Experience the difference of working with a master of their craft.
Nicole M. Lichtinger
Master Stylist, Owner, 7 years experience
Nicole is our Blonding Specialist who also specializes in hair and scalp health. She started her hair career back in 2004, at the Erie County Technical School, through the vo-tech program. She did not pursue licensure after high school. Instead, she attended Edinboro University, followed by entering the marketing field where she worked in various roles, ending with a Media Executive for close to 10 years. In 2017, she decided to quit corporate life to follow her true passion in blonding.
After working in other salons and still not feeling fulfilled, Nicole quickly realized that she wanted to build a salon of her own. In August of 2021, Studio 71 opened its doors for the first time, wood-paneling and 70s decor intact. This has been her happy place ever since.
Nicole is proud to be known as Erie’s “Healthy Hair Expert”, after focusing the majority of her work and education not only on hair health, but scalp health as well.
Nicole’s main focus is guest satisfaction. She is a straightforward and honest stylist with a passion for blonding and scalp health, and a variety certifications to back that passion up. Her favorite part of being a stylist is helping clients to feel like their best selves when leaving her studio.
When Nicole isn’t working, she’s spending time at the beach with her husband, daughter, and dog Luca (who you’ll sometimes see in the shop!), and making sure to support her fellow local business owners as much as she possibly can. You can find her haggling at a local flea market or up cycling a thrifted piece. She also enjoys writing and hopes to write a book one day.
Andie Pivetta
Master Stylist – 16 years experience
Meet Andie Pivetta, whose journey in the beauty industry started 20 years ago, where she and Nicole met while attending Erie County Technical School for Cosmetology. After completing that 3 year program, she decided to further her education at Bella-Capelli Academy, a Paul Mitchell Partner School in Pittsburgh, PA.
Andie has diligently worked her way behind the chair from humble beginnings as an assistant to the well-earned title of Master Stylist. Andie says, “I will never give up on the fact that in order to be a truly great stylist, you must yearn for continuing your education and always staying up to date with your training.”
Kady Belinda
Esthetics Specialist – 7 years experience
Though Kady is trained in hair, skin, and nails, she quickly realized that her passion lies in the esthetics part of the beauty industry. She is a certified and experienced lash technician of 7 years. Kady loves to pair a customized set of lashes with a gorgeous set of shapely brows to match your individual style.
Kady says “I have always felt best when I at least have my brows and lashes down, even if I don’t have time for other makeup, which I love as well.” It’s been her duty to ensure that you, too can feel beautiful with your lashes and brows perfected. Whether you have a “clean girl” or “full beat” style, lashes and brows will elevate your look. She is confident in making that promise to you.
Kady’s number one goal is to make sure her guests’ lives are easier when they wake up each morning feeling beautiful without having to do anything. She says “If you’re interested in being the high-maintenance-so-I-can-be-low-maintenance type, I’m your girl!”
When Kady isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé and new puppy!
Sara Rich
Sugarista – 1 year experience
Sara is our sugaring extraordinaire who has been a licensed cosmetologist since 2006 and joined the Studio 71 team in January of 2024. After experiencing sugaring for herself and loving the results, she decided that she wanted to learn and went on to become one of Erie’s first ever sugaristas.
Sara started in the industry as a nail technician and after feeling unfulfilled, she decided to try something new. Instantly, she fell in love with the service she provides to her guests. Her favorite part about sugaring is that it’s challenging but rewarding once she gets to see how her guests feel when they notice how smooth their skin feels. She loves making people feel great about themselves.
Sara is always working to grow and perfect her craft. This included an interest in the skin environments that we don’t necessarily see. She offers body facial services as well as scalp facials.
In her spare time, she loves spending time “doing a loop” or driving around Presque Isle, looking for beach glass, spending time with her daughter as well as spending time with friends and family. Sara is a lover of all things vintage, from the clothes of different time periods to collecting different housewares and things of the like.
