Karie Bennett Atelier

Karie Bennett

Founder/Master Artist, Atelier Salons

Karie’s journey as a stylist began in 1981, and as a salon owner in 1997, when she opened her first Atelier in Los Altos. Opportunity knocked in 2002, when Aveda asked Karie to open the flagship Aveda lifestyle salon in San Jose, the heart of the Silicon Valley. Fast forward to today: 40 employees between Atelier Studio and The Annex, both located at Santana Row.

Karie has been a part of the Aveda tribe since 1985, still sees clients in the salon two days a week, is a contributing writer for Salon Today magazine, and is an active member of the Professional Beauty Association’s Salon/Spa Advisory Board and Government Affairs Committee, helping to protect the industry she loves.

Education: Aveda Business College, 4Mat for Leadership, redCHOCOLATE Leadership and Colorist, MBA certificate from UMass Boston, Creative Writing, Writing for Magazines, WorkLean and Public Speaking–both at Stanford University’s Continuing Studies program.

Accolades and achievements: Karie says, “These recognitions represent the work of everyone at Atelier–none of it would be possible without an amazing team. Awards are more of a compass than a badge, they tell us if we’re headed in the right direction and they raise the bar for all of us.”

-2019 Participated in PBA’s Lobby Day in Washington DC in the Senate and House of Representative buildings

-2017 and re-elected, 2020: Elected to the Salon Spa Advisory Board for the Professional Beauty Association, member of the PBA Government Affairs Committee

-2017 Women of Influence Award Recipient, Silicon Valley Business Journal
-2011 North American Hairstylist Association’s Salon Master of Business Award Winner
(Finalist, 2010 + 2012)

-2008 UCLA Anderson School of Management Global Salon Business Award
(Finalist, 2006)

Charitable work: Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, Evelyn Lauder Breast Cancer Research Fund, Clean Water Fund, South Bay Musical Theater, Sunnyvale Community Services, San Francisco 49ers Convoy of Hope, Sunnyvale Community Services, San Francisco 49ers Foundation

Specialties: Everything about Curly hair, Dry haircutting, Natural foil highlighting, Un-coloring hair: transitioning to natural silver hair (letting your gray grow out gracefully!)

Haircuts: $180

Haircolor: Inquire

Un-Color Consultations by request – How to transition from covering your gray to uncoloring your hair and embracing your natural silver strands!

Email: karie@ateliersalon.com

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Feb 3

Abracadabra... scroll left for the big chop and the fun result!
Scissor and flat iron work by our fearless leader, Karie!

Abracadabra... scroll left for the big chop and the fun result!
Scissor and flat iron work by our fearless leader, Karie! ...

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Nov 29

Happy 18th Atelier Anniversary to our leader, Karie Bennett! She is an original Santana Row merchant. Karie recently celebrated her 39th year as a hairstylist and continues to set a shining example of professionalism, passion for the craft, and care for others. We are thankful for her fearlessness and her willingness to find ways to work around the situations that Covid has presented. We know she has our backs! We love you, KB!
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#atelieraveda #masterartist #karieatatelierstudio #karieattheatelierannex #santanarowstylist #santanarowsmallbusiness #entrepreneur #avedasalonsanjose #kariezbennett

Happy 18th Atelier Anniversary to our leader, Karie Bennett! She is an original Santana Row merchant. Karie recently celebrated her 39th year as a hairstylist and continues to set a shining example of professionalism, passion for the craft, and care for others. We are thankful for her fearlessness and her willingness to find ways to work around the situations that Covid has presented. We know she has our backs! We love you, KB!
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#atelieraveda #masterartist #karieatatelierstudio #karieattheatelierannex #santanarowstylist #santanarowsmallbusiness #entrepreneur #avedasalonsanjose #kariezbennett ...

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Oct 18

You can say you have just about done it all as a hairstylist when you’ve created a Big Blue Mohawk for Sharkie, mascot of the San Jose Sharks! Ten years ago, I had the unbelievable honor to participate in another great redhautecreative productions with the juniorleaguesj for a charitable event. I heard Sharkie was walking the runway and suggested I create a Mohawk to give Sharkie some flair, and they loved the idea, so we did it! He liked it so much he tried to chomp my head. 😜. I also met brandichastain that day and we’ve been working together ever since. I miss those show days, hope we get back to them again sometime soon!
***Fun Fact: aveda Control Force hairspray keeps a shark’s Mohawk standing proud!
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#goodoledays #juniorleaguesj #brandichastain #sanjosesharks #bluemohawk #redhautecreative #kariezbennett #karieatatelierstudio #sanjosesalon

