Meet the Team
Tanis Steyvers
Owner /Colorist
Originally from Modesto, California, Tanis Steyvers knew she wanted to pursue a career in hair immediately after graduating high school. She started her hair journey in 2007 at Paul Mitchell School of Cosmetology in Costa Mesa, California. She moved to the Bay Area and began her training in hair coloring in 2010. In 2013, she graduated from diPietro Todd Academy and began her career at their Palo Alto location. She and her husband Fernando, along with their two best friends, opened up Art + Gold Salon in 2018.
Seven years later, Tanis and her husband found themselves ready for something new. With growth, experience, and a shared vision guiding the way, The Alchemy Room Salon was born. Thoughtfully designed with both clients and stylists in mind, the space blends comfort, beauty, and all the little luxuries that make time in the chair feel special. While the name and space are new, the heart remains the same — a deep commitment to education, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and an experience that leaves every client feeling like they’ve just spent time with an old friend.
Tanis’ signature color style ranges from bright California blondes to low-maintenance, lived-in color. She loves reflective pops on a brunette, enhanced naturally-based hair colors and dimensional redheads. Tanis has classically trained in the Vidal Sassoon school of hairdressing, yet she also remains passionate about learning new and innovative coloring techniques and staying up-to-date with the latest trends. When you visit Tanis at the salon, you will not only be greeted with a warm smile, but you can feel confident that her extensive knowledge of hair color will always leave with gorgeous hair!
Fernando Perez
Owner / Cutting SpecialistFernando Perez officially began his hair-styling career in 2004 when he attended cosmetology school in San Mateo, California. Having been raised into a family of stylists, it was destined that he carry-on the family art form. Fernando completed a rigorous 3-year apprenticeship at diPietro Todd Academy, and then started work at their San Francisco and Palo Alto locations. He continually attended advanced courses at Vidal Sassoon and Arrojo. His training continued in their in-house academy throughout his tenure, until he was elevated to teaching those very courses at diPietro Todd and Rene Furterersalons.
Fernando traveled across the country studying and teaching hair-cutting techniques, including working at New York Fashion Week. As an educator, he was invited into salons across America as a guest lecturer and his work has been written up in the SF Chronicle and Modern Salon.
In 2018, he opened his very own salon, Art + Gold, in Redwood City, California. The location has special meaning for him, as it was his mother’s original salon for over 25 years. Fernando started this business with his wife, a renowned colorist in her own right, and his two closest friends.
After seven years, Fernando and his wife have grown both personally and professionally, and decided it was time to embark on a new business venture- The Alchemy Room Salon. The salon will carry forward the same core values and dedication to education, now elevated by a newer, larger, and more beautiful space designed to feel calm and inspiring.
Fernando’s acuity for innovative styles and changing trends is fueled by his endless passion for learning. He enjoys everything from short pixies to long, beautiful layers. The artistry of hair is dear to his heart and it radiates through every guest who sits in his chair.
Elisabeth Pearlman
Color SpecialistElisabeth’s love of hair started literally before her earliest memory. By the time she was 5 years old, all the scissors in her house were kept under lock and key, because she would cut her hair (or any unfortunate pet’s) at any opportunity.
Growing up in Mountain View, Elisabeth channeled her innate, creative energy into the performing arts, where she was exposed to the beauty world through the hair and makeup required for shows. She initially attended college as a psychology major, but quickly left to enroll at The Salon Professional Academy in San Jose. Elisabeth justified this bold decision when she graduated at the top of her class, and then immediately was hired by diPietro Todd. If you ask her, she’ll never understand why they hired her as a color assistant when her hair was the most unflattering shade of blonde known to humanity. (Seriously, ask her for pictures—there’s a good reason she’s a brunette now). After several years of notoriously intensive training at the illustrious salon, Elisabeth graduated her program and returned home to the peninsula, where she joined the team at Art + Gold Salon.
As a belieber in ongoing education and professional advancement, Elisabeth is constantly enriching her knowledge of hair coloring techniques and staying abreast of the latest trends and techniques. From dimensional, low-maintenance brunettes and bright, bold blondes, to natural coppery melts and the classic “Did I get my color done?—Oh no, I’ve just been at the beach a lot lately,” Elisabeth is here to make you look and feel your most beautiful and confident!
Sarah
Cut ApprenticeAfter giving her sister her first haircut at 4 years old, she was destined to be in a salon someday. An east bay native, Sarah Thomas, is a licensed hairstylist who graduated from Paul Mitchell The School East Bay in 2019. She has continued to refine her craft with over 3 years of hands-on Vidal-Sassoon haircutting training in salons throughout the peninsula.
Sarah specializes in haircutting, with a focus on precision, balance, and creating shapes that grow out beautifully. Known for her thoughtful consultations and calm, welcoming presence, she approaches hair as both a technical skill and a creative art. Outside of the salon, Sarah is crafty and creative — she enjoys crocheting and miniature sculpting as a hobby, which reflects her love for working with her hands and attention to detail. She also loves spending time with her dog, Honey, and cat, Bam.
Kelsey Holloway
Cut ApprenticeKelsey Holloway grew up moving around the Bay Area and has now settled in Redwood City. Since she was small, hair has been a fun escape for her. After spending a couple years in San Francisco pursuing a degree in Psychology, she decided to switch paths. She took herself and her cats back to the Peninsula to attend College of San Mateo for Cosmetology school. When she’s not behind the chair, Kelsey is at home with her two blind cats and her spider, or spending time outside frolicking in the fresh air. You can expect an honest approach, easygoing energy, and hair that fits your lifestyle: polished, personal, and never overdone.
Cecilia Romero
Salon Manager