i'm vernessa
get to know me a lil bit
who am i?
Hey Dolls and welcome to Swank Salon! I’m Vernessa Mathurin, originally from Soufriere, Saint Lucia by way of Mobile, Alabama. I am happy to be ‘crowning’ queens in McKinney, Texas.
Being in Texas these past 14 years has afforded me the opportunity to meet some amazing women! I’ve been in the industry for 26 years and absolutely love the evolution that comes with this business. Although I am a certified master colorist, my specialty is natural hair. I love everything about it! Its texture, its curl pattern, and its versatility. Those things give me the pleasure of uniquely polishing your “crown” and bringing out the queen in you!
To embrace my other persona, a die-hard foodie, I’m always cooking and trying different recipes. My favorite pastime is listening to music. So you will find I know the words to most late 80s and 90s songs. If you know the words, sing along with me, or just sit back and enjoy the experience.
about swank
Swank was established in 2008. After brainstorming several catchy names for my salon, Swank was recommended by a dear friend over some wine and spaghetti.
At Swank Salon, you will enjoy listening to a variety of music and breathing in diffused essential oils which provide a soothing, relaxing, and tranquil experience. Come get crowned, your throne awaits you!
Click below to see my service menu or drop me a message.
testimonials
I've been going to Swank Salon for about twelve years. Vernessa is good at what she does with hair, and she does it all: soothing, relaxing shampoos, color, cuts, and styles from curls, straight, twisty, natural, whatever you want. I like that she encouraged me to go outside my comfort zone and try something different. I did and was pleasantly surprised.
Willenea P.
“Relax, you don’t need a relaxer!!!!” I didn’t believe her when she said those words to me. Now over 5 years later, I find myself frequently saying, “Relax, you don’t need a relaxer; you just need my hair stylist!” Thank you Vernessa!
Keisha B.
THE Natural Hair Stylist I Was Always Looking For!
I returned natural 8 years ago. For someone who was relaxed since the age of 5, I had no idea how my hair would evolve. Vernessa has been exactly what I need to maintain healthy hair. She is always coming up with new styles for me that are fun and edgy. She truly cares about honing her craft to give her clients the best and newest hair care modalities! I get compliments almost daily and I’m more than happy to refer!!
Gabby B.
I have been coming to Swank salon every week for over 9 years and I can say unequivocally that the service you receive is unparalleled in the hair industry. The environment you enter into is not just aesthetic to the eye, but clean, welcoming, calm, and professional. Vernessa is a master at her craft. I always leave looking my absolute best, not to mention, the good vibes she pours into you to match the look. There is never a day that passes without receiving multiple compliments on my hair. It speaks highly of her dedication and perseverance to be the best at what she does. Vernessa is a gem and I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to continue to receive her hair expertise.
Deidre R.
4 years ago, my hair was in desperate need of some TLC. I had gone natural a year before and was trying to manage my hair care routine, including color to cover my gray hair. When I realized that it was severely dry and damaged, I reached out to a friend whose hair I admired and she recommended her stylist, Vernessa. Initially I wanted color and a style cut to address the damage, but after Vernessa’s assessment and consultation, I decided that I would get the style cut and forego the color. Vernessa encouraged me to embrace my gray because adding the color would only weaken it further. I am SO thankful for her recommendation and glad that I followed her guidance. I’ve been with Vernessa 4 years now and I am still in LOVE with my hair; it is the healthiest it has ever been, and I rock my gray crown with pride. I get numerous compliments on my hair and several requests for referrals. Vernessa is more than a stylist she is an educator and provided me with the knowledge and tools that I needed so that I now feel very confident when caring for my hair at home. I also want to add that I am impressed that Vernessa continues to hone her craft, whether it’s learning about new cutting techniques, coloring techniques, or the use of organic products to better serve her clients’ needs. In short, I never imagined that I could enjoy my natural hair as much as I do and gain a friend along the way!!! Thanks Vernessa!
Ros H.
