Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/456364
46 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 Photo: Kelli Uldall rian Bode doesn't sleep. Give him a month, and he will be launching a new busi- ness, throwing a fashion show, hosting a charity event, trav- eling internationally to educate hair stylists, photographing models, and expertly coloring and shaping clients' hair at his popular Oya Salon in Monterey. Throw in his dad duties, and you might see him coaching soccer or basket- ball, or taking daughter Stellina, 7, and son Zaiden, 10, out to sushi with wife and Oya co-owner Angie. "I'm super motivated and want to push myself and I'm passionate about what I do," he says. His salon roots planted early: Aunt Geri Cusenza cre- ated the Sebastian International hair product line, where Bode learned the industry. He credits Cusenza as his mentor. "I grew up with her in L.A. and I'm very close to her," he says. "She's the reason I do hair." Through listening to clients' stories in his salon chair, Bode also became passionate about helping women. He and Angie host an annual Day of Healing event, which raises funds for local women with breast cancer, and pam- pers them with services ranging from wigs, to nails to makeup, to jewelry to hair extensions. A fashion show and auction raise thousands of dollars. "A lot of these women are going through some major things and feel really bad," he explains. "If they can feel better about themselves and have a little lift, then they can get through the next step." While he has worked with major designers at Fashion Week in New York, Bode is happiest to donate his time to raise money for local schools, the Boys and Girls Club and other community needs. And though he has been lead artistic director for hair product line KMS, has been regularly published in local and national magazines (including this one), and works with celebrity stylist Nick Arrojo, he is always most excit- ed to see what comes next. Right now, it's launching a design firm to help clients market their businesses successfully. "I'm inspired to keep learning and thinking and being creative," Bode says. "That's what life's about." — Brett Wilbur B icon Brian Bode Salon Owner, Philanthropist, and Branding Expert