Massage Review and Spa:

Felt like I walked into a hidden world. From the outside it seems so small, once inside it's Huge!!! AND goes on forever!!!! Awesome Massage and Facials!

by Sohappy34

September 26, 2008

I woke up this morning (my first day off in 10 days) feeling totally wiped out. I am constantly on my feet, so I often wake up feeling sore. I just knew that I needed a massage asap. Now, because I am "in the business," I'm a little picky with salons and spas. There is nothing worse than walking out after spending a couple hundred treating yourself and regretting it. I did a little research on yelp and city search and had decided on Kalista....mostly because it was close and they had so many great write ups. What a wonderful choice. The salon was very eclectic and Secretive , but very welcoming. My masseuse, greeted me and asked me to pick out a scent and was very helpful. I often find myself holding my breath or maybe taking shorter breaths when the massage gets a little intense, but she was calmly breathing at a slow pace which reminded me to focus on actually breathing and relax a little. She told me that it can get a little intense when getting out the knots..etc. but should never hurt....because that's not what were here for. I felt like it was her mission to get me relaxed and feel rejuvenated.. which she did very well. After the hour was over, I asked if I could get a facial as well, they gave me a robe and took me into this other amazing room for a facial to die for. . Afterwards, I was browsing through the products and the man helping me was wonderful. Made great suggestions and not a hint of pushiness to get a sale. I re-booked with My therapist in 6 weeks and cannot wait to go back. Great area- corky neighborhood, easy to park, highly recommend Kalista and take it from a spa junkie *try The facials out too!!!*

• Pros: Perfect
• Cons: You could say the first appearence seemed small, but that is what made the experience so amazing! Because it was like a hidden oasis!!!

Lucan Rainwater:

I was given this framed from my Mother years ago and it reflects me and who I am perfectly.
I was born in Klamath Falls Oregon in 1978, no I’m not Klamath Indian. My blood line runs from Cherokee roots. My parents moved to Hillsboro when I was in 3rd grade and I’ve been in the Portland metro area ever sense.
I am a Massage Therapist because I came to a clarity that I hold healing touch and it is to be shared with everyone I encounter in my life.

Shawns Awesome Bio: Massage Therapist

I'm Shawn about 8 years I got the massage therapist calling. I graduated from the lakeside school of massage therapy in Milwaukee Wisconsin and have been an LMT for 7 years now. I've recently relocated to the pacific NW from NYC and wouldn't have found a better fit. In addition to Massage I am an avid reader, enjoy camping, and love teh rock n roll. I sang for a punk band before I moved out here. When I'm not out exploring the city you can bet i'm hunched over my sewing machine. Right now, I'm into making cat toys much to the delight of my siamese, Linous. 

Stop into Kalista for any one of our fabulous Massage services and you can feel for yourself: Shawn has the majic fingers. Or maybe I can make you a cat toy :)

Review:

Great Hair and amazing massage

by happpyfriend

September 15, 2008

I was drawn in by the outside of the building and pleasantly surpirsed by the service. I hadn't had a hair cut or style in a long time. I saw Tia. She was great. really listened to what I was looking for and delievered an amazing cut and style. Which can be difficult for some, because my hair is curly. My friends raved about it when they saw me. Tia is talented, friendly and comforting. I highly recommend her. I could really tell she loves what she does and where she works. The next week I tried them for a massage. All I can say is WOW. Best massage I have ever had! The LMT was Shawn. She is very intuitive, caring and has magical hands. Her style is unique. I do a lot of computer stuff and have chronic shoulder pain. She did deep tissue that really loosened me up without causing me discomfort during or after. I actually fell asleep at one point. You have to try this massage therapist! Check this place out ! You'll leave relaxed and happy.

• Pros: Ambience, attentive staff, alternative feel and professional
• Cons: maybe limited street parking

Kimmie: is another one of our talented Esthiticians here at Kalista!