Vernessa is the consummate professional. Her shop is welcoming, bright and clean. She is informative, patient, courteous and kind. She consults with clients to provide them with realistic options to best suit their specific needs. She takes pride in her work and strives to provide balancing a client’s desired look along with ensuring their hair is healthy and sustainable. As a working professional, I have limited time. Vernessa never schedules more than one client at a time. She clearly communicates timing for the scheduled service and consistently delivers services in the projected time frame. She specializes in natural hair and color and hands down is the best at both. I would highly recommend Swank!
Venetia T.
Vernessa is simply amazing! She is a progressive stylist who continues to invest in her skills to keep her expertise sharp… not only in her technique but in the products that she uses. From attending master classes to researching for the best quality ingredients, what I have always experienced is a true professional at her best! I have found her to be a great listener and to offer ideas and suggestions that align to my unique needs. She never overbooks and is always on time. Her salon is impeccably clean and the atmosphere is filled with positive energy. I am always looking forward to the experience of sitting in her chair and when I leave I feel cared for and beautiful!
Stephanie B.
I was all prepared to visit multiple salons when I embarked on finding a new hairstylist and my natural hairstyle journey. I searched and searched online until I decided to try Swank Salon. I am so happy that I did. I didn’t have to look any further. Vernessa is so knowledgeable about everything hair and my hair has never been healthier. She has kept me on my natural journey as well as my journey to my natural hair color - gray. I have never left her salon disappointed with any hair style or with one of her wonderful treatments. She is one sweet, kind lady that truly cares about her clients and one of the best in her profession!
Royla G.
I was officially “Swanktified” in 2013! Vernessa made me feel comfortable from the very first time I sat in her chair. I don’t know what impressed me more, her professionalism or her skills! Both are exceptional. She took her time to get to know me, my hair, and my goals for my hair. She advised on what’s best, but has never pushed her agenda. In essence, she’s more of my hair coach that happens to be a sophisticated hair stylist! I did mention she advises and guides but is not pushy, however, she did strongly encouraged me to break free from my relaxer dependence. After all of my tantrums, it was eventually the best decision for me and my crown. My hair can now have color and highlights without breakage. Should I feel compelled to style my hair in between visits (which is not very often), her home care guidance has made it almost effortless. Even when my hair didn't want to follow her lead, Vernessa continued to research and work to get it where it is today—healthy, growing, and full of life! It feels good to go to the salon and enjoy lots of laugh, a cry when needed and leave out refreshed with style! I typically sit in the chair and let her do what she feels. That’s trust that I’ve never had in a stylist. I am a proud Swankydoll, and I’ve already shared with my stylist/sister/friend that if she ever relocates or retires, I’m coming with her!
Krystal C.
I’m totally a Swank Doll! Vernessa is the best stylist on this side of heaven. Not only the best in her craft, you get so much more before, during and after. She’s so attentive and intuitive to you hair needs and to you, the person. I trust Vernessa wholeheartedly with my hair, my life’s journey events, my family. Yesss! I am totally SWANKED
Michelle B.
I am Swanky Doll, Mary Wright, the Swanky Salon has ambiance, my hair always looks great and the clientele is friendly. Vernessa and her clientele are a perfect match.
I always feel better after my appointment
Mary W.
I have been getting my hair styled at Swanky Salon for the past six years. I happened to meet Vernessa at a restaurant near the salon, her twist out caught my eye. At the time I was considering going natural as I started swimming frequently and the chlorine had begun to damage my hair. I was looking for ways to protect my hair so I could continue my training without concern for the health of my hair. Vernessa helped me make the transition from relaxing my hair to learning and appreciating my hair in its natural state. She did not insist on the big chop but instead walked me through the journey cutting my relaxed ends a little more each visit. Over the last few years Vernessa has styled my hair in many different ways including cornrows, flat ironed, twists outs, roller sets and rodding. She has also taught me how to care for my hair in between appointments; offering suggestions for extending my styles, nighttime routines, and product recommendations. I love the products that I can purchase at Swank to use for at home hair care. My hair has not been this long and healthy in years and I love the versatility of my natural crown. I would recommend Swank Salon to anyone looking for a well-organized, timely, knowledgeable, trendy and reliable stylist.
