Our Staff

Amber Barriger
STYLIST

Amber brings over 20 years of experience and professional training from the Aveda Institute to her work behind the chair. She specializes in blondes, short cuts, curly textures, and adding volume — always tailoring each look to highlight her clients’ natural beauty and lifestyle. Known for her empathy and ability to truly listen, Amber creates an experience that feels both relaxing and uplifting, leaving clients confident and cared for. With a warm personality, a knack for puns, and a genuine love for connecting with people, she makes every visit feel like more than just a hair appointment. Outside of the salon, Amber enjoys spending time with her two kids and two cats, cherishing laughter, family, and life’s little joys.

Anthony Haas
OWNER

Anthony is a dedicated leader whose career spans public safety, healthcare operations, and retail management. Born in Springfield, Ohio and raised in Powell, Ohio, Anthony began his professional career as a Paramedic where his commitment to service and community quickly set him apart. His passion for helping others and improving systems led him into leadership roles, including EMS Business Director for Rural/Metro Ambulance of Central Ohio, and EMS Operations Director for Central and Southwest Ohio. In these positions, he strengthened partnerships, improved organizational performance, and helped elevate the standard of care for the communities he served. In 2016, Anthony expanded his skill set into retail management for an S&P 100 company, where he brought the same drive, operational insight, and people first approach that defined his work in public safety. His experience across multiple industries gives him a unique ability to connect with teams, lead with empathy, and optimize the customer experience. Whether in Emergency services or business operations, Anthony has built a career on Leadership, Integrity, and a genuine commitment to the people around him.

Ashton Conan
STYLIST

Graduate of West Orange High School & Orange Technical College, Ashton is well versed in the Winter Garden area. Born and raised here, she adores this community and looks forward to bringing her skills to Southern Obsession Salon! As a child, Ashton had to suffer through pixie cuts due to the lack of knowledge surrounding her naturally curly hair. She wants to be a role model to other young ladies so they don't have to be mistaken as a little boy throughout elementary school like her. Falling in love with treatments, colors, & cuts in school, she hopes to educate her clients on how to get their hair in the best shape possible. Her down-to-earth, approachable personality shines in consultations to learn the style that works for your unique self. Outside of the salon, you can see Ashton practicing gray coverage and the latest men's cuts on her father and brother. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading the latest fantasy books, and making her favorite brown butter chocolate chip recipe! "God has put me in this world to help others, and I want to give back to this community that raised me." She is currently attending school to become a certified trichologist to help those with thinning hair. She is looking forward to becoming your big sister cosmetologist!

Bethany Thompson
RECEPTIONIST

Florida has been Bethany's childhood backdrop, and her summers held a unique allure as she ventured to New York, where her aunt proudly owns a salon. Those sunny days were synonymous with soaking up the vibrant salon atmosphere, an experience she cherished wholeheartedly. Fast forward to the present, Bethany has gracefully embraced adulthood, nurtured her own family, and now, with immense enthusiasm, finds herself back in the enchanting salon environment. You'll now find her at Southern Obsession Salon, gracefully attending to her role as the receptionist, each moment echoing the joy she once relished during her summers up North.

Cintia Guedes
DIRECTOR STYLIST/OWNER

Cintia was born in Santos, Brazil, where her "Obsession" for beauty and hair artistry began at a young age. She started her journey by sweeping floors in a local salon, watching talented stylists work and absorbing everything she could. With determination, discipline, and a natural gift for styling, Cintia quickly rose through the ranks-becoming one of the standout stylists in her region of Brazil. In 2017 her life was changed when she received her Visa to move to the United States. Her bold dream: To build a new life and eventually open her own salon. Through hard work, continuous education, and a commitment to excellence, she has achieved that dream. Today, Cintia is the Owner of Southern Obsession Salon where she is known for her artistry, warm client experience, and dedication to empowering others through beauty. Her story represents resilience, Passion, and the belief that humble beginnings, and a deep faith in Christ, can lead to extraordinary success.

Lauren Blow
MASTER STYLIST

Winter Garden born and raised, Lauren is thrilled to offer her dynamic talent, creativity, and passion for styling right here in her hometown community that she loves so much. With nearly a decade of experience, Lauren excels in every facet of styling. Especially if you are looking for that fresh pop of color, you will definitely want to sit in Lauren’s chair! She specializes in dimensional color, balayage, and blonding. Lauren lives life in vibrant color and therefore sees every head of hair as a blank canvas of possibilities. She intently listens to every idea and desire and has a keen and meticulous eye for looks that will standout for each individual client. Speaking of her clients, they are the aspect Lauren finds most fulfilling about this industry. She loves connecting with people and forming relationships that go beyond the chair. Lauren enhances and enriches every client experience and can’t wait to elevate your look to the next level!

Maria Rita Della Barba Pinto
NAIL TECHNICIAN

Maria Rita is a skilled Nail Designer known for her precision, creativity, and passion for transforming nails into art. Since 2019, she has combined technique, detail, and care to deliver flawless results and an exceptional client experience. Her work reflects confidence, individuality, and the beauty of self-expression.

Paloma Neves
STYLIST/MAKEUP ARTIST

Paloma is a passionate hairdresser and makeup artist from Brazil dedicated to enhancing each client’s natural beauty. Specialized in highlights, hair coloring, straightening treatments, haircuts, and hairstyling, she combines technical expertise with creativity to deliver personalized, high-quality results. Experienced with all hair types and styles, she also creates professional makeup looks for brides, events, photoshoots, and special occasions. Paloma's goal is to provide a complete beauty experience that inspires confidence, self-esteem, and well-being.

Patti Sellars
ASSISTANT

A long-standing resident of the Orlando area, Patti's roots have firmly embraced the city for most of her life. With a degree in medical office technology from Valencia College, she embarked on a 12-year journey as a receptionist at a doctor's office in Ocoee. A hiatus from her career allowed Patti to relish precious moments with her children, yet it also highlighted her yearning for the bustling interactions of public life. Rediscovering her passion for work and connecting with people, Patti found her niche as a vital addition to the Southern Obsession family. With a serendipitous alignment of stars, Patti's arrival has seamlessly harmonized with the salon's ethos. She thrives on assisting the talented stylists and takes immense pride in curating an ambiance where clients step into the salon and feel as though they are visiting a dear friend's home.

Vanessa Martocchio
MASTER STYLIST

In the year 2000, Vanessa embarked on her journey in the world of hairstyling. Her artistic prowess encompasses a comprehensive range within the realm of hair, yet her true expertise shines through when dealing with exceptionally thin hair, thanks to her impeccable hair cutting techniques. A virtuoso in the realm of blonding, Vanessa's finesse is evident whether she's orchestrating highlights or gracefully executing balayage. Central to Vanessa's approach is a deep appreciation for active listening and thorough consultations. She places immense importance on understanding and addressing her clients' individual needs, recognizing this as the cornerstone of her success.