Salon MVP: Elizabeth Jade Stylist Raquell Morales

Growing up in New Lenox, Raquell Morales was always around hair. Her mother was a stylist in Joliet, and her grandmother also did hair and taught at a beauty school. 

So it was only natural for Morales to find an interest in styling hair. She now works at Elizabeth Jade Salon and was named one of Patch readers' local favorites and a Patch MVP.

"It always interested me," Morales said of hairstyling. "I think it was the change, and how you can make someone look so different and make them so happy when you do."

Elizabeth Jade Salon recently moved from the Target shopping center to a spot along Route 30 in the historic downtown area. I talked to Morales about her job, her hair and what she loves about her job:

What do you like about working at Elizabeth Jade? 

I love everyone I work with. We've got a nice group of girls and my boss is great. I worked with her after college at the on Nelson, and I came with her here when she decided to open her own salon.

What's the secret to being a good stylist?

I don't know if I have any secrets, but probably just being friendly and having good communication skills. We're like counselors sometimes. 

Do you have a special 'do? 

Bridal updo's. (She also added that her friends and family like coming to her for big hair. "I like to tease hair.")

What about your hair? What's the wildest thing you've done?

In beauty school I probably had every color in the box. Purple highlights.

And what about your customers? 

Sometimes they ask for different colors, like blue highlights. But we're in New Lenox, so it's mostly families. It'd be much different if we were in the city. 

What do you like about the new location?

I love the fact that it's an old building but looks really new and fresh inside. This is more homey and non-traditional. It's just more inviting than in the shopping center.

How can someone make an appointment? 

Call Elizabeth Jade Salon at 815-462-5977.