Kimmie was born and raised in Portland. She loves the NW and she has always found joy in helping people feel beautiful. She is very detailed oriented and very much a people pleaser. She enjoys cooking, and is a huge foodie at heart. When she's not enjoying herself at work, she also loves spending time with family, friends and her yorkie, Monte. She is very happy to be the newest addition to Kalista! Her favorite thing about Kalista is the warm cozy atmosphere and its unique personality. It really stands out from the other salons and spas in the area and brings in a diverse clientele.

Heidi: Lashes, Waxing, Facials.

Kaliki: Lashes, Facials, and Waxing.

 Kaliki is our Gentle Giant and he loves his work. Providing relaxation and an overall sense of wellbeing is what he strives to provide for each individual that graces his esti table, not to mention he waxes a mean armpit! In his interview we asked him what animal he would be and why? He replied, "A whale because they are BIG, Beautiful and can be kind of intimidating up close but they are actually very gentle." His subtle movements and strong touch will not disappoint especially with one of our luxurious facials. We pride ourselves on the diversity of our staff at Kalista and Kaliki rounds us out just right.

I am fully licensed as a cosmetologist. However I love love Aesthetics, Waxing, Facials and Lashes. I'm pretty much the s@#$ and people like me. I like to act like I've got things figured out. VHS rocks my world. I can make a mean dragonfly balloon animal. And my ears are bigger than yours. :) My dad is a clown, so YES I get my sense of humor from him, as you could imagine. Don't be intimidated by my size!

Sarah: Hairdresser! Senior hair stylist: Sarah is awesome at her skill.

She wows all the hairdressers with her amazing cuts and Styles. We are so glad to have her on board with us. It didn't take long before Sarah became one of our best hairdressers. Sarah also studies Graphic design.

Sarah is great with Curly hair as well as as working a flat iron and giving you that straight look you love. She is excellent with color. Come check her out for yourself!

Amie: Master hairstylist: Color, Highlights, and Thermal Straightening, (been out sick for a month, will return May 26th, Tue and Thurs only for now.

Amy is one of the nicest people i have ever met. Always smiling always willing to help everyone else. She is very talented at doing hair, You won't be sorry you met her, and you won't be sorry you came to her. She has been written up in 101 hairstylist magazine for being one of the best colorist of the north west!

Review:

Great Thermal hair straightening!!!!!!

by Harrysgirl45

September 26, 2008

I came to Kalista initially for a Massage and hair extension consultation. The girls were amazing and during the consultation they were doing these extensions on someone so I was able to see first hand what it was like. The work was fantastic!!!! You couldn't see where the girls hair began. However during the consultation we had decided extensions would be my last resort and maybe we should try straightening my hair to create the length I wanted. I hesitated, Obviously because this service rarely gets good reviews. I went ahead and did it and it is amazing! My hair is so long, silky and perfect!!! I decided I should let Amiee also do my color ONLY!!! So had my hair cut and highlighted by Amiee, and she is.....should I say great! Its been a long time since my hair looked and felt so wonderful. The color is a perfect mix of blond, caramel, and lt brown, and she gave me a great haircut. I wanted to keep my hair long, but wanted it to look fun, she did it...long and fun! She also introduced me to a product called Kevin murphy. It is an all natural product that is amazing! I can use before and after I blow-dry my hair. I'm in heaven. Aimee is Great! Ill be back!

• Pros: Ambience! The people!

Amanda: Hairstylist

Hey! I've lived in Portland for almost 10 years and I couldn't picture myself anywhere else.
I love the people and the city and most of all the flora and fauna. I love doing hair so I can unleash
my creative side and go wild, while meeting new people. I learn all sorts of new things from
my clients and I value them greatly. In my spare time I make and sell hair adornments for everyday wear
to weddings and special events. I'm way into all forms of artistic expression; mostly photography, painting
and soon I will to learn to make jewelry!  I love the outdoors (when its nice) and someday I want to sail around the caribbean!

Sam: Hairdresser -- As a 24 year old Idaho native, i have always loved hair and makeup.  Bouncing from profession to profession I finally connected with the beauty world, my true love, in 2005. Once licensed, I began to work towards gaining cliental and learning all I could so that I could be as versatile and well rounded as possible. I LOVE my current position at Kalista Salon & Day Spa, to the fullest and ultimately look forward to each and every day, which allows me to further my knowledge. 

