Every month, The Social Register of Las Vegas features one of its Platinum Members in the Platinum Spotlight. SRLV Platinum Members who wish to be considered for inclusion in the Platinum Spotlight, should submit a brief bio (600 words or less) along with a high resolution headshot in .jpg format using the form available in the Members Only section to sign up online! SRLV reserves the right to edit biographical information.

LINDA BENITEZ
RONI JOSEF INTERNATIONAL SALON AND DAY SPA

I knew I wanted to be a hair stylist at 2 years old, in my grandfather Frank's Barbershop. Hair was in our blood. I loved fashion in clothing and hairstyles. I received my initial education in the field of Cosmetology at Normandy Vocational High School, in Ohio, and graduated in 1973. I immediately began my career under the supervision of a high fashion hair salon in Cleveland, Ohio. Styles were big and beehives were in, then styles began to change with the 80's. I moved to a new young fashion salon in Cleveland that was cut, blow dry and curling iron styling. With each new salon, new techniques and skills were acquired. To stay up with current fashion trends and styles in our business, I found that constant education is a must in the beauty business. I have always taken classes on the latest color and hair cutting techniques from many top stylists and hair shows.

I took a break from hair for a while to spend time in the United States Air Force as a Chaplain's assistant. I still found time for my passion, doing hair. While traveling with Air Force to Europe, Germany, France, Spain and Paris, I developed a love for global fashion. I apprenticed under a German stylist while in Germany, learning new techniques in cutting curly hair with a razor and directional permanent waves. After 5 years on active duty, I got out of the Air Force and returned to hairstyling full time, in Oklahoma, Texas, Hawaii, and finally Nevada.

Currently, I have been styling hair for over 15 years in Las Vegas. I have been an instructor for Cosmetology at the Euphoria Institute, inspiring young creative minds to excel in our business. I have been in beauty supply sales for Desert Salon Services and CK Salon Solutions. This has taught me a great deal about product lines, ingredients in hair care products, and what products are best for what hair types and styles. I have taken educator courses on many different hair color lines to become a master colorist for Goldwell, Alfa Parf, Colorly, Scrupples, and Infinity by Affinage.

I found an exciting professional tool line through razor cutting. I contacted the manufacturer of these tools and began working and traveling for them. I educated for them and their tools all over the U.S. and Canada. As a national educator for Metropolis Technology, I have learned the benefits of negative ions on hair. A haircut using a hotvibe razor uses heat, negative ions, and ultrasonic vibration to seal the ends of the hair. This type of haircut can last up to 6 months without seeing split ends.

After working at many salons in Nevada, I started working at Roni Josef's salon at the Stratosphere, and then the Roni Josef salon in the Northwest. It has been a challenge and a blessing. While working at the salon in 2003, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had a double mastectomy and reconstruction. My friends and co-workers were very supportive and saw me through the fight of my life. As a breast cancer survivor, I now volunteer with the American Cancer Society, Look Good Feel Better, and Reach to Recovery programs to help other women through the fight of their lives. Our salon has also taken an active part in the fund raising activities for the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk. This year we made pink clip-in hair extensions and even put one in Mayor Oscar Goodman's hair. We helped in the efforts to raise over $400,000.00 to fight Breast Cancer. We continue to sell the clips all year to support this cause, and are also cleaning up gently used wigs for women to wear while going through treatment, due to hair loss. I have a passion to help women wear wigs properly and teach wig care. I also help women find products that will help them with their hair re-growth and skin sensitivities during treatment.

As a Cosmetologist, I have experienced almost everything you could in our career field, from being a platform artist, to hair shows, to fashion shows and beyond. As a breast cancer survivor, what I use on your hair matters to me. I don't want to expose you to anything that would be unhealthy for either of us. I care about the health of your hair and scalp, and I try to find organic and natural botanical products to enrich your overall hair's health. If you want to see your lifeless hair shine again and be brought back to life, come in for a visit.

For more information about Linda Benitez and Roni Josef International Salon and Day Spa, please visit: http://www.ronijosefsalon.com.

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