It has been more than 15-years since my last visit to Arizona. While planing my trip, I was on the…read morehunt for a stylist that would be able to handle thick Polynesian hair. After searching Instagram and Yelp for stylists in the Phoenix area, I stumbled upon Kami Sori salon's page. The name that was mentioned most was, Roger Montoya. It was then that I was able to research more about Roger and learn that he's experienced in styling ethnic hair. As soon as I booked Roger, in less than 24-hours my appointment was accepted and i was booked for Wednesday, November 6th, 2019 at 3pm. I had explained the type of hair I had, and he was willing to take on the challenge. I was excited and couldn't wait to see Roger.
Upon arrival to Kami Sori, I was stoked and arrived at approximately 2:40pm, 20-minutes early. There was a stylist with a cheetah print apron sitting on the couch across from me swiping away at her phone, and she did not address when my husband and I entered their establishment. After waiting for about 15-minutes, I assumed there'd be a receptionist to check me in. I peeked around the corner a few times and an elder gentleman/stylist (Mr. iPad) saw me, but continued to play on his iPad--totally ignoring my presence. My husband filmed the whole ordeal after he noticed the lack of customer service. After a 20-minute wait, I was a little apprehensive about staying for my appointment and was ready to walk out. My family own hair and tanning salons in the Seattle area; we would not have allowed this type of behavior to happen, especially when consumer loyalty is what has kept us in business for more than 20 years. My husband and I then figured the stylists must work independently and only lease chairs--especially since customer service and protecting the Kami Sori reputation and name was obviously not a priority to some. Despite my apprehension, I peeked one last time around the corner and interrupted Mr. iPad and asked for Roger. I was so ready to cancel, but once Roger greeted me with his sweet personality and beautiful smile, I was willing to give it a try.
I was so glad I did, because my visit with Roger was one to remember. Roger is hilarious and made me so comfy I forgot I was at a hair appointment. Once he poured me a glass of vino, it helped me forget what had occurred 20 minutes prior. I currently live more than 5,000 miles away from Arizona and am willing to fly in to Arizona just to see Roger. I get my hair colored every few months and have never laughed so much at any of my hair appointments. Roger is a breath of fresh air, and worked really fast. Another client of Roger's showed up while I was still in Roger's chair, so he had Liz help with blowdrying and straightening my hair. Let me tell you, Liz is super sweet and definitely knows how to handle ethnic hair. She moved to AZ from the east coast and the way she dried and flat ironed my hair was as if I went to a ethnic salon to get a press and curl. Liz even used her Dyson hairdryer on my hair, which I later purchased thanks to her recommendation. Thank you, Liz. If Roger is unavailable, I will definitely be seeking your services. :-)
After my initial appointment with Roger, the color was a little darker than what I was used to. I exchanged a few texts with Roger, and he told me to come in at 11am on Saturday, November 9th to do what it takes to get my hair to what I would like, since I was leaving the country again on Monday, Nov. 11th. Saturday morning, I walked into the salon, and once again, Mr. iPad was still swiping away at his iPad and just looked up, saw me, then continued with his iPad without addressing me. Not even a minute after I walked in, a caucasian girl walks in, and Mr. iPad greets her with a smile and asks who she was there to see, then tells her to wait in the lobby for her stylist. Instead of having to interrupt Mr. iPad's time on his device, I texted Roger to let him know I was in the waiting area. Like the first visit, my time with Roger was amazing and so much fun. He is so knowledgable in so many things about life, our conversations are never boring. Roger balayaged a few highlights to frame my face, which I love and once the regrowth is in need for a touch up, I am planning my next trip to Arizona.
For those of you reading, my 5-star review is for Roger and Liz, as they are two perfect reasons to visit Kami Sori. Thank you Roger and Liz for seeing past the color of my skin and texture of my hair to make paying $2,000 for a plane ride from the South Pacific to visit your establishment worthwhile.