In my spare time I enjoy watching the food network channel, cooking, gardening, sun bathing and relaxing with my Poodle/Dotson mixed dog, Mia, whom has very quickly become the mascot of Kalista.

When not at home you will find me in the tattoo shop or out enjoying the Portland life.

I am excellent with color and cuts and have been doing extensions as well for some time! I invite you to my chair and would love to make you feel as good about yourself as possible, so come in and I'll put my skills, ON YOU to work! 

Maegy: Hair colorist and Stylist also does nails and toes

We really loved this girl when we met her. What she does not know is we really REALLY wanted her! Every single thing she said in the interview was who we are! She was a perfect fit. Sweet, charming, and talented! YEAH! Love her!!!!

Now that maegy has been here for almost a year, she has grown to become one of our best colorist, and often studies under the owner for hours, learning and absorbing all her knowledge. Her skills have become so refined Maegy is a top stylist her in the salon.

Review about Maegy:

Hairdressers should be great listeners! You go Maegy!

by LaMenTingT

February 02, 2009

I am a b@#$h when it comes to my hair but never to the face of the hair princesses cause they hold the scissors. That being said, I try to explain to the ladies that chop, as best I can, that I like my long hair and I want to keep it that way. Once I leave and see how much they lopped off, I decide whether to drag them through the mud or exalt them to the throne of HAIR. Hair mamas, if you are my hairdresser and I come in saying chop it all off, you say "Honey he's not worth it."

I went to Kalista today and had MAEGY as my lovely hair maven. She listened, did exactly what I wanted, prodded me about my lovelife, complimented my hair, brought out it's natural beauty, and finally offered me a great shine product that is, like they say, cruelty free. GOOD JOB MAEGY! I'm a hard to sell kind of gal and you got my vote.

• Pros: Great hair, lots of parking, fun location
• Cons: uncomfortable chairs on waiting area unless you're from the year 1795

Kimberly: Master hairstylist: Hair Extensions, Thermal Hair Straighting, Color, Cuts, Highlights and Trainer.

 I consider my work to be amazing. I try really hard to listen to what the client wants and give them exactly what they ask for. I'm pretty good with figuring out what it is you want even when you do not know what it is. My biggest love is runway work, and fashion shows. LOVE LOVE fashion colors and creative work with clients. OMG! I go crazy when someone wants something out of the box and super edgy. I have been doing hair for 10 years, I'm the founder and the one and only owner. I love what I do and that is why I still do hair about 30 hours a week as well as run the salon.

I consider myself a manager not an owner. I run the salon along with Aimee the Spa Manager. Kalista is the salon. WE all work for Kalista. Kalista is a stock owned business, so the staff owns this salon as well. 

A lot of people think we are a corporate salon, but the truth is we are just the opposite! We do have that day spa feel, but without the snotty attitude. We give all the other BIG Corporate Day Spas a run for their money!!!

It's harder to write something about myself so i will leave it at this. I love my staff, I love to come to work and these people could not be any more talented!!!!

A review about the owner:

What an AWESOME place

by ivyviolet

December 23, 2008

I just moved here to Portland a few months ago and my sister-in-law recommended Kalista. I am super HAPPY that she did. When I first walked in, I felt nervous, but I got over that real quick. Everyone was so nice to me. I am very picky about my hair color and Sara worked with me to make a color for my hair that I would be happy with. After she finished, I LOVED MY HAIR! Yesterday I went in during the dead of the storm and Kim helped me. She totally ROCKED at doing my hair as well. And it came out wonderful. She was even nice enough to drive me home in this horrible weather! There is are many more nice things I can say about this place but I don't want to bore the readers. One last thing that I will say is.. go there and only there if you want to have KICK A$$ hair and be treated like a friend!

• Pros: Great gals and they are awesome at what they do!
• Cons: None...

