Our Staff

Ashley Enriquez
SENIOR STYLIST

Say hello to Ashley, the Hair Picasso with a splash of humor! Graduated in 2017 with education from Paul Mitchell The School of Orlando. Her specialties include lived in color, balayage, babylights, foilayage, grey blending, long layers, textured and curly cuts. And when she's not turning manes into works of art, you'll find her cruising the waves on a boat, with her little co-captain, her adorable young son

Ashley Marie Morgan
STYLIST

Hailing from the Sunshine State of Florida, Ashley Marie proudly earned her hairstyling credentials from the esteemed Aveda Institute in 2019. With an unwavering zeal for the art of hair, Ashley Marie's heart truly belongs to the world of color transformations. Whether it's the grace of balayage, the brilliance of full highlights, or even the vibrant spectrum of a rainbow, Ashley Marie stands ready to make your hair dreams a reality. Notably, Ashley Marie boasts a wealth of experience in the realm of customer service, a skillset that complements her hairstyling prowess. Attentive and receptive, she takes special care to heed her clients' desires and aspirations. Infused with a contagious exuberance, Ashley Marie's effervescent nature ensures that every client departs adorned with a smile, basking in her positive and radiant aura.

Aubrey Downes
SENIOR STYLIST/BARBER

Aubrey Downes, a true Floridian hailing from Fort Myers, possesses a dual license in both cosmetology and barbering, setting her apart as a versatile expert. With an impressive 15 years of hands-on experience, she is equally skilled in catering to the hairstyling needs of both men and women. Aubrey approaches her craft with an artist's sensibility, viewing each client's hair as a canvas for a beautiful masterpiece. Aubrey's commitment to her guests is unwavering; she attentively listens to their desires and concerns, ensuring that their contentment remains her foremost goal. Every individual who departs from Aubrey's chair does so adorned with a unique work of art, a testament to her dedication. Her mastery as a licensed barber shines through in her precision with men's grooming. Whether it's a meticulous skin fade or a timeless business cut, Aubrey expertly sculpts hair into the perfect form. Her approach is marked by balance, never excessive in her trimming and never reliant on excessive gels and products. As a distinguished gentleman's barber, Aubrey consistently delivers a flawlessly tailored haircut, complemented by a straight razor neck shave and a soothing scalp-massage shampoo, rounding out the experience. Aubrey is a trailblazer in the revitalization of the traditional straight razor shave, having perfected the classic technique while infusing it with her own distinctive touches. Employing tea tree moisturizers, shave gels, and employing two hot towels and fresh blades, she administers a thorough double-shave that culminates in a refreshing cold towel application to seal the pores, leaving the skin revitalized and nourished. Her expertise extends to beard detailing, razor line-ups, and creative designs, offering a comprehensive suite of grooming services.

Bethany Rumsey
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.

Brandie Brick
SENIOR STYLIST

Brandie's journey in cosmetology began 28 years ago with a distinguished education at the renowned Toni & Guy Academy in Carrolton, Texas. Her remarkable talents paved the way for a coveted role at their Arlington, Texas location, where she honed her skills. Seeking further growth, she embraced a position at Dallas' premier Aveda concept salon, broadening her skill set. Brandie's repertoire extends beyond conventional hairstyling – she possesses a unique proficiency in assisting women grappling with medical hair loss, excelling in human hair wig care and styling. Her finesse lies in the art of precision cuts, specializing in Bob cuts and crafting captivating Bombshell Brunettes. Notably, she holds the distinction of being a certified K18 stylist, a testament to her commitment to staying at the forefront of industry innovations. She stands as a true veteran in her field. Outside her role as a stylist, she embraces the roles of a loving wife, dog mom and grandmother. Beyond that, she indulges in her passions for culinary arts, home decoration, and nurturing her garden oasis. Central to Brandie's passion is the ability to unveil the inherent beauty within each individual. This driving force propels her in her journey as a stylist, making her a beacon of transformation and confidence.

Haley Rushing
SENIOR STYLIST/OWNER

Co-owning SOS represents the realization of Haley's lifelong aspiration to establish her own enterprise in the very town that witnessed her birth and upbringing. Haley's unbridled ardor for crafting beauty has propelled her to the forefront as a sought-after stylist, revered not only in Winter Garden but also across the neighboring localities. Her prowess shines particularly in fashioning bombshell blondes, while her expertise traverses every facet of color artistry, trendy cuts, and captivating styles. Haley's commitment to growth remains unwavering, as she continually immerses herself in ongoing education to ensure her clients benefit from the latest and most exceptional techniques. For her, the bond with her clients transcends transactional ties – it's a cornerstone of her professional ethos. What may begin as a client-stylist interaction inevitably culminates in warm embraces and radiant smiles, a testament to the heartfelt rapport she cultivates. Her styling chair becomes a portal to Haley's profound passion for her craft. Seated there, one can unmistakably perceive the fire that fuels her dedication and innovation.

