About Illusions salon & spa

Illusions salon and spa punta gorda

Illusions salon & spa, established in 2001, is an award-winning salon. We are known for our incredibly talented staff, our outstanding service to guest, and relaxing atmosphere. The salon is highly specialized in offering comprehensive hair care services ranging from trending hairstyles, coloring, treatments, up-dos, bridal, and men’s grooming. In an industry that is constantly changing, Illusions believes that our team should be well educated. We invest time in education so that we may better service our guests. We promptly introduce new styles and techniques. At Illusions salon & spa, we offer personalized recommendations with consultations to insure a complete customized look suiting your needs, personality and ever-changing style. Custom packages for both Men and Women are available.

Illusions spa is a unique day spa offering a full range of services designed to address your body, mind and skin. Our Therapy services include a selection of massages including Hot Stone, Swedish and Deep Tissue. Our Estheticians accommodate your individual skin type with customized facials. Illusion has many aesthetic services ranging from our very own Illusions signature facial, Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels, Light Treatments, and add on Facial Treatments. Our skin care services help address a variety of needs ranging from premature aging, environmental damage from the sun and acne, which leads to a dull and patchy complexion.

Illusions mission is to provide friendly, exceptional service through a team of highly skilled and creative professionals, while presenting a distinction of teamwork, community services and value. Honoring our guests and their needs, we are always aiming to exceed expectations not only the first time, but every time.

It is not only about creating a beautiful external you, but to nurture the spirit and relax the mind, body, and soul.

Meet the Illusions Team!

Sonya

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & SALON OWNER

Hello there, my name is Sonya Hawker and for more than 25 years I have owned, operated, and styled for Illusions salon & spa. We are a Paul Mitchell Focus Salon and I am extremely proud to say that I have been a John Paul Mitchell systems educator for the past 12 years. For the past 9 consecutive years, I have been nominated for Stylist of the Year. We are extremely grateful for all of our clients and friends who have been with us from the start and now that were expanding, we can’t wait to meet and style you. Illusions salon & spa has graciously accepted and held the Salon of the Year Award for the past 9 years and we could not be prouder to have that honor. We have an incredible team that has made this journey successful. We welcome you to book an appointment for an astounding experience. Our goal is to exceed your expectations with your hair desires. I love what I do and do what I love.

Shelby Goffe

STYLIST

Hi! My name is Shelby and I am a native of Punta Gorda, Florida. In June 2007, I graduated from Charlotte Vocational Tech and started my career in Cosmetology. I take pride in saying that I love what I do! There’s nothing better than making people feel and look beautiful. For the first 5 1/2 years of my career I worked in a salon mostly cutting hair, but I decided it was time to seek out a more exclusive salon. Illusions salon & spa was the right choice. I was excited to be a part of a salon with continued education and monthly training courses. Being in an atmosphere with such a strong sense of teamwork and family is also a major plus. I have been Paul Mitchell trained for nearly six years now and love all of the Paul Mitchell products and colors. Some of my favorite things to do in the salon are blondes, keratin treatments, razor cuts and curly hair!

Natalie Celeya

STYLIST

Hey there! My name is Natalie and I’m a Port Charlotte native who graduated from Charlotte Technical College in 2008! I really love being a part of the Paul Mitchell family! Most of all, I enjoy our continued education classes and staying up to date with the latest Paul Mitchell trends. Let me help you go BLONDE, blend your GRAY away or make it shine, have the perfect haircut or just find the right look for you. Making people happy and feel great, is the best part of my job.

Valeria Nicolosi

STYLIST

Hi, my names Valeria but you can call me Val! I am proud to call myself one of the master stylists at the fabulous Illusions salon and spa. I began working at Illusions in 2016 and was inspired to become a stylist myself! With the support of my amazing colleagues by 2017 I was an accomplished graduate of The Charlotte Technical College cosmetology program. I believe education is a life long pursuit and so to keep current with the latest techniques and trends in the industry i enjoy attending continuing education classes every chance I get.

I specialize in colors, cuts, smoothing treatments, highlights, and perms.

The most fulfilling part of my job happens when I get to see a clients happiness when I make their vision for their hair a reality.

