About Us
atelier |ˌatlˈyā| ; noun
- ORIGIN late 17th cent.: from French
A workshop or studio, esp. one used by an artist or designer.
Hervé Lapuente
Bio:
Owner Hervé Lapuente is an award winning Master stylist with over 20 years experience in the art of beautiful hair. Born in Paris, France Hervé is a fluent speaker of English, French and Spanish. As the son of two globe trotting Master Stylists, Hervé practically grew up in salons in France, Mexico and the US.
After completing his training in Paris Hervé spent a few years in Austin salons learning the ropes. He then spent 6 years as an international creative team member with hair giants Rusk, performing at educational and artistic seminars in over twenty countries worldwide. He trained and updated numerous team members and educators throughout three continents and taught advanced cutting techniques at the Rusk Academy.
Tired of life on the road Hervé left Rusk to focus on his own salon in the Austin neighborhood of Westlake Hills which he ran for 4 years. During this time he achieved numerous milestones including being nominated “Top 20 Designer of the Year” by Salon Today magazine 2001, featured in Bazaar magazine summer’s hair trends, in In Style magazine and winner of the Picture Perfect contest by Schwarzkopf. Hervé then opened the salon in the world renowned Lake Austin Spa.
Ready once again for his own place, he opened Atelier Hervé. His mission at Atelier was to create a harmonious setting that makes the client the sole focus. This he achieved. Atelier Hervé, in a classic West Austin house is intimate and friendly yet professional and dedicated to great hair. Described by more than one client as having ‘good vibes’ petite Atelier Hervé houses just two talented stylists. It delivers the experience and professionalism of a large high end salon without the overheads. Hervé likes to make people feel good about themselves, he accepts this as a personal challenge and he’s not satisfied until you are.
When not transforming hair at Atelier, Hervé can be found spending time with his son, on his road bike, behind the lens of a camera or at the small end of a telescope. Astro-photography in particular is a serious passion.
Delma Mays
Bio:
It’s not rocket science to most people, but to Delma, it’s exactly that. The road less traveled has always guided this woman of contradictions. Recruited into the aerospace program at UT, she eventually received her degree in business management from Concordia in December 1999. Typically Delma, she says, “I wanted it to be the last thing I did in the 20th century.”
Her no-nonsense, logical left-brain — she’s a math whiz — coexists peacefully with its neighbor to the right, which houses a deep belief in spirit guides and the serendipity of random experiences. Beliefs that color her life.
So it’s no accident Delma’s hair styling expertise is coloring, along with precision cutting. Her penchant for science is obvious as she skillfully mixes products, an alchemy that transforms ordinary locks into natural, healthy and shiny hair. It’s both a mission and sense of personal satisfaction. “Hair coloring can be life-changing, a boost to self-esteem,” she says. “For women, it’s an expression of who you are.”
Since attaining her license in 1981, Delma has spent years helping women and men discover who they are. She’s practiced her craft in three states, along with advanced color training at the Vidal Sassoon Academy. While in L.A., she worked fashion and runway shows, aiming toward a demanding Screen Actors Guild card. Returning to Austin in 1995, Delma styled hair at a variety of salons, her loyal clients in tow with every move.
And move she does. An avid runner on the trails around Lady Bird Lake, Delma loves “finding out where I’ll go next.” Searching has led her to explore Mexico and Italy, to sail across the Caribbean, and to discover the magical culture of Greece. It led her up to a 28-story loft condo, but back down to earth, where a backyard for her rescue dogs Ziggy and Marley proves a better fit.
Now happily at home at Atelier Hervé, Delma expresses renewed vigor in her craft. “A life path can take unexpected turns, but you eventually arrive where you’re meant to be. A creative individual needs to be motivated and inspired. I found that here.”