You can say you have just about done it all as a hairstylist when you’ve created a Big Blue Mohawk for Sharkie, mascot of the San Jose Sharks! Ten years ago, I had the unbelievable honor to participate in another great redhautecreative productions with the juniorleaguesj for a charitable event. I heard Sharkie was walking the runway and suggested I create a Mohawk to give Sharkie some flair, and they loved the idea, so we did it! He liked it so much he tried to chomp my head. 😜. I also met brandichastain that day and we’ve been working together ever since. I miss those show days, hope we get back to them again sometime soon!
***Fun Fact: aveda Control Force hairspray keeps a shark’s Mohawk standing proud!
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#goodoledays #juniorleaguesj #brandichastain #sanjosesharks #bluemohawk #redhautecreative #kariezbennett #karieatatelierstudio #sanjosesalon ...

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Oct 5

Blue Barcode placement for my colorful client.
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#avedacolor #bluehair #barcodecolor #atelieraveda #karieatatelierstudio #santanarowsalon

Blue Barcode placement for my colorful client.
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#avedacolor #bluehair #barcodecolor #atelieraveda #karieatatelierstudio #santanarowsalon ...

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Aug 8

This client of mine is 100% white—I add foils of dark blonde underneath and light golden blonde throughout, so pretty! .
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atelieraveda #aveda #avedablonde #avedaartists #avedacolor #santanarow #karieatatelierstudio

This client of mine is 100% white—I add foils of dark blonde underneath and light golden blonde throughout, so pretty! .
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atelieraveda #aveda #avedablonde #avedaartists #avedacolor #santanarow #karieatatelierstudio ...

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Jun 22

I couldn’t decide which way to style and photograph this smooth #glasshair look best, so here’s a trio of pics of this beautiful curtain of shiny hair! Flat iron work by cosmocady Head of amazing hair: izzy.connors atelieraveda #avedasimplyshine #glossyhair #iphonephotographer #aveda #avedaartists #karieatatelierstudio

I couldn’t decide which way to style and photograph this smooth #glasshair look best, so here’s a trio of pics of this beautiful curtain of shiny hair! Flat iron work by cosmocady Head of amazing hair: izzy.connors atelieraveda #avedasimplyshine #glossyhair #iphonephotographer #aveda #avedaartists #karieatatelierstudio ...

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Jun 22

I still love when I’m standing behind the chair, having my hands in hair. 38 years this year since I started the hair journey. So many facets of my career, grateful for all of them. #beinspired #cosmetologist #hairartist #hairstylist #hairdresser #callitwhatyouwill #butnotbeautician #atelieraveda #karieatatelierstudio

I still love when I’m standing behind the chair, having my hands in hair. 38 years this year since I started the hair journey. So many facets of my career, grateful for all of them. #beinspired #cosmetologist #hairartist #hairstylist #hairdresser #callitwhatyouwill #butnotbeautician #atelieraveda #karieatatelierstudio ...

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Jun 6

My beautiful client Nancy came in for cut and color today. I thought I’d show you how different haircolor can look indoors vs. in sunlight! Our color goal is to have a nice balance between warm and cool. In sunlight, all bets are off for cool, it appears very warm.
It’s always a pleasure to get my hands in Nancy’s hair for a sassy cut as well—she’s been in my chair for over 30 years! Thanks for the trust, Nancy! .
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atelieraveda santanarow #lifeontherow #aveda #sanjose #sexyhair #zumbababe #sassyhair #avedabotanicalcolor #avedacolor #avedasalonsanjose #atelieraveda #karieatatelierstudio

My beautiful client Nancy came in for cut and color today. I thought I’d show you how different haircolor can look indoors vs. in sunlight! Our color goal is to have a nice balance between warm and cool. In sunlight, all bets are off for cool, it appears very warm.
It’s always a pleasure to get my hands in Nancy’s hair for a sassy cut as well—she’s been in my chair for over 30 years! Thanks for the trust, Nancy! .
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atelieraveda santanarow #lifeontherow #aveda #sanjose #sexyhair #zumbababe #sassyhair #avedabotanicalcolor #avedacolor #avedasalonsanjose #atelieraveda #karieatatelierstudio ...

