The connection between a woman and her hair is complicated and has many layers, including self-expression, confidence, emotion, culture, identity and what messages we want conveyed to those we meet. Thus, the relationship between a woman and the person who styles her hair can include depth and requires trust. Back in 2012, the gentleman who had been cutting my hair for years had to step away from doing hair due to health complications, and I was floundering to find a good fit to help me move forward. Then, my dear friend Geralin Thomas introduced me to her stylist, Yvette Cannas, and I found my new salon home. Yes, Yvette has been trained worldwide, including Italy, Canada, United Kingdom and America, so she has award-winning skills, but it’s so much more than that. Yvette is a true dynamo, her positive energy is contagious, she is motivated to make incredible wonderful things happen for her clients as well as the community and she genuinely cares about other human-beings, from her staff to her clients to her family and the families of those about whom she cares. In this world where so many are facing such great needs, none of us can fix everything, and it can feel very overwhelming, which is why Yvette took action to create the Bacio Salon Compassion Fund. It’s important to me that I get my hair done by folks who see the same value as I do in community, care and compassion. Plus, I get such great compliments about a haircut obtained in a most beautiful salon. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

About Yvette Cannas

Yvette Cannas, owner of Bacio Salon, is dedicated to serving Raleigh’s most discerning clientele with exceptional expertise and passion.

Having worked in New England, New York, Greenwich, London, Toronto, Italy and Raleigh, NC, her love for hair runs deep; thus, Yvette takes great pride in delivering honest, insightful guidance on color maintenance and realistic expectations. With extensive experience across premier color lines, like Davines, Goldwell, Schwarzkopf, L’Oréal and Wella, Yvette skillfully interprets and recreates formulas to ensure consistent, flawless results for each client.

Yvette’s specialties include color corrections, all things color, fine hair, short hair and blonding. Her education credits include Vidal Sassoon London, L’Oreal, Goldwell, Aveda, Zoto’s, Davines, Wella, Schwarzkopf and Oribe. Yvette is a platform artist for L’Oreal, Goldwell, Aveda and Zoto’s, credited on TV and in magazines worldwide.

Bacio Salon’s stylists are continually growing and refining their skills to better serve you and help bring your hair goals to life. Yvette is immensely proud of her talented team at Bacio, where everyone is committed to tailoring impeccable styles and precision cuts that celebrate the unique beauty of every individual who enters the salon.

The company’s mission is to deliver an exceptional salon experience where every client feels valued, cared for and more beautiful than ever. Behind the scenes, Yvette empowers the stylists with ongoing education, resources and a supportive team environment so they can bring their best skills and creativity to every appointment. The salon invests in stylists’ education, not only in creative techniques but also in understanding the business behind the chair, empowering every stylist to deliver exceptional results and an outstanding experience every time. It’s this commitment to both Bacio’s team and their clients that makes this one of the top-rated hair salons in the area. Visit https://bacio-salon.com/ for more about this incredible team.

Personally, Yvette enjoys adventure as well as continued learning, has two sons and absolutely loves to Salsa dance.

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Yvette Cannas

How would you describe the company you founded and its products?

Bacio is a luxury salon, but what really sets us apart is the warm, nurturing environment we've created. Excellence is non-negotiable here - whether it's our shampoo experience, color service or any of the many cutting and styling services, we deliver gorgeous quality results. From the moment you walk in, everything is curated - the front desk service, the music, the ambiance - so you can relax and actually look forward to the experience. We want you to leave with positive energy feeling beautiful and recharged. We offer hair color, extensions, treatments, scalp treatments, styling, and bridal services.

What about your business would you want readers to know?

Integrity. That's everything to us. We use Oribe, a luxury brand and other very clean brands because we're conscious of what's healthy and best for your hair. We're not the salon that will suggest any service or product that would ruin your hair. We educate you on why something is a yes or a no - you make your own choice, but clients almost always choose the healthy option after we explain it. We're problem solvers, and our goal is for everybody to feel beautiful.

Why did you start your company?

I've had experience working in the highest quality salons and always felt appreciated and successful there. But when I moved to North Carolina, the culture was so different. The specific vision I had just didn't exist here, so I had to create it myself. When it comes to my staff,I believe you're excellent based on your track record, the demand you create for yourself and your reputation. There's not a lot of emotional hand-holding - we deliver results. All of my team at Bacio Salon strives for excellence. Of course, when we have a new stylist in training, we train them to that same standard of excellence so that they thrive and have a fulfilling career.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?

Absolute freedom as a stylist to do whatever I feel is right for the client without anyone micromanaging me. I've had experience with that before - just pushing products and sales. Integrity is so important to me. I have the freedom to suggest a product if it's truly useful - or make suggestions that simplify your beauty routine in the morning. I'm a problem solver, not being a salesperson.

About what are you most proud?