Jennifer Caraway Ballard
SENIOR STYLIST

Jennifer is a true product of West Orange County, where southern hospitality is ingrained in her very essence. Her educational journey commenced at the Hair Design Institute in Central Florida, and since then, she has embarked on an unceasing exploration of the latest trends and techniques. For the past 11 years, her passion has revolved around the art of crafting your desired color, ranging from the impeccable nuances of blond to the fiery allure of red. Her mastery extends to both subtle and striking highlights, as well as the art of delivering sleek and velvety keratin treatments. Of course, a flawless cut is part and parcel of her skill set. What truly sets Jennifer apart is her unwavering focus on customer service. This commitment is manifest in her comprehensive consultations, where she delves deep to truly understand your vision. Her dedication is further evidenced by her relentless pursuit of exceeding client expectations, cementing her reputation as an exceptional stylist.

Kelly Hite
OWNER

Bringing a wealth of 38 years in business administration and marketing, Kelly assumes a pivotal role as one of the proprietors at Southern Obsession. Her journey commenced as a receptionist in one of the pioneering walk-in clinics in the Orlando area, which eventually paved the path for her to establish the Pine Castle Walk-in Clinic. Over the span of 18 rewarding years, Kelly nurtured and guided the clinic before eventually passing on the torch. Impressed by her niece's undeniable talent, Kelly's journey took another turn as she joined forces with her co-owner. Her astute business acumen, often referred to as a "head for business," has played a pivotal role in elevating the salon's profile, capturing the admiration of numerous local residents. Kelly attributes the salon's success to the remarkable stylists she affectionately refers to as her SOS family, underscoring the collective effort that has driven Southern Obsession to its remarkable stature.

Kim Gonzalez
SENIOR STYLIST

Winter Garden is not just Kim's hometown – it's the backdrop to her more than three-decade-long career in the hair industry. With a wealth of experience under her belt, Kim has honed her craft to specialize in the realms of color and highlighting. Beyond her technical expertise, Kim takes immense pleasure in establishing a genuine rapport with her clients, creating an environment of comfort and ease in her styling chair. Her passion for her profession radiates through her work, as evident in the meticulous artistry she bestows upon every client. Kim's enduring commitment to her loyal clientele further cements her as a pillar of support in their beauty journeys.

Lauren Blow
SENIOR 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!

Lauren Andrews
STYLIST

In my role as your hairstylist and enthusiastic supporter, my aim during every appointment is to bestow upon you not just gorgeous and vibrant hair, but also to foster a genuine human connection. Our time together is an opportunity for real conversations, shared laughter, and authentic interactions. Whether you're seeking a unique and personalized color, a stylish and contemporary cut, the luxurious silkiness of a Keratin treatment, or the excitement of adding length and volume through tailor-made hair extensions, I am eager to craft these meaningful moments with you.

Marian Phillips
STYLIST

Marian's enduring dedication to helping others has been a defining trait throughout her life. She finds great joy in empowering individuals and lifting their spirits. Possessing a sharp eye for detail and exceptional skills, she excels in bringing people's aspirations to fruition. Marian holds dear her graduation from the Aveda Institute, a pivotal moment in her journey. Continuously committed to growth, she eagerly pursues further education to stay abreast of the latest trends. Marian's expertise lies notably in her passion for color and staying updated with trending haircuts.

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 daughter, 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 abode.

Sarah Gonzalez
STYLIST

Having grown up in Winter Garden, Sarah has been an integral part of this community for most of her life. Immersed in the beauty industry from a young age, her passion has evolved and deepened through ongoing education, fueling her enthusiasm for her chosen career. Sarah's commitment to her clients is unwavering, and her attentive approach ensures that she captures every nuance of their desires throughout the process. Specializing in an array of techniques including balayage, blonding, dimensional color, and layered haircuts, Sarah's proficiency is a testament to her dedication. Yet, it's not just her skill that sets her apart – her warm smile and inviting demeanor create an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation, making your time with her feel like a visit home.

Vanessa Martocchio
SENIOR 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.