Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara (slim) Lim.
Hi Sara (slim), so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m Sara Lim – aka “SLIM” — a creative force based in Venice, CA — a hairstylist, educator, and salon owner obsessed with helping people feel bold, beautiful, and fully themselves. What started as a love for self-expression through hair has evolved into a career rooted in artistry, education, and empowerment.
I trained at the Paul Mitchell School in Los Angeles before working under balayage expert Negin Zand and later becoming Head Assistant to celebrity colorist Tracey Cunningham at Meche Salon. Under Tracey’s mentorship, I had the opportunity to work on the iconic hair of Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian, and many others.
In 2014, I joined the founding team at Olaplex as Vice President of Education. I helped test and develop the now-global bond-building technology and taught thousands of stylists around the world how to use it to strengthen and protect hair during color services.
After years of teaching, creating, and living between LA and Australia, I returned behind the chair at Ramirez Tran Salon, where I continued my work as both a colorist and an educator. My work has since been featured in Netflix films, Vogue, InStyle, Mortal Kombat, and Amazon’s Expat series.
In 2022, I opened slim + pacific salon in Venice, CA — a space where individuality is celebrated, and creativity is the culture. It’s more than a salon — it’s a vibe. A place where clients leave feeling like the main character and stylists grow into their fullest potential.
Whether I’m curating a perfectly lived-in blonde, reviving damaged hair, or mentoring the next generation of colorists, I’m always creating with intention, edge, and heart.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was building my salon during the height of COVID. The world was shut down — salons were closed, supply chains were delayed, and everything felt uncertain. But despite all of that, I had a deep knowing that I wanted something ready for my clients when the world opened back up.
Instead of focusing on fear, I focused on opportunity. I used that time to plan, design, and build slim + pacific salon — not just as a physical space, but as a new kind of salon experience. It wasn’t easy: there were moments of doubt, financial strain, and logistical chaos. But I believed that when people could come together again, they would crave connection, creativity, and care — and I wanted to be ready to offer that.
Looking back, launching a salon in the middle of a pandemic taught me how to lead with vision and resilience. It reminded me that sometimes the hardest moments hold the most potential — if you’re willing to build through the unknown.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
master colorist, educator and salon owner
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I could never have built slim + pacific salon alone. It truly took a village — and I’m endlessly grateful for the community that rallied around me and helped bring this vision to life.
From the beginning, my friends were all-in — not just emotionally, but hands-on. My incredible broker Liz Rockmore helped me secure the perfect space. Anastasia Kova, my interior designer and visionary, transformed it into a salon that feels equal parts elevated and grounded. My boyfriend, Chris Vickery — also known as my hot handyman — built, installed, and fixed just about everything with care and intention.
Patrick Ryan helped shape the salon’s initial operational vision and structure — something that gave it a real foundation before a single client walked through the door. Tay De Bey, my web designer and brand curator, brought the digital voice and identity of slim + pacific salon to life, making sure it reflected the energy and creativity of the space.
I’m also incredibly thankful to my lawyer, Maria Ruteki, for her steady guidance through the legal side of it all — and to the amazing stylists and assistants who’ve contributed their heart, talent, and hustle along the way.
And at the core of it all: my clients, many of whom are also dear friends, whose loyalty and love have kept this dream alive.
Beyond the physical build, I’m most grateful for the mental and emotional support of my best friends and family. They’ve lifted me through the hardest moments, reminded me of who I am when I forget, and held space for me to keep going. Their support is the reason I’m here — and everything I create is rooted in that love.
Pricing:
- base color $150
- Highlights Starting at $500
- Haircut $185
- extensions
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.slimandpacificsalon.com
- Instagram: @slim_color @slimandpacificsalon
- Yelp: slim + pacific salon
