Casual Chic Salon, Palo Alto

When Dritan Azemi's parents encouraged him to pursue a career that would help people, they envisioned him becoming a doctor or an engineer. Dritan envisioned something a bit different. "Hairstyles grow out, manicures chip, skin responds to the stresses of everyday life. In a sense, the services I provide are impermanent," Dritan says. "Despite this, I believe that I offer [people] a gift that will not fade over time. That is gift is self-assurance."

With this frame of mind, he's assembled a team of stylists who are not only technically accomplished, but who can listen to and communicate with their clients. These stylists work with people to achieve a wide range of looks, performing everything from cut and color services to keratin treatments to makeup applications.