About

Haim Knister - Artistic Director and Salon Owner

From his beginnings as a Stylist’s apprentice in Tel Aviv with one of Israel’s most noted professionals, to his acclaimed full service exclusive Salon in Del Mar, California, Haim Knister has enjoyed a very colorful and successful career in the beauty and fashion industry. In his early 20’s Haim ventured to London to continue his advance training under Vidal Sassoon. In 1974 Haim moved to the United States where he established his career with three salons in the Midwest. In 1989, his dream to create a one of a kind color group became a reality when he opened Haim Ltd. Salon; a full service exclusive Salon in Del Mar, one of the finest beauty and fashion destinations in Southern California. He has worked with Logics and L’Oreal and for the last several years has shared his knowledge and experience as a premier educator for Eufora Int’l and his salon is noted as one of the nation’s leading Eufora Salons.

Laurence Cabane - Master Stylist

Was inspired at an early age to become a stylist by her mother who is a hairdresser and salon owner in France. Laurence began her career in San Diego 9 years ago. After graduating cosmetology school, she extended her training in an advance 3 month cutting and coloring course at the Vidal Sassoon Academy in Santa Monica, California. She has also completed Eufora’s Strategic Solutions, foundations (a British cutting system)Via, (a French cutting system) and numerous color classes with Schwarzkopf and L’Oreal. Laurence is a firm believer in training and education. She is an active member of Eufora’s Global Team of Educators. Laurence has been working at Haim Ltd. Salon for 9 years, doing what she loves most - enhancing the beauty of others.

Monique Torres - Stylist

Discovered her passion for hairstyling while working at a salon as a coordinator, she soon realized that she enjoyed watching the creativity of the Hairstylists she worked with. She graduated from Palomar Institute of Cosmetology in 2004. Monique has received advance color training with Schwarzkopf and L’Oreal. She has also completed Eufora’s Strategic solutions, foundations (a British cutting system), Via (a French cutting system) and Barbering. Monique also enjoys doing make-up applications for special occasions and weddings. Monique has been a part of Haim’s team of professionals for the last 3 years.

Marisa Kerns - Stylist

A graduate from Palomar Institute of Cosmetology, Marisa began her career at Haim Ltd. Salon as one of their top assistants under the direction of Haim, Director of Education and Head Colorist. In addition she has completed Eufora’s Strategic Solutions a very complex cutting course and advance color classes with Schwarzkopf, L’Oreal and Matrix. Her passion in the beauty industry continues as a stylist in haircutting, color and make-up.

Cynthia E. Jimenez - Salon Manager

Has been supporting Salon & Spa owners to manage and grow their business for over 14 years, by creating structure and implementing systems for front desk salon coordinators and spa directors. She enjoys coaching, inspiring and supporting individuals in the beauty industry to become more successful by bringing out their true potential. Goal setting, marketing and networking are her strength’s. Her true passion is making a difference in people’s life’s and in some small way remind them of how truly special and beautiful they really are.

James Castro - Master Colorist

With formal training at the Vidal Sassoon Academy, James has over 12 years experience as a Master Colorist and Hair Extension Artist.  He began his career on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills California and had the good fortune of working with some of the nation’s most elite and talented Hair Artist including Frederic Fekkai, Cristophe, Jose Eber and Kim Vo.  In addition to customary color services, James excels in Color Corrections, Balayage Highlighting, Hair Extensions and Hair Restoration/Keratin Straightening.  

Carmen Jimenez - Master Nail Technician

With over 20 years of experience as a Nail Technician under her belt, Carmen has worked in many professional Salons and Spas.  She loves the art of working with nail enhancements as well as natural nails.  She has trained and specialized as a Master Nail Technician with Creative Nail Design.  Within the last 6 years Carmen has worked in World known Resorts and now we have the privilege of having her as part of our team of professionals at Haim Salon at The Gran Del Mar.   

Sonya Talamantes
Salon Assistant/Nail Technician/Make-up Artist

As a former costume designer, Sonya always had a passion for design, fashion and art.  This is where she developed a love and appreciation for hair and make-up.  Thereafter, she attended Joe Blasco Professional Make-up Institute in Hollywood, where she was certified in beauty and special FX make-up.  As a professional make-up artist with 9 years of experience, Sonya enjoys taking part in collaborating mixed media arts such as film, video, photography, fashion and special events.
As a graduate of the San Diego Apprenticeship program, she is assisting two of our Master Stylists at Haim Salon, while gaining the knowledge, skills and experience from our advanced hands on training program.  She has attended many educational classes in color and cutting techniques with Schwarzkopf, Wella, Enjoy and Eufora.  
Sonya also works at our second location at The Grand Del Mar, as a Nail Technician and Make- up Artist. We foresee a bright future for Sonya at Haim Salon.

Chad Lamar -  Salon Assistant/ Junior Stylist

Born into a family of hairdressers, both parents current Master Stylists, Chad was raised in an environment surrounded by beauty, fashion and creativity.  It was only natural for him to follow in his parents footsteps.  A graduate from the Paul Mitchell Academy, he has also received advanced training from Toni & Guy, L’Oreal, Schwarzkopf, Eufora’s VIA  French cutting system.  He is trained and certified in the Brazilian Keratin Hair Smoothing System and has also earned his Eufora PHD.

Michelle Laxson

From an early age, Michelle knew that she wanted to be in the world of hair and make-up.  Directly from High School, she attended Cosmetology school and was immediately drafted into an apprenticeship program.  From her early days as an apprentice, Michelle was a Eufora Educator.  Through hard work and dedication Michelle has excelled to become a member of Eufora’s Team of Global Educators. 
Michelle has completed Eufora’s Strategic Solutions, Foundations (a British cutting system), VIA (a French cutting system), Barbering and advanced cutting with Toni & Guy.  She has also received advanced color training with L’Oreal, Framesi, Schwarzkopf and Kamon.  She specializes in special occasion hair and make-up and in working with curly hair.
Michelle chose this profession because she wants to make the world beautiful one person at a time.  She chooses to be an educator because she would like to bring a new level of professionalism to the Industry.

Emmanuel