Alana

Alana (AJ) is the CEO and a makeup artist at Accolades Salon and Spa, with 17 years of experience in the beauty industry. She started working at the salon when she was just 15 years old, growing up with the business her father, Brad Schlaeger, originally owned. AJ began her journey as a front desk associate in high school, and when she graduated, her dad encouraged her to pursue beauty school instead of art school, suggesting it would provide a stable job while she attended college. Little did she know, beauty school would lead her to discover her true passion for art through makeup, and she never looked back. AJ’s connection to Accolades is deeply personal—she quite literally grew up here! While she no longer takes clients, she previously specialized in bridal makeup and continues to be passionate about the industry. What she loves most about the beauty world is the ability to make people feel good every day, while embracing the fun and variety that each day brings. As CEO, her professional goals include continuing to grow the salons, potentially expanding to new locations, and seeing the product line take off. On a personal level, AJ dreams of becoming an astrologer, traveling, and owning a farm of Newfoundlands. When she’s not working, AJ enjoys spending time with her husband and three Newfoundlands, indulging in good food with friends and family, and staying active at the gym. She also loves painting, reading, and exploring astrology. AJ describes herself as weird, ambitious, and independent, always pushing boundaries in both her personal and professional life.