As the owner of Antionian Salon, Ann Marie Walley is continuing a family legacy.
Walley, who has been a professional hairdresser and makeup artist for 10 years, is following in the footsteps of her late mother, Anna Maria G. Sukmann, who founded the salon in 1996.
“Growing up in the industry, making women feel and look beautiful is second nature and truly what I’m meant to do,” Walley says. “Before I became a licensed stylist, I used to assist my mother doing makeup for Mardi Gras groups and other events.”
Walley credits her mother with making Antonian what it is today — a successful salon that caters to women and men of all ages. Before she passed in 2017, Sukmann saw the business grow into a new location on Three Rivers Road.
The salon remains a family affair, with a team that includes Walley’s husband, Kiowa, a master colorist with more than 25 years’ experience; and her sister, Angela Heise, a nail tech who opened the salon with Sukmann. Walley’s cousin, Jordan Hughes, is a senior stylist who co-manages the salon while stylists Teri Rivers and Kim Iglesia round out the glam squad.
The team’s collective talent in hair, skin and nails, Walley says, makes Antonian the triple threat of the beauty industry.
“We can do your hair and makeup, and (we) offer easy-to-book, on-location services,” she adds. “Our modern, clean space creates a unique and friendly experience, while (also) offering the Gulf Coast’s first premier Goldwell color bar.”
Although Antonian’s staff is highly skilled and trained, Walley says, the team takes pride in honing their craft through advanced techniques and continuing education.
After serving the Coast for over 20 years, she adds, the Antonian family loves showing people how beautiful they really are.
“We have so may rewards in our industry, from seeing the smile on a bride’s face after doing her hair and makeup to a child’s first haircut …,” Walley says. “If I had to pick a favorite, it would be being able to make a difference in our clients’ lives every day.”
IF YOU GO
9354-C Three Rivers Road, Gulfport
Tuesday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m.- 7 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; earlier and later times by appointment; antonianonline.com;
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