That my stylists earn well, are in demand and are successful. The consistent success of my team is a priority for me - we work hard and play hard together. I'm proud that I can trust them even when I'm not there. These are people who have my back, and I have theirs. That trust and those relationships mean everything.

Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

Yes, I'm naturally organized and driven. I always have multiple journals and lists going. When I feel productive, I feel passionate and alive.

Who’s the one person (or group of people) who changed your life and why?

My children. Being successful means I can provide them with a high quality of life. My parents weren't as fortunate as I am. The day I could provide braces for my kids with my own hard work and success was a very proud moment since I didn't have opportunities like that growing up. My desire for stability comes from wanting to provide for my boys.

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

"How do you eat an elephant? One step at a time.” Break it down into small steps. When you're overwhelmed, focus on your result instead of the amount of work you have. You can't do everything at once, so ask yourself - what's the result I want at the end of the day, and what's my priority today? The other things can fall off for that day.

Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?

We use Meevo, which is really intuitive software for our salon. It handles our point of sales, booking, client tracking, payroll, and reports - basically everything we need in one place. I have to admit, I'm not naturally attracted to technology because I'm an artist at heart, but my new mantra is "technology is my friend because it makes my life easier." I'm learning because I know I need to.

How do you manage work / life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?

Every year in January, we have a staff meeting about this. A few years ago, our salon schedule was inconsistent on Saturdays because of everyone's commitments. We decided as a team to take every other Saturday off, and to make that work, we added a few more hours to the other days. We also pay a percentage of health insurance. In this industry, it can be challenging to work less because each client values our services, so having boundaries on our time is paramount. I delegate what I can and reward people for stepping into a leadership role. Acknowledging when they do makes them feel appreciated.

About what causes are you most passionate?

I'm passionate about the Bacio Salon Compassion Fund. The inspiration came from a trip to Fiji - at a seminar called Wealth Mastery, we were invited to contribute to the Fijian Medical and Education Fund. Our group raised $23,000 and broke the 25-year record of $17,000. I saw how one person's generosity, combined with collective spirit, showed me that people often want to give - they just need a trusted way to do it. That moment inspired the creation of our Compassion Fund. It gives our clients and community a safe, transparent way to make a difference - whether it's helping a child join a local sports team, putting a warm meal on a family's table, or lending support during a difficult time. At Bacio, we believe beauty isn't only what happens in the chair - it's what happens when we care for one another.

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

Walking my dog in the forest to start my day is essential for me to feel grounded. That intentional walk puts my energy in the right place to arrive at work fully charged and balanced. At the end of the day, I relax by cooking - I love that creativity. I look forward to coming home to my sanctuary and being with my family. I also do Latin dance for those endorphins, along with working out.

What is your favorite author / book?

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series. I also love classics like the Brontë sisters, and I read things in Italian to keep up with the language. The Four Agreements is another favorite - I've given it as a gift to many of my favorite people to read.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

I have three that really resonate with me:

"We are like coal. You have two choices - we crumble with the pressure of life or we become a diamond.” This reminds me that pressure and challenges can either break us down or transform us into something precious and unbreakable. It's all about how we choose to respond.”

"A thoroughbred runs its own race." I love this because it's a reminder not to compare yourself to others or worry about what they're doing. Stay focused on your own path and run your race with integrity.

"There are two ways to be the tallest building in town." You can either build yourself up or tear others down. I always choose to focus on building - lifting others up rather than competing in a negative way.

What is your go-to accessory?

Fragrance. It isn't necessary, but it's uplifting.

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

I love minimalism. I want my clients to experience beauty without too much maintenance - maximize your assets without too much work. I'm a 10-minute get-ready girl. I use hair products to achieve my goals - if I want more, I use products or techniques to get there.

What is your favorite food?

Anything nutritious and healthy. Living in Italy taught me so much about the quality of food. I love organic and farm-to-table - I even keep a garden.

What movie could you watch on endless loop?

Mr. Sunshine - it's my favorite K-Drama.

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

Fiji was incredible. San Blas in Panama - experiencing the indigenous people and how they live was incredibly special. And Cuba - such different politics and culture.

Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your top 3 favorites and why?

House of Hops - it's dog-friendly and they acknowledge me by name every time. Names are powerful, and they've established a great culture.
Noire - consistently good for nails and pedicures.
The Umstead Hotel and Spa - perfect for a staycation. The dinner, the spa, it's beautiful. I'm not far from home, but I can nurture myself without the distraction of work

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

To have at my fingertips every piece of knowledge I've ever read.

What advice would you give your 21-year old self?

I would tell myself to start saving just $50 a month with a financial advisor who is researched and trusted. It sounds so simple, but compound interest and consistent investing - regardless of market conditions - would have put me in a completely different financial position today. Financial literacy and having the right person to guide you through investing is so important, yet it's something many of us don't prioritize when we're young. That small habit early on creates freedom later in life.

If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

Oprah Winfrey. She's so purposeful and has so much wisdom. I'd want to be a sponge and soak up her experience and learn from her path.

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