Our team

April Benson

Owner, Barber

April started her career in 2002 working as a hairstylist. But after moving to Wisconsin Dells and working in a traditional barbershop with some old school barbers, is when she found her true passion for barbering. She moved to La Crosse in 2011 and immediately opened a tiny shop of her very own; starting the daunting task of building a strong clientele. She moved her one-chair shop out of the tiny suite in Scenic Center to expand in 2013 and again in 2020. Over the years she’s been building a stellar crew of top-notch barbers and stylists cementing Tease Salon & Barbershop among La Crosse’s very finest. Exceptional classic men’s cuts are her specialty.

Tamara

Barber

Tamara grew up on the east side of WI where she got her education at the Wisconsin College of Cosmetology in Green Bay. She has been strictly barbering since 2011. Men’s haircuts have always been a passion for her; specializing in military fades, tapers, and crew cuts. She is continually learning new techniques and styles from only the best in the business. Outside of her skills, she enjoys being a car enthusiast and doing her own car modifications. She also enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her dog, family, and friends. So if you’re a gentleman that wants only the best, come in and see the best barber in LAX.

Heather Lee

Nail Technician

Heather has been a Licensed Nail Technician since 2002. She has a passion for learning, including a BS in Business Management, Certifications in Acrylic and Hard Gel Applications with Cuccio, Salon Sanitation Procedures, Reiki, NASM Personal Trainer, and Medical Pedicures.  Heather provides all types of nail services, from natural and restorative nail care to artificial enhancements and art.  She strives to provide her clients with individualized services in a relaxing atmosphere.  When Heather isn’t working or learning something new, she loves the excitement of traveling and concerts, trying new restaurants, spending time with her daughters, boyfriend & pets.

Cassie Lauden

Stylist

Even as a child she had a clear passion for the world of beauty, spending countless hours playing dress up, putting on fashion shows with friends, and forcing her sister to let her do her make-up. She graduated from the Salon Professional Academy in 2011, and worked as a stylist for 5 years at Metropolitan before going out on her own. There she was able to train under seasoned stylists, and really fine tune the services she enjoyed doing the most, blonding and extensions. She loves to continue to grow and evolve as a stylist and to being able to offer her guests something new!

Tia Rogers

Barber

Being a La Crosse native, Tia attended the Salon Professional Academy and graduated in 2013 with a focus in barbering. She is proficient in all men’s hair types and can definitely accommodate the ladies. Tia’s always up for a fun and creative challenge. Fading, flat tops, design work, and kids cuts are her specialty. Outside of work she enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to good music, and spending time with family and friends.

Ariel Narten

Colorist, Hairstylist

Ariel began her journey as a hairstylist in 2010 and has spent that time establishing herself as a talented colorist. Joining the TIGI team as a color educator in 2016, she has attended trainings nationwide as well as internationally.  She has facilitated classes in salons and cosmetology schools throughout the Midwest. Ariel has a meticulous, personable approach and enjoys nothing more than helping you be the best version of yourself!

Lydia Johnson

Colorist, Hairstylist

Lydia comes from the small town of Houston MN. She began building her clientele in the La Crosse area after she graduated from the Salon Professional Academy in 2016. She began her career as a colorist working locally at an established salon. There she strived to better her education and skills to give her guests the best experience possible. Now she’s out on her own and specializes in blonding services, vivid colors and balayages.  Lydia is a GLO skin Beauty certified makeup artist and loves to travel around and do wedding parties. She is also a Redken certified design stylist, which allows her be creative with any type of haircut or style. When Lydia is not making other feel their best you can find her playing with 2 English springer spaniel pups, four wheeling with her boyfriend and hanging out with all her best friends.

Adam Schmidt

Hairstylist

Adam started experimenting with hair at a very young age on family, friends, and himself. He officially became a hairdresser at the age of 20 and studied abroad in Germany underneath some of Europe’s top stylists. His strengths include haircuts on all hair types, color (specializing in gray coverage), and a damn good blowout. After sixteen years in the industry, Adam continues to stay relevant by educating himself on today’s new techniques and trends. When he’s not making people look and feel beautiful, you can find him traveling, eating good food, and digging in his flowerbeds – most likely with a glass of wine close by.

Melissa Anderson

Hairstylist

Her Mission is ‘Bringing people together around the globe working towards the same goals of living a fulfilling and happy life – however that may look.’

Fall in love with your beauty all over again as Melissa finds her passion in igniting yours, pulling forth your inner beauty. Over 12 years in the industry she has worked with top stylists while educating and facilitating with companies such as Z.One Concept and Alexandria Professional body sugaring.

Equipped with an arsenal of hair, skin care and make up tricks & tidbits that she cannot wait to share with you, to help keep your beauty shining through.

Passionately specializing in hair design cuts, soft dimensional hair coloring techniques, special occasion styles, make up and Sugaring hair removal.

She cares about the quality of the process, products and relationships she has with each guest and she welcomes you to build into your passion.

Athena Gorichanaz-Miller

Stylist/Colorist

Although a newer addition to Tease, Athena is no stranger to the beauty industry. In addition to her 5 years in the industry, she’s a certified Pravana Colorist, and has attended multiple workshops all over the Midwest. She’s traveled to St. Petersburg, FL to learn under a seasoned celebrity stylist and always strives to give her clients amazing hair as well as a fun experience! Athena’s specialties include: balayages, fashion colors, any and all blonding services, as well as textured haircuts. When she’s not doing hair, you can find her snuggling with her Saint Bernard pups or hanging out with her best girlfriends!

Joey Buetel

Buetel

Joey is a passionate barber with personality, and eye for detail. He received his education at The Salon Professional Academy. His specializes in almost everything including: Fades, Beard Sculpting, Classic Men’s Cuts, Women’s Short Textured Cuts, Bobs, and Long Layered Cuts. If he’s not making you look your best, he’s watching Horror and Sci-fi films, playing video games, and listening to Rock & Pop Music. He’s also a lover of cooking/baking, animals, and a wine & espresso enthusiast. When booking with him, a great sense of humor is always appreciated!!