Back in college, I was juggling classes, late-night study sessions, and a schedule that seemed to change by the hour. I desperately needed a job with flexibility, and that’s how I ended up as a receptionist at Anushka Spa, Salon & Cosmedical Centre in West Palm Beach. It was the kind of job that checked all the boxes: flexible hours, an uplifting atmosphere, and best of all, a work perk every college student dreams of—discounted beauty treatments.
While my main role was to greet guests and make sure they had a flawless experience from the moment they walked through the doors, I also got a behind-the-scenes look at the world of beauty and self-care. Every so often, I’d treat myself to something new—a conditioning treatment, a fresh set of nails, or even a skin peel. For a college student living on a budget, this felt like the ultimate luxury.
What I didn’t realize at the time was just how much that job would shape me—not only personally, but professionally.
The Unexpected Education
Working at Anushka turned out to be more than just a way to earn extra cash. It became an education in beauty, wellness, and confidence. I learned the basics of skincare, the difference between a flattering hair color and a disastrous one, and most importantly, the value of self-care. Those lessons didn’t just stay with me—they laid the foundation for my blog and helped sharpen the communication skills I later relied on in my public relations career.
It’s funny how things come full circle. Today, as I write about beauty and lifestyle, I find myself constantly drawing from what I picked up at Anushka all those years ago. Which is why I decided to dedicate a little three-part series to highlight some of my favorite treatments (and the talented professionals behind them) at the spa. And where better to start than with the question I get asked the most: hair color.
Why Hair Color Matters
Hair color is powerful—it can instantly transform your entire look. The right shade enhances your features and brings out the texture of your hair, all while blending seamlessly into your natural style. On the flip side, a poor color job is almost impossible to hide. There’s no in-between: it’s either stunningly rich or an unmistakable disaster.
That’s why, since my very first days at Anushka, I’ve trusted my hair to one of the most skilled colorists in Palm Beach: James Parlier.
Enter Balayage
James specializes in a technique that has since become one of the most requested styles around: balayage. Originating in France, balayage is a freehand coloring method where the stylist paints highlights directly onto the hair, no foils required. The result? A look that’s customized, dimensional, and incredibly natural.
What I love about balayage is its versatility. It’s not a one-size-fits-all technique. Whether you want soft, sun-kissed highlights (like I usually opt for), a bold ombré effect, or something more dramatic, balayage can be tailored to suit your style and personality.
The Low-Maintenance Secret
Another reason I’ll always swear by balayage: it’s unbelievably low maintenance. Unlike traditional foil highlights that create a harsh line as your hair grows out, balayage is hand-painted in a way that grows gracefully. Your roots blend into the color, giving you a natural look even months later.
To put this into perspective: last winter, I went a couple of months without refreshing my color, and readers still complimented how vibrant and rich it looked. That’s the beauty of balayage—it works with your hair rather than against it.
More Than Just Hair
For me, hair color isn’t just about style—it’s about confidence. There’s something empowering about leaving the salon with fresh color, knowing your hair looks effortless yet polished. It sets the tone for how you carry yourself, whether you’re heading into a meeting, a dinner with friends, or just your everyday routine.
Looking back, I can’t help but smile at how a college job with discounted beauty perks became the start of a lifelong appreciation for the artistry of hair and skincare. And while balayage is only the beginning of this three-part series, it remains one of my favorite lessons from my Anushka days: sometimes the best transformations are the ones that feel the most natural.