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May 8

I love working with Anne’s amazing curls and her gorgeous natural silver hair frames her face so beautifully. .....***.....
I started this service with a wash and condition using Aveda’s Be Curly, then put Be Curly Style Prep in as a cutting cream. .....***.....
Established my perimeter on wet hair, light tension and planning for the hair to spring up. Elevated square layers, and vertical 90° geometric lines. Then used #avedabecurlycurlenhancer mixed with a pump of the #avedalightelements smoothing fluid, and diffused to create the shape. .....***.....
Hand carved and backcut to personalize the frame and connect the curls. Aired out the heavy spots. It’s a negotiation and a conversation I have with every ringlet to ask it to play nice and get along with it’s neighbor. That’s why cutting curly hair is so much fun and such a challenge. .....***.....And it’s always a fun visit with this Bay Area actor and friend!
atelieraveda #santanarow #naturallycurly #voiceactor #lesmiserablesactor #silverhair #sfgiantsfan #beautifulcurls #mastercurlcutter #curlyhairexpert #sanjosehairtribe #avedaartist #aveda #becurly #beyou #authenticity #karieatatelierstudio

I love working with Anne’s amazing curls and her gorgeous natural silver hair frames her face so beautifully. .....***.....
I started this service with a wash and condition using Aveda’s Be Curly, then put Be Curly Style Prep in as a cutting cream. .....***.....
Established my perimeter on wet hair, light tension and planning for the hair to spring up. Elevated square layers, and vertical 90° geometric lines. Then used #avedabecurlycurlenhancer mixed with a pump of the #avedalightelements smoothing fluid, and diffused to create the shape. .....***.....
Hand carved and backcut to personalize the frame and connect the curls. Aired out the heavy spots. It’s a negotiation and a conversation I have with every ringlet to ask it to play nice and get along with it’s neighbor. That’s why cutting curly hair is so much fun and such a challenge. .....***.....And it’s always a fun visit with this Bay Area actor and friend!
atelieraveda #santanarow #naturallycurly #voiceactor #lesmiserablesactor #silverhair #sfgiantsfan #beautifulcurls #mastercurlcutter #curlyhairexpert #sanjosehairtribe #avedaartist #aveda #becurly #beyou #authenticity #karieatatelierstudio ...

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Dec 13

Rolling back the years—by adding panels of deep charcoal brown below her natural silver. I love this technique for my all silver guests who want to add depth and aren’t ready to go all white yet. atelieraveda #karieatatelierstudio #grayreduction #silverhair #lowlightinggray santanarow #lifeontherow aveda #aveda #avedacolor #avedaartist

Rolling back the years—by adding panels of deep charcoal brown below her natural silver. I love this technique for my all silver guests who want to add depth and aren’t ready to go all white yet. atelieraveda #karieatatelierstudio #grayreduction #silverhair #lowlightinggray santanarow #lifeontherow aveda #aveda #avedacolor #avedaartist ...

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Sep 5

What fun to spend the day working on some #pinturahighlights for ashleybballstar. Gaining the trust of a first time guest is like having a superpower. It’s magical! Thanks to cosmocady for the assist! atelieraveda #aveda #sanjose #santanarow #lifeontherow #karieatatelierstudio #curlygirl #curlcutting #pintura

What fun to spend the day working on some #pinturahighlights for ashleybballstar. Gaining the trust of a first time guest is like having a superpower. It’s magical! Thanks to cosmocady for the assist! atelieraveda #aveda #sanjose #santanarow #lifeontherow #karieatatelierstudio #curlygirl #curlcutting #pintura ...

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Aug 22

And just like that...she’s back to her vibrant self. Indigo color melt into royal blue. Super shiny and conditioned because I used Aveda’s Demi Plus. atelieraveda #aveda #avedacolor #santanarow #lifeontherow #karieatatelierstudio #bluehair #avedasalonsanjose #fashioncolor

And just like that...she’s back to her vibrant self. Indigo color melt into royal blue. Super shiny and conditioned because I used Aveda’s Demi Plus. atelieraveda #aveda #avedacolor #santanarow #lifeontherow #karieatatelierstudio #bluehair #avedasalonsanjose #fashioncolor ...

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Aug 22

I had a Haircolor dream that Kathy let me frame her face with a pastel lilac—and she said yes! Thanks for letting me have a bit of fun and color!! atelieraveda kariezbennett #karieatatelierstudio aveda #avedacolor #avedapastel #avedaartist #lifeontherow #santanarow #silverhair #lilachair #avedademiplus #aveda

I had a Haircolor dream that Kathy let me frame her face with a pastel lilac—and she said yes! Thanks for letting me have a bit of fun and color!! atelieraveda kariezbennett #karieatatelierstudio aveda #avedacolor #avedapastel #avedaartist #lifeontherow #santanarow #silverhair #lilachair #avedademiplus #aveda ...

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Aug 9

X marks the spot. atelieraveda #karieatatelierstudio cosmocady izzy.connors #hairstylistforever #hairdresserforever💝 #hairartistalways

X marks the spot. atelieraveda #karieatatelierstudio cosmocady izzy.connors #hairstylistforever #hairdresserforever💝 #hairartistalways ...

