Actress Turns Her Creativity Towards Hair

By Antonica Welvaert, VBnightlife.com correspondent

Based on a recommendation of a friend I arrive for my appointment at AOC salon in the Ghent area of Norfolk. It’s a mix of modern and rustic with an inviting feel located in the old Crackers restaurant space. I meet with Dalbe, the owner and my stylist for the morning. As I sit chatting with Dalbe she weaves in 3 varying colors of blonde into my foils (not 1 but 3). I am sure this is no news flash to women but perhaps some men aren’t aware of the time it takes to get beautiful.

AOC salon opened its doors in 2008, even though timed with an economic downswing they have managed to make a name for themselves. Now about that name, AOC stands for “appellation d’origine controlee”. Wine drinkers may be familiar with this term which indicates the highest quality standards. Dalbe explained she came to that name because it encompassed her philosophy which was to create a salon that only uses the best products, most talented stylists (stylist are required to audition), and impeccable customer service.

Dalbe attended the Governor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk and moved to New York to attend the American Musical & Dramatic Academy (AMDA). She has appeared in TV and film including appearances on All My Children and Prosecutors. She has come close to working on Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill but that one career changing roll was eluding her. After the experience of living in New York during 9/11 she decided to return home and refocus her career. She joined a local non-profit called “Magic” where she helped public school students’ deal with daily life topics such as 9/11 through performance, song and art. During this time she began her apprenticeship for hair and found another outlet for her creativity. After completing her training she returned to New York for a year to learn under London trained Vidal Sasson stylist Thomas Heinz. She says the year back in New York was a tremendous learning experience but also gave her the opportunity to say a proper good bye to the city.

Today Dalbe is still auditioning but now only for the love of acting. She channels her creativity into her salon and styling. Unlike other salons she wanted her prices to be reasonable as well as all inclusive, which means my foil including all the colors and toner were one price. She explained she wants her customers to receive the best results possible and not forgo treatments because they are priced separately. She explains “That is my artwork walking out the door as I want it to be the best it can be”.

AOC Salon
821 W 21st St
Norfolk, VA 23517
(757) 625-0055

This blog originally posted to the Pilot Online - Photoblogging by David Adam Beloff.