Holly Stept recently opened Hair Brilliance, a four-chair hair salon at 2125 W. Apache Trail in Apache Junction, which will have a grand opening and 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 6.

In addition to owning, managing and marketing the business, she is an artist. Many of her Arizona/Apache Junction paintings are on display inside the salon and are available for sale.

Your Name: Holly Stept

Age: 48

Business Name: Hair Brilliance

Town/Neighborhood: 2125 W. Apache Trail, Apache Junction

Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday-Monday.

Contact information: Call 480-904-3924, go to hairbrillianceofaj.com, Instagram @ hairbrillianceofaj or TikTok @hairbrilliance.

Personal background highlights: My dad was a dentist for almost 40 years, and I have several siblings with small businesses as well. It’s in my blood.

Professional background highlights: I’ve been in business and marketing for 25 years. I am a professional certified marketer (PCM) and certified digital marketing professional (CDMP).

What I do: Owner, manager and marketing of a small four-chair hair salon in Apache Junction.

What I like most about doing business here: Apache Junction has some of the nicest people I have ever met. When they come into the hair salon, I enjoy their stories of how they grew up here or ended up here. I look forward to every time I get to see them.

Changes I’d like to see in this area: I’d like to see Apache Junction get recognized for great service and talented people.

What am I promoting: Free consultation on your hair if you need to explore a new color, cut, style or get a treatment to give it some shine in this Arizona heat. We keep our prices low so that you will be a repeat customer.

What I’m excited about and why: To expand and grow, just like Apache Junction is expanding.

Favorite community cause and why: I have volunteered to teach students and adults literacy skills for decades.

When and why I started my business/employment here: The people are friendly, and it allowed me to customize the salon.

Where was before and why I left: I’ve lived in California, Oregon and Washington, but I always knew I’d end up in Arizona.

My family: I have friends and family here in Arizona, which is why I came here.

My interests & hobbies: I am also an artist, and many of my paintings are on display inside the salon, are Arizona/Apache Junction themed, and are for sale.

People who inspire me (and how): I’m inspired by my customer’s stories. Life is an adventure.

My guiding philosophy: Be kind. Keep learning.

My advice to today’s youth: Get off social media and your phones for an hour a day, and start getting to know people around you. That is how you learn about jobs and careers, new hobbies and how to be happy as an adult.