts anywhere from a bob to a pixie. When I'm not at the salon, you can find me at Orangetheory Fitness or training for half marathons! It's true, I drank the kool-aid!
Unlike the others, I went to Cosmetology School later in life. I was 28 years old when I decided to switch up my career path. Now 16 years in the industry working on the East Coast and West Coast, I've found my home here in the Bay. I feel so fortunate to work with a group of women who inspire and support one another in a beautiful space doing beautiful hair!
Heather Jassem
SENIOR Stylist
I have been in the hair industry for over 20 years and have spent countless hours achieving advanced certifications in all aspects of hair color and balayage. A large portion of my career was spent as an educator for L'Orèal Professionel inspiring other stylists. I’m now focused on working behind the chair making my clients feel beautiful and achieving their perfect look. I’m continuously inspired by the beautiful hair I see fellow stylist do as well as the amazing style you can see all over the Bay Area.
When I’m not behind the chair at Alchemy Studio I love to travel the world, spend time with my family, go on nature walks with my dog Merritt and laugh with my friends.
Alex Orcutt
StYLISt
Hi, I’m Alex! I’m an Oakland native, born and raised on the beautiful Piedmont Avenue. My love for hair started at a young age—I’d spend hours watching hair tutorials, captivated by the artistry and transformation of color. I love everything from blonding and balayage to bold, statement-making color and I thrive on big color projects and corrective work. Color is my true passion, I’m equally enthusiastic about extensions, which allow me to bring even more creativity to every look.
Creativity fuels me in every form. I’ve been an artist my entire life, expressing myself through painting, drawing, and a love for tattoos, makeup, and live music. Cooking and baking are also among my favorite ways to unleash my creativity and enjoy life outside of the salon. For me, hair isn’t just a job—it’s my passion, and it brings me pure happiness.
Angel McCoy
Senior StYLISt
My name is Angel. I’m a Cali girl all the way and I’ve been a licensed cosmetologist since 2010. My inspiration for hair all started with the difficulty of my own naturally curly hair and playing with all my friends hair for fun in grade school. Until an 8th grade research project, fully persuaded me to make this a career. Being able to use my creativity and vision to make someone else look and feel beautiful is what it’s all about for me. I specialize in beautifully blended natural blonding and c custom haircutting, whether I’m creating a rounded shape for my natural curly girls or creating long layers with flow and movement or a sleek chin length bob. My favorite of all is event hair styling for any special occasion. I hold visual artistry close to my heart being a dancer all my life and being able to use hair as my canvas is what inspires me the most. My personal favorite go-to hairstyle to wear is messy textured beach waves or a sleek low bun. Fun fact, my favorite dance move is a good hair-flip!