Joseph Golshani
Owner
Award winning hairstylist Joseph Golshani, was born in Tehran, Iran, to a middle class family, in October 1957. He was afforded the opportunity to see beauty all around him at a very young age; something he has continued to carry with him for all of his days. His very creative mother was a seamstress, passionate about beauty, so from an early age he was exposed to the “latest” trends in shapes, color and styles. Soon that passion became his and he sought out a way to express it, and share it with the world.Joseph arrived in America in 1977 with a suitcase full of dreams and a huge enthusiasm for a better life. Little did he know then that he would take his creativity to a whole different level. He had finally found an outlet for his dream, a way to share the vibrancy of life with those around him…hair! Having a natural ability to connect with others, this added desire and drive to share beauty with the world is part of what has made him a master of his trade. “Probably one of the reasons why I chose hairdressing as a career was realizing that Beauty is all about changing a person for the better.“Author of the book “Thanks to America; Against all Odds”, chronicles his ‘American Dream Come True’ as he grew physically, spiritually and financially. Joseph believes he owes America a great deal of gratitude, and to those traveling the same path, he hopes his success story gives them strength to pursue their own dreams. Joseph has translated this concept to his thriving business where he strives to help dreams come true. Joseph has made it his life’s goal to ensure this wherever possible, giving back to those that made his dream possible. Without his clients, staff and friends, he understands that he would not be where he is today.Now the owner of a successful multi-location operation, and a firm believer in education as the path to growth, he created the “Joseph & Friends Bootcamp” where all new hires go through a rigorous 12 weeks curriculum in all aspects of the hair and beauty industry. The emphasis is on mastering haircuts through his unique “Planes System”, and creating color perfection. Joseph also provides numerous education programs throughout the year through the“Joseph & Friends Advance Academy”, created to ensure his staff gets first class trainings to deliver the best client experience in the market.To those that know him, he is so many things. He is an inspiration, a go-getter, a true talent. He is also an athlete, a competitor, a good sportsman; a husband, a father, and more than just a boss to many. Always humble, never greedy or verbose, he gives back continuously to those around him: family, friends, clients, staff, the community, charities, and total strangers. If you have never met him you may have seen him, doing hair, walking around talking to guests and staff. He does not place himself above anyone, and will most definitely take the time to greet you with a handshake or a hug. It is guaranteed he would love to meet you, to thank you for your support, and to add a little more beauty to your life.
Oksana Gerasimenko
Owner
Partner since 2007Her journey began with something simple—childlike curiosity and a pair of scissors. Her very first “haircut” was her sister’s bangs, which she confidently chopped down to nothing. No training, no plan… just instinct. And that instinct, even then, was undeniable. Years later, after her family moved to the United States, a neighbor asked her for a small trim. She didn’t overthink it; she just followed that same instinct that had lived in her since childhood. Weeks later, the neighbor returned—glowing—saying it was the best haircut she had ever received. And with one question, she planted the seed of a future:*“Why don’t you go to school for this?” *That moment changed everything.She enrolled at Gwinnett Technical College, where she didn’t just study Cosmetology—she committed to excellence. She took Math, English, Salon Management, and a full range of courses to earn her diploma, determined to build a career with depth, skill, and purpose.In 1996, she joined Joseph & Friends. Nearly three decades later—approaching her 30-year anniversary on May 29th, she stands as one of the pillars of the company, a testament to what passion, dedication, and heart can build over time. For her, hair has never been “just hair.”It’s connection.It’s trust.It’s the smile that lights up someone’s face when they see themselves with fresh eyes. Those moments are her passion, that spark of joy is why she shows up every day.She also believes deeply in the art of seeing the whole picture. She never subscribed to departmentalizing, because for her, color and cut are one vision, one story. Passing that vision to someone else has never felt quite right—she loves creating the transformation from start to finish.And through all these years, her daughter Katya has been part of the journey. Katya grew up in the salon, spending countless Saturdays by her mother’s side, absorbing the energy, the creativity, the community. At 14, she stepped behind the front desk and worked there for seven years, until she eventually graduated from college and moved to Charlotte. The salon wasn’t just a workplace, it was a second home, a foundation, a legacy passed down naturally and lovingly.Her story is proof that greatness doesn’t always start with a plan. Sometimes, it begins with a pair of scissors, a little courage, and the belief that passion—when followed—can build a beautiful, lifelong career.