Erica Keelen - Mentor Stylist
Co-Founder, Owner & Creative Director — Studio Sage Salon & Head Spa | Jacksonville Beach, Florida
Over the course of her career, Erica has competed nationally and internationally, earning recognition at competitions including NAHA, L'Oréal Professionnel, and Paul Mitchell. Those wins led to years of travel across the United States and abroad, collaborating with some of the most respected stylists in the industry, working alongside national and international beauty brands, and being featured in industry trade media.
“My philosophy has always been healthy hair first. I'd rather have an honest consultation and tell you the truth about what your hair can handle than oversell a service and compromise your hair health in the process. Realistic expectations, transparent pricing, and genuine results — that's the Studio Sage standard, and it starts with me.”
Expertise:
Color Correction & Transformation
Dimensional Color
Gray Blending
Balayage
Precision Haircuts
K-Tip Extensions
I work with all hair types and textures, from fine and straight to coily and natural, and I bring the same standard of care to every single guest regardless of service.
SERVICES:
Studio Sage Hair 730 Beach Blvd. #105, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Operating Hours: MON: 9am–5pm | TUE–FRI: 9am–8pm | SAT: 9am–4pm
GET TO KNOW ERICA:
I started hair school exactly 30 years ago this year — and I have never once looked back. What began as my parents' reluctant backup plan became the defining decision of my life, and the foundation of everything that is now Studio Sage Salon and Head Spa in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
Two years into my career, when my parents saw how happy I was and that I could actually sustain myself doing something I loved, they came around. That experience — turning passion into a real, lasting career — is something I now dedicate a significant part of my professional life to passing on to the stylists I mentor. In 2016, after many long conversations with my co-founder and a lot of late-night dreaming, we opened Studio Sage in Jacksonville Beach. It was built to be something different: a place where artistry, education, and genuine client care could coexist under one roof.
As a colorist, my specialties include color correction and transformation, dimensional color, gray blending, balayage, precision haircuts, and K-Tip extensions using single-donor virgin hair — a service I'm particularly passionate about for curly and textured hair clients across North Florida. I work with all hair types and textures, from fine and straight to coily and natural, and I bring the same standard of care to every single guest regardless of service.
My philosophy has always been healthy hair first. I'd rather have an honest consultation and tell you the truth about what your hair can handle than oversell a service and compromise your hair health in the process. Realistic expectations, transparent pricing, and genuine results — that's the Studio Sage standard, and it starts with me.
Over the course of my career, my color work took me far beyond the salon floor. I competed nationally and internationally, earning recognition at competitions including NAHA, L'Oréal Professionnel, and Paul Mitchell. Those wins led to years of travel across the United States and abroad, collaborating with some of the most respected stylists in the industry, working alongside national and international beauty brands, and being featured in industry trade media. I'm proud of those accolades — not because of the trophies, but because of what they pushed me to learn and who they connected me with.
Today, Studio Sage is one of Jacksonville Beach's most established full-service salons and head spas. We recently expanded to a larger location at 730 Beach Blvd in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and now operate a 10-chair salon floor, 5 private studios, and a Japanese-inspired head spa offering advanced scalp health services — what I genuinely believe is the skincare of the future. Our team of approximately 20 professionals serves clients from Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Fleming Island, Orange Park, and throughout Northeast Florida.
Mentoring stylists has become one of the most meaningful parts of my work. For more than 15 years, I've helped newer professionals not just with technique, but with building their clientele, developing their digital presence, entering competitions, and building careers that are sustainable for the long haul. Our hybrid commission-to-studio model at Studio Sage was designed specifically to support that kind of growth — giving stylists a pathway from new-to-the-industry all the way to running their own private studio within our walls.
Outside the salon, I'm happiest at home in Jacksonville Beach with my husband Allan and our two goldendoodles, Marlin and Bear.
Thirty years in, I still get excited to come to work. I think that says everything.
WHAT MY GUESTS SAY:
☆☆☆☆☆
“Erica has been my hairdresser for years, and she is truly the best! I used to live in the area, but even after moving to another state, I still fly back just to get my hair done by her — that’s how much I trust her. She’s amazing with both haircuts and balayage, always listens to what I want, and consistently delivers beautiful results. Erica is professional, talented, and genuinely cares about her clients. I wouldn’t let anyone else touch my hair!!” - Shevin S.
☆☆☆☆☆
“Erica gives the BEST edgy/editorial haircuts that have you feeling your most confident self!!” - Chloe M.
☆☆☆☆☆
“Place is amazing... beautiful facility and incredible team. Erica is my go-to forever!” - Dina D.
☆☆☆☆☆
“Erica was wonderful! She incorporated my crazy outgrown hair into a unified and cohesive haircut. I'm so pleased with the result. She will definitely be the person I go back to! 🥰” - Olivia K.
☆☆☆☆☆
“Best salon in Jacksonville!! Love all of the stylists there, especially Erica! They are all phenomenal women and so extremely talented. My hair has never been so beautiful and healthy! I am so lucky to have found this salon.” - Lilia B.
☆☆☆☆☆
“I honestly can't say enough great things about Erica Keelen!! I've been a client of Erica's for about 13 years. She's the only hairdresser I've gone to that EXCEEDS my expectations 💯% of the time. She's managed my hair through pregnancies, hair school, and midlife crises 😂....and her top priority has always been the integrity of, not only my hair, but her work and my experience in her chair. To many more years of great hair!!” - Natalie P.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: How do I book an appointment?
A: You can book 24/7 directly through Studio Sage Online booking system. Just look for "Book with me" button on this page. New guests are always welcome!
Q: What is the difference between a Haircut Refresh and a Haircut Rebrand?
A: The Haircut Refresh is ideal for returning guests who need a maintenance trim on their established style. The Haircut Rebrand is reserved for new guests or any client seeking a major transformation, such as a significant length or shape change. This distinction ensures we have enough time for a complimentary in-depth consultation to craft your new look.
Q: Do I need to book a separate consultation before my appointment?
A: Generally, no. Every new guest service (like the Haircut Rebrand) and color service includes a complimentary consultation at the beginning of the session to discuss your preferences and goals.
Q: What amenities are included with my visit to Studio Sage?
A: We want you to relax and feel pampered! Every service includes a selection of refreshments, including light snacks, chilled water, white or red wine, and local Florida-roasted Kahwa coffee brewed in our Jura coffee machine
Q: How do I add a deep conditioning treatment or gloss to my service?
A: If you would like to add a Gloss for color vibrancy or a Deep Hair Treatment for hydration and repair, please simply make a written note of it at the time of booking online so I can prepare the right formula for you.