Stop fantasizing about the hair you want.

Book with me and let’s get you the hair of your dreams.

Hardy Whidden

STYLIST

Hi, my name is Hardy, Florida born and raised on a farm in Arcadia. I spent my early days working on the farm but found I needed something more artistic and evolving. I decided to try the field of cosmetology. I loved it! Twenty-seven years later I still love coming to work every day, making people feel great, and learning all the latest trends, products, and styles. I specialize in color. I look forward to making you feel extra special.

Star Downs

STYLIST

Hi, I’m Star! With over 15+ years of experience in the hair world, I treat your hair like your very own canvas, helping to create whatever look you’re trying to achieve while also using my hair stylists eye for detail to find what fits you! I love doing fashion colors, balayage, highlights and more. I specialize in all shaping techniques, including edgy short bobs to long layers and even men’s cuts. I’m always looking to further my knowledge and hope to get to try new things now that I’m here at Illusions salon & spa. I look forward to having you in my chair and bringing your vision to life!

Janice Hopkins

LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST

I personalize each massage to meet my clients needs, help them reduce pain, stay active, increase mobility, and relax in a tranquil, stress free environment. I have worked in both the Medical and Luxury Spa industry on the East and West Coast. She graduated from SAMA Newport Massage School in 2016 located in RI where she was born and raised. Janice has lived in WA state the past 5 years and currently resides in NW Cape Coral.

“I’m so happy to be here in FL. I love the people, the weather, and the laid back atmosphere. Im excited to be part of the Illusions team. I look forward to helping you feel your best!”

See you soon

Modalities Include : Deep Tissue, Swedish, Hot Stone, Aroma Therapy and Maternity Massage.

Michele Berzak

NAIL TECHNICIAN

After 7 years at another local spa, I am so excited to be a part of the amazing team at Illusions. A New Jersey native, owner/operator of 15 years, loving life here in Punta Gorda! I am a graduate of Artistic Academy, always continuing education in this ever changing industry. I hold a Grand Masters Certification with Creative Nail Design. I am Certified with Amethyst and Digits International in Reflexology, have studied under OPI, Young Nails and Revel Inc.. Using all odorless products for Pink and White, French Manis that go from sneakers to black tie, has reaffirmed my “Next To Natural” approach to nail design. Hard Gels, Soft Gels, Dip Powders, Natural Manicures, Pedicures and Nail Art for all occasions or just for fun is always and added touch. I love always bringing something new to the table for all of my clients that express their individuality.

My motto is: “Every Day Beautiful.”

Debra Andresen

ESTHETICIAN

Hello, I am Debra, originally from Royal Oak, Michigan, I came to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1962. I moved to the west coast in 1986 and I LOVE it here!

In the past 22 years years, I have mostly worked in paramedical with the most awesome plastic surgeons and wonderful dermatologists. I was very fortunate to have been able to learn so much.

My sessions consist of excellent skincare. I do rejuvination, chemical peels, and if necessary, derma-file, derma-blade, red light, micro-needling and radio frequency, lymph drain and permanent make-up.

I meet so many wonderful women and look forward to making a difference in their skin and create a regimen that will give them the result they are looking for.

Monique Kret

ESTHETICIAN

Hi, I’m Monique! I am a true Florida girl, born and raised in Port Charlotte. After spending a few years in the medical field, I found her passion in all things lashes, skincare, and makeup! Now that I am at Illusions salon & spa, I am so ready to make you FEEL and LOOK like your absolute best self!

Faith Baum

ESTHETICIAN

Hello, I am Faith Baum. Just the esthetician you have been looking for!

I love making people feel comfortable in their own skin! My favorite thing about skin care are the extractions!

Originally from Arcadia Florida, and I have a farm with horses, donkey’s, and chickens! I ride horses on my free time.

I look forward to making your skin beautiful!

Nicole Servello

SALON MANAGER

Hey! My name is Nicole, I grew up in Georgia and moved to Punta Gorda in 2020.

I joined the Illusions team as the Salon Coordinator in 2021 and have since been promoted to Salon Manager!

I love what I do & who I work with, I also love meeting & chatting with all of our clients!

I look forward to seeing you soon!