Tia: Hairdresser, Extensions & Thermal Straightening, Well she is back, Tia was with Kalista two years ago traveled around a bit, got it out of her system and now she is as she put it "home" We are so excited she is returning. Her creative skills with hair, and edgy talents make her one to watch with cuts and color. She surprises you every time! Bubbly and high spirited you can not shake this spirit!

Review:

Extremely Talented Staff

by sammie75

November 02, 2007

I had a wonderful experience at Kalista. I have had hair cuts by two different stylists and both did a wonderful job. I was very satisfied with the communication and feedback they gave me. I have also had hi-lights/color and I have to say it's the best I have ever had! Tia is excellent at color! Overall ambiance is great. Everyone is very friendly and easy to talk to.  After my experiences with this salon and the high quality of service you receive, it is worth the wait.

• Pros: Quality Cuts and Color

What people are saying about nails:

Found my new pedi place!

by Ash0116

December 11, 2008

Wow this place knows how to give a good pedicure! I decided to give Kalista a call after driving by it so many times on my way home from work. I was able to be fit in the same day i called and was surprised to find that what looked like a small salon, turn out to be a huge, beautiful spa. I was taken to the back waiting area and was given a glass of wine and listened to relaxing french music. My girl, Heidi, came and got me and helped me pick my polish. i then sat on my "pedistal" and just about fell asleep. not only was i so relaxed, she and i talked about traveling, boyfriends and what we were going to do for the holidays. She made me feel like i was a friend and was really interested in getting to know me. when i checked out the receptionist gave me a small Christmas gift and Heidi gave me her card. Im really happy that i decided to do this for myself and esspecially happy that i went there. My feet look amazing and my boyfriend thinks so too.... wink, wink!

Daphny: Nail Tech, Acrylics, Gels, Manicures and Pedicures

I have been a nail artist for 4 years now and I love it! I am greatful to be working for some amazing people at Kalista! This team rocks and I have worked in alot of places. I Love to hang out with my friends and skateboarding.... Weird hu :) But I really just love the out doors and just being in the moment. I am great at what I do and happy to be in a salon that really cares about what I need.

Vera Rose: Lead Nail Tech, She is very experienced came from a family of nail techs and hair dressers. She is an advocate for rescuing animals as we all are! Even has a foundation for them.

vera is awesome... she has been doing nails since 2001, when she became licensed in California. she also grew up with 2 cosmetologists , and finds this profession to come naturally to her. she loves to make people feel good about themselves and taken care of. you are always in good hands with vera. Awesome Pedicures, Manicures and Acrylics, We love having her with us.

My name is Nikki Rustigan:  Coming soon! Thats me on the right...The girl :)

I moved up to Portland 7 years ago from the Bay area with my husband and my 2 awesome kids.
I have been into art of all sorts since I was a kid, studying graphic design in college, and then getting into the art of tattooing, which I have been into for quite a few years now.
I love to ride motorcycles, drive cool old-school trucks, muscle cars, hot-rods, vw's, tattoo's, 4 wheeling, snow-boarding, skate-boarding, tattoo's, drawing, painting, airbrushing, comic books, tattoo's, movies, dogs,cooking and tattoo's.
Tattoo's are something that make me happy.
I love the fact that I can put a piece of artwork on someone, enjoy what I am doing for a living and know that my client will have that piece of art on them forever.
I take pride in my work and I want my client's to also as I know that they are happy with the work  they get from me.
I believe that people should really know what they want when they decide to get a tattoo because it is something that will be with them forever.
I like to do custom artwork as well as traditional pieces and tribal type art also. Comic book style artwork is my favorite, as well as basic black and gray pieces...but color is so amazing when the piece of art is done well, flames, skull and crossbones, snakes, dragons..it's so hard to choose, tattoo's are just cool and I think everyone should have one!

Upper pix: Staff Meeting, Aimee and Kimmie trying to see who wins the prize with a little arm wrestling. WE gave both a prize of course!!! March 21st 2009

Lower pix: Salon group picture! Aug 2009