Julie Smith – Serpentine owner, founder and stylist
Julie started working in the hair industry when she was just 14 – and she hasn’t stopped learning and evolving since then.
She’s trained with renowned brands and industry leaders, including Redken New York, Bumble & Bumble, and Milbon USA; and with influential stylists such as Sam Villa, Ruth Roche, Harry Josh, Nick Arrojo, and Jayne Matthews.
Julie loves the intuitive aspects of hair styling and helping her clients discover what works best for them. She thrives on working with people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.
Serpentine reflects the fruition of her career-long passions: next-level hair, environmental sustainability, and community.
Lauren Davis – Stylist
Lauren translated her lifelong passion for painting and art into a creative career in hair. She loves using her talent to help clients look and feel their best – and especially enjoys creating bold, bright looks with vivids and alternative colors.
After finishing her Aveda Institute training, Lauren has fed her passion with continuing education. She thrives on mastering new trends and embracing evolution in the industry.
When she’s not at the salon, she’s being shadowed by her “furever accessory” – her attention-hungry dog Gracie.
Favorite comfort watch: Pet Semetary. “My parents raised me on horror films and I watch this one several times a year.”
Kristy Schanel-Wallace – Stylist
Kristy is a master stylist with almost 20 years of experience in the industry. She loves elevating her craft, supporting hair integrity, and channeling her artistry into client confidence.
Beyond her salon work, she has crafted features for magazines and styled hair for television ads. She’s certified in keratin treatments, holds a balayage certification from L’Oreal, and is trained in multiple color systems.
Kristy is originally from central Florida. She loves travel, good food, great books, and animals – especially her French bulldog and dachshund.
The best vacation she’s taken: A 16-day cruise around Italy, with stops in Venice, Slovenia, Montenegro, Sicily, Malta, Naples, Rome, and the Amalfi Coast.
Lalee Alligood – Stylist
Lalee was drawn to the hair industry because she loves the creative work of bringing hair to life. After bouncing around the Triangle for a few years, she was drawn to Serpentine for its eco-conscious values and sustainability practices.
Lalee is versatile, accomplished, and always ready to make you look your best. She’s gained a following for her short hair and razor cuts, and she loves doing lived-in hair color, balayage, and gray blending.
Originally from eastern North Carolina, Lalee grew up on the water and loves being outside – ideally with her Jack Russell mix Eaper, who is her everything.
Most memorable travel experience: An epic trip from North Carolina to Baja California Sur, cruising down Baja all the way to Cabo San Lucas. “I got to spend Christmas on the beach, surfing with my dog.”
Willow Owens – Apprentice
Willow Owens has always been excited about hair. She loves being in a field where she gets to create something with her hands and make people feel special at the same time.
She grew up in Durham, trained at Durham Tech, and is thrilled to make Chapel Hill her second home.
Willow is an avid roller skater and a movie fiend who has seen The Princess and the Frog more times than she can count.
Favorite pump-up song: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Josie Buckley – Receptionist
Josie Buckley, a senior at Carrboro High School, has lived in Chapel Hill her entire life. (Go Heels!) She loves crafting, reading, and hanging out with friends, and dreams of a future in marketing and human resources.
Book I’ve re-read the most: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. (That plot twist!!! 🫨)
Claire Hargiss – Receptionist
Claire Hargiss is a student at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Savannah, GA, studying sound for film and television. She’s also a musician who composes and releases music under the name Even Still.
When she’s not doing audio-related deep dives, you can find her relaxing outdoors.
Favorite movie: Good Will Hunting – come for the brilliant performances, stay for the killer soundtrack featuring Elliott Smith.
Mikayla Rundell – Salon helper
Mikayla is a Chapel Hill native who loves making art, skateboarding, and visiting the beach with her family.
Dream vacation: “I would love to visit Paris!”
