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.
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.
Carly
STYLIST
Hey, I’m Carly! I have been in the hair industry since 2003 and have been actively working behind the chair since. I am originally from Michigan and became a Florida resident in 2017. I have been working in a Paul Mitchell Focus Salon since 2010 and absolutely love what Paul Mitchell represents!! I am brand new to Illusions salon & spa but I have multiple layers of experience and doing hair. I have extensive education with Paul Mitchell and would love to give you your next salon experience. Let’s make it an unforgettable one! Doing hair for me is not a job, it’s a passion .
Eli
STYLIST
Hi, I’m Eli! Originally from Brazil, I’m a Hairstylist who firmly believes that beauty and fashion are a constant evolution.
My styling techniques are designed to enhance the integrity and beauty of one’s hair, creating a naturally sculpted shape that belongs to you.
I guarantee your appointment will be both uplifting and transformative.
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.
Dawn Mauk
NAIL TECHNICIAN
With over 20 years in the salon and spa industry, I am proud to call Illusions Salon and Spa of Punta Gorda my home. My career has always been rooted in one simple passion — helping people feel beautiful, confident, and cared for.
Nails have always held a special place in my heart. I truly love the creativity, precision, and personal connection that comes with every appointment. I was professionally trained with CND in California and spent 12 rewarding years as an educator in Ohio, sharing my knowledge and passion with fellow beauty professionals. Throughout my career, I have continued advanced training because I believe growth and education never stop.
For me, it’s about more than nails and hair — it’s about creating a warm, welcoming space where clients can relax, feel valued, and leave feeling their very best.
Stacey Blackmon, lmt
LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST
MA 74100
Hi, I’m Stacey Blackmon, LMT, and I’ve been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2002. With nearly 25 years in the massage therapy industry, I’ve had the opportunity to study and develop a wide range of techniques and modalities—and massage therapy has remained my passion throughout my entire adult life.
My services include Therapeutic Deep Tissue, Reflexology, Relaxing Lymphatic Scalp & Head Massage, and Pregnancy Massage. I also incorporate hot and cold stones, hot towels, cupping, muscle taping, and tuning forks when appropriate to enhance each client’s experience.
Over the past 12 years, I’ve developed my own approach to working with the muscular system, combining specialized techniques with essential oils to encourage the muscles to relax and release. This allows me to work more effectively into deeper layers of muscle tissue while minimizing resistance and post-massage soreness.
I believe every body is different, and I tailor each session to what I feel your body needs that day. I’m always learning and exploring new ways to help my clients feel more relaxed, balanced, and comfortable in their bodies.
I’m so happy to be part of the Illusions Salon and Spa family, and I look forward to creating an atmosphere of relaxation, healing, and overall well-being for everyone who finds their way onto my massage table.