Joe Denny

Having a career that spans nearly two decades, Joe Denny felt the calling to be a hair stylist when he was very young. "Being a stylist means you're not only there to make your clients feel beautiful, you're their friend and even their therapist at times. Making that connection is so special and not part of many other professions."

Known for his creativity, precision and masterful attention to detail, Denny has made a mark in Denver and beyond, with work that has defied convention and eclipsed the competition on iconic world stages such as New York Fashion Week. He has served as the primary hair stylist for the Denver Broncos cheerleaders, worked under Mario Tricocci, received advanced education from Vidal Sassoon Academy, is certified as a Deva-Curl Cutting techniques curly hair specialist and is a national educator for Easihair Pro Extensions. He has also amassed a variety of awards that include Colorado Hairstyling Award for Avante Garde Hairstylist of the Year 2015 and Hairstylist of the Year 2016, 303 Magazine’s 303 Awards for Colorado Hairstylist of the Year 2018 and nomination for Southwest Hairstyling Awards for Avante Garde Hairstylist of the Year 2020.

Above it all, it’s Denny's effervescent charm, thoughtful approach and ability to make his clients feel like they are the best version of themselves that keep him in such high demand. He is a dedicated professional, loyal friend and fearless creative.

“Fearlessness to me is having the courage and conviction to be unapologetically yourself. Whether that is a ball-busting activist or a wallflower, there is room and a need for everyone. I want to help my clients be themselves. It is the epitome of being fearless and what makes them LUMINOUS.”

Sarah Caston

Denver native, Sarah Caston always knew she wanted to be a hairstylist. From the time she was a very young child, she imagined what her salon would be like, how she would take care of people and what they would look like. This young girl with a vivid spirit would even create nail salons instead of lemonade stands to give the gift of beauty to her neighbors.

As the LUMINOUS hair color specialist, Sarah finds excitement in the whirl of the color wheel and the natural beauty found in the world around her. “My hair color inspiration always comes from random patterns and color sequences I see in everyday life. But most of all, my inspiration comes from my clients. I like to have fun with them and dive in really deep and get to know them and build long lasting relationships. Those relationships are the lifeblood of what I do and that's what inspires me.” As an extension specialist, Caston delights in their power to transform and make even the worst of times seem a bit brighter. “Everyone should try them at least once. They never disappoint!”

As co-owner of LUMINOUS, Caston has finally found her complete purpose as a leader, educator, creator and friend. She has finally found her dream clients.

“I don’t need celebrities or fame. I just want real people with great energy who love what they do and who they are. That’s LUMINOUS to me.”

Lauren Gallo

Lauren began her career as a hairstylist at 16, starting at one of the top salons in Michigan, then years later working at another top salon in San Diego. She has always been surrounded by extremely talented stylists. Lauren worked as a color educator and Regional Director for Kemon Hair Color for 8 years, teaching classes all over the country, and producing hair and fashion shows.

Lauren attended advanced education courses at Kemon Headquarters in Italy, L’Oreal Academy in NYC, Toni & Guy Academy in California, and many more. “Continuous education is so important in this industry and keeps me inspired, whether I’m the student or teacher”. With all this education, Lauren has found her niche in enhancing natural color and blonding, cutting thick and textured hair to create movement and remove extra weight, and formal styling. She also loves doing extensions that look natural and seamless, and is Brazilian Blowout certified.

When Lauren took her hiatus from hair in 2016 to travel the world as a Dive Instructor on yachts, she knew she would always land back in the industry she loved most. Now that she has decided Denver is her forever home, she’s excited to be back in the salon, connecting with people, and doing what she loves. “The opportunity to hear people’s stories, form lasting bonds, and create art everyday is so fulfilling. The rewards that come with being a hairstylist have many facets, and as much as I loved living on the ocean everyday, I’m so happy to be behind the chair again… especially since I never really stopped doing hair”.

“I just want my clients to feel seen, feel heard and feel beautiful. Feeling confident and comfortable in you own skin is so important and I want my clients to feel like the most LUMINOUS versions of themselves.”

The LUMINOUS Story

LUMINOUS started with an honest conversation over wine one night. As professionals in the industry we have loved for several years, we wanted to make sure we were making an impact. We wondered what we could do to add to it. At the same time, we both realized we had been walking through the same doors for far too long and we were both ready for new challenges and adventure. If we were to open a salon, what could we do to make it special? We truly wanted to make our new salon someplace where people could come and get high-end, luxury hair services from some of the best service providers in the city, but we also wanted to create a place where people can come and feel like family, where connections are made and where our clients have the freedom to be themselves — a place that radiates light into the world. That’s the moment LUMINOUS was born.

“Light” was a word that resonated with us. As we researched salon lighting, we were reminded that the word for the measurement of light is “lumen.” We looked at the word “LUMINOUS” and incorporated a sacred geometry symbol into our brand — something important to both of us. Our symbol has curved lines that represent feminine energy and straight lines that represent masculine energy. Our name is now actually two words — Lumin and Us — connected by a symbol that is representative of us both. This is now our mantra and this is our mission. Light Us. It means even more now that we are opening coming out of such a dark time. We hope that every person who spends time in our space leaves with a lighter step with the light within them renewed and able to shine a little brighter. It is our hope that we all … STAY LUMINOUS!

Luminous - adjective
Full of or shedding light; bright or shining, especially in the dark.