Lisa C.
Vernessa at SWANK salon has a passion for hair care. She has a pulse on industry trends and is committed to partnering with clients to maintain healthy hair. Vernessa’s styling options are vast and showcase her clients unique personalities. Continuing education is important to Vernessa as she regularly adapts to changes in the industry from becoming a master hair colorist to expanding her product base and knowledge. I have been a client since 2008 and my hair is healthy and well nourished thanks to Vernessa’s expertise. Over the years, I have recommended family and friends who are now regular clients. Healthy hair is important to women, especially black women. Vernessa is a trusted expert when it comes to knowing that your hair care needs will be fulfilled.
Franchell W.
Vernessa is the person who regulates my mind, provides comfort in a relaxing atmosphere, all while working magic on my hair. My daughter and I go to Vernessa to be loved on, and to get the best products for our hair and for our spirit. It is always a pleasant experience, provided by a professional whose class and style energize and brighten my day.
It’s taken some years and tears to find Vernessa, and now that I have, I hope to stay forever! Her words – We don’t go natural, we return. Natural is where it began! – fills my soul with happiness. Seeing her beautiful smile and experiencing her individual attention is so satisfying. Being introduced to other women in the salon has created a family feeling, where we come together as a family of women supporting each other, recognizing each other’s strength, wisdom and beauty.
LaTonya J.
Basically, Vernessa is excellent. I have had my share of bad hair experiences. She taught me less is better. It did not take long to see that Vernessa is kind, respectful, and caring. She listens and made it clear what she would do to restore my out of control hair. Vernessa is a true artist. She left no doubt in my mind that she truly knows what she is doing and takes pride in her work, respecting your vision of what you want in a hair look. Always on time with appointments which is a plus for me. I walk out of the salon sparking with joy and happily bouncing my upgraded hair all over the place! Thank you, Vernessa for all you do!!!!!
Deborah H.
Want to know what I love about getting my hair done at Swank Salon!?
1) I love to get my hair done and not have to wait for the stylist to arrive!
2) I love to get my hair done and trust that my hair will be healthy and look healthy
3) I love to get my hair done in an environment that is super clean
4) I love to get my hair done and have the ability to chat with my stylist about hair trends and know she knows what she’s talking about - or will find out if she doesn’t know!
5) I love to get my hair done and listen to good music!
6) I love to get my hair done in a place where there are people like me.
7) I love to get my hair done in a place where it matters how I look when I walk out
8) I love for people to ask me - where did you get your hair done?!
Thank you Swank Salon for doing great work and continuing to provide excellence.
Eva W.
“Wow, what can I say, it’s been 10 years and I look amazing thanks to Vernessa! I walked in her salon 10 years ago wanting a relaxer and she said “have you ever thought about going natural?” I said no, what do I need to do? And from there I‘ve trusted her to do her thang and she has done just that! I’ve been just about every color you can imagine and we’ve done just about every style I could pull off without my job interfering. I trusted Vernessa just like I trust my physician she was and is the best. She had her own standards. She is professional, yet caring and somewhat shy once you got to know her. We have talked laughed, cried, and coined a few terms along the way, (it is, isn’t it). I consider her my friend who is also an amazing stylist. When I walk into her salon I feel welcomed, no judgment zone, and love; all walking out looking fabulous! I’m looking forward to 10 more years with this beautiful person and can I just say Vernessa is drop dead gorgeous!! Thank you Vernessa for coming into our lives my hair and I love you and wish you nothing but success! God bless you my beautiful friend.
Brandee B.
As a Swanky Doll, I love the impact Vernessa’s hands have had on my hair. She keeps my color fresh and my hair healthy. The steam treatments and peppermint oil keeps my scalp on point as well. I love the variety of styles her creative juices brings to Swank Salon. Swank is a whole MOOD and I’m here for it for the long haul.
Jocelyn S.
Professionalism, cleanliness, and specialization in heathy hair is what I look for in a salon. Swank provides that and so much more. I love the way my hair looks and feels. I can always say I truly do enjoy getting my hair done.
Candace N.
