Our Team
Natalie Ruzgis
Co-founder
Innate natural ability married with 15+ years of experience propelled Natalie Ruzgis to become one of Chicago’s most in-demand stylists for dimensional blonding, high-contrast brunettes, bridal styling, hair extensions, grooming and everything in between.
Using her wide skill set and depth of expertise as a master stylist, colorist, hair cutter and extensionist, Natalie’s end goal is to enhance her guests’ natural beauty and help them achieve their hair goals.
Natalie is exposed to a global beauty perspective serving as a brand ambassador and educator for leading extension brand Hotheads. Throughout her travels, she gets a first look at emerging trends, techniques, services and products that she brings back to the Thrive community of stylists and guests.
Taylor Kane
Co-founder
Taylor Kane is one of Chicago's premier haircutters and a third-generation stylist with over 20 years of experience. Specializing in scissor work and dry cutting, he brings a precise, sculptural approach to all hair lengths, types, and textures. He is particularly sought out for precision bobs and perfectly tailored short haircuts, where clean lines, intentional shape, and that elusive "grows out great" quality make all the difference.
In 2021, Taylor expanded that same precision-first philosophy into the world of hair systems and hair replacement - and it transformed the salon. Thrive Hair Collective now offers comprehensive hair system services including custom consultations, hair system fitting and bonding, ongoing hair system maintenance, and non-surgical hair replacement for clients experiencing hair loss. Taylor wears a hair system personally, bringing a rare dual perspective as both a skilled practitioner and an everyday client.
Megan Vega
Co-Founder
Color and chemical specialist Megan Vega loves subtle, natural-looking, sun-kissed effects just as much as she enjoys creating a dramatic highlight with a full head of foils. Her philosophy is beautiful hair starts with healthy hair, and works closely with her guests to reach their hair goals without compromising the hair’s integrity.
From babylights and balayage, to helping clients embrace, blend or cover grays, Megan has mastered the full color wheel but has a soft spot for brunettes. As an expert working with dense, curly hair, she is skilled at texturizing and keratin treatments, as well as using color to amplify natural texture.
Lauren Lampa
Stylist
Lauren, best known as Elle to her clients, brings with her to Thrive nearly two decades of beauty experience—although her journey into the world of beauty was not without its twists and turns. Initially torn between becoming a hairstylist or a veterinarian, she ultimately chose the path of beauty, influenced by her family's legacy in the industry.
Embracing her artistic side from a young age and blessed with a gift of connecting with people effortlessly, she has honed her skills in all aspects of hairdressing, and has earned a reputation for her expertise in dimensional brunettes, “lived in” blondes as well as the art of styling. Which has taken her to New York on the set of the TODAY Show.
Lindsay Slevin
Stylist
Lindsay has been doing hair since 2012, and from the moment she stepped into beauty school, she knew she had found her calling. Drawn to beauty, fashion, and personal transformation from a young age, she built her career around one core belief: everyone deserves to feel confident, cared for, and completely themselves in her chair.
Behind the chair, Lindsay specializes in blonding, lived in color, tape in and sew in extensions, and long layered haircuts. She is known for creating hair that looks effortless, dimensional, and uniquely tailored to each client. Her favorite services are color and extension transformations. They allow her to elevate someone’s entire look while giving them the kind of confidence that radiates long after they leave the salon. She is deeply committed to ongoing education and is constantly refining her techniques to keep her craft elevated and current.
Eric Engberg
Stylist
Eric brings a fresh perspective to the world of hairstyling, fueled by a deep-rooted passion for the craft that’s truly in his DNA. Coming from a long line of hairstylists, Eric has spent his life immersed in the art of hair, skillfully blending timeless techniques with a youthful, modern approach.
Eric’s calm and confident demeanor creates a welcoming space where clients feel heard, valued, and transformed. His specialties include customized haircuts that flatter every face shape and hair texture, achieving natural, seamless hair color that turns heads without revealing its secret, and crafting blowouts that are truly runway-worthy. Eric has a special love for working with long hair and blondes, creating stunning, natural results that elevate your look. Whether you’re looking to enhance your natural beauty or completely refresh your style, Eric’s artistry ensures every detail is tailored to you.