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Jul 11

What fun I had today giving this guest the Haircolor of her dreams. The hug she gave me was priceless. After a heavy foil lightening, I applied a dusty lavender at the root which melted down into the iridescent faded denim. Swipe left for the starting point. Now we will just refresh with a color gloss every 8 weeks. We can even change the tones if she chooses! Custom blended with all #avedacolor
Total time from start to finish: 4 hours. atelieraveda #karieatatelierstudio #haircolortransformation #holographichair #demiplusaveda
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#aveda aveda #ianmichaelblack #lupevoss #haircolormagic #avedaartist #avedabluehaircolor #avedalavenderhair

What fun I had today giving this guest the Haircolor of her dreams. The hug she gave me was priceless. After a heavy foil lightening, I applied a dusty lavender at the root which melted down into the iridescent faded denim. Swipe left for the starting point. Now we will just refresh with a color gloss every 8 weeks. We can even change the tones if she chooses! Custom blended with all #avedacolor
Total time from start to finish: 4 hours. atelieraveda #karieatatelierstudio #haircolortransformation #holographichair #demiplusaveda
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#aveda aveda #ianmichaelblack #lupevoss #haircolormagic #avedaartist #avedabluehaircolor #avedalavenderhair ...

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Apr 28

When you need to “time machine” your silvery white hair back 10 years. #lowlights #karieatatelierstudio #atelierstudio #santanarow #sanjosestylist .
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#masterartist #avedaartist #aveda #avedahaircolor #avedastylist #greyhair #whitehair #saltandpepperhair #angledbob #healthyhair #shine #naturalhair #naturalgrey #naturalgreyhair #timemachine

When you need to “time machine” your silvery white hair back 10 years. #lowlights #karieatatelierstudio #atelierstudio #santanarow #sanjosestylist .
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#masterartist #avedaartist #aveda #avedahaircolor #avedastylist #greyhair #whitehair #saltandpepperhair #angledbob #healthyhair #shine #naturalhair #naturalgrey #naturalgreyhair #timemachine ...

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Mar 31

Blouson braids are my faves. So soft and beautiful for even the longest hair. atelieraveda #karieatatelierstudio #longhairbraiding #braidonlonghair #blousonbraid #lookslikealoafofbread #funwithhair #santanarow

Blouson braids are my faves. So soft and beautiful for even the longest hair. atelieraveda #karieatatelierstudio #longhairbraiding #braidonlonghair #blousonbraid #lookslikealoafofbread #funwithhair #santanarow ...

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Mar 18

Loved creating this blue ‘do. #earthmonthblue #avedaartist #denimhaircolor #fadedbluejeanhair #avedacolor atelieraveda #karieatatelierstudio #whenyougettheblues

Loved creating this blue ‘do. #earthmonthblue #avedaartist #denimhaircolor #fadedbluejeanhair #avedacolor atelieraveda #karieatatelierstudio #whenyougettheblues ...

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Oct 5

Magic happened. She’s actually about 90% salt. I brought back some pepper using a custom-blended, Aveda botanical, damage-free hair color. Loved cutting this classic #sassoon bob #precisioncut #devilwearsprada #saltandpepper #silverstrands atelieraveda kariezbennett #kariezbennett #santanarow #avedaartist #aveda #avedacolor #botanicalcolor #karieatatelierstudio

Magic happened. She’s actually about 90% salt. I brought back some pepper using a custom-blended, Aveda botanical, damage-free hair color. Loved cutting this classic #sassoon bob #precisioncut #devilwearsprada #saltandpepper #silverstrands atelieraveda kariezbennett #kariezbennett #santanarow #avedaartist #aveda #avedacolor #botanicalcolor #karieatatelierstudio ...

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Jul 13

Thanks for coming to Atelier for beautiful hair! Plus it's just always fun to have you in my chair! Have a wonderful time at the wedding! atelieraveda brandichastain kariezbennett bchastain6 #aveda #santanarow #lifeontherow #avedaartist #behindthechair #justbeyou #beinspired #scusoccer #santaclarauniversity #girlpower #karieatatelierstudio

Thanks for coming to Atelier for beautiful hair! Plus it's just always fun to have you in my chair! Have a wonderful time at the wedding! atelieraveda brandichastain kariezbennett bchastain6 #aveda #santanarow #lifeontherow #avedaartist #behindthechair #justbeyou #beinspired #scusoccer #santaclarauniversity #girlpower #karieatatelierstudio ...

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