The Story of Wilder James
Where Love and Creativity Meet
The name Wilder James is more than just a brand—it’s a celebration of Donna’s two greatest inspirations: her sons, August Wilder and Landyn James. Donna’s journey in the hair industry began when Landyn, her firstborn, was a newborn, and a few years later, August was born.
From the very start, her sons have been her biggest supporters, growing alongside her as she navigated the ever-evolving world of beauty and self-expression. Through every stage of her career and each season of her life, they’ve been her constant source of strength, joy, and inspiration.
Crafting Beauty, Honoring Legacy
Wilder James is a tribute to their unwavering presence by her side, a reflection of the love and growth that has shaped her both as a mother and as a business owner. Their names live on in the business as a reminder of the bond that fuels her work and the passion that continues to drive her forward.
Wilder James reflects a sense of adventure, excitement and creativity. James carries a sense of elegance and tradition. Marrying the two sets the tone for what clients can expect at Wilder James Salon, an elevated salon experience with classic comfort.
Donna n.
Founder of Wilder James
Blonding & Extension specialist
@hairbymadonnab
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Donna’s passion for the beauty industry began over a decade ago, driven by her love for helping women look and feel their best. With a natural ability to inspire and uplift others, Donna has built a reputation for her expertise in blonding. As a prominent figure in the Virginia Beach hair community, she is highly sought after for her signature blonding techniques. Throughout her career, Donna has mentored many stylists, forging lasting relationships along the way. She founded Wilder James Salon with the vision of creating a supportive environment where women empower and inspire one another.
meet your hair team
Marley B.
Assistant to Donna Nealen
Stylist at Wilder James
@marleydoesmyhair
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Meet Marley, the right-hand assistant to owner Donna Nealen. Marley is dedicated to ensuring that every guest feels taken care of and that all their needs are met. As a licensed cosmetologist, she’s continually learning and growing through her mentorship with Donna, gaining hands-on experience every day. Marley enjoys building connections with clients while deepening her understanding of the beauty industry.
Tiffany L.
independent artist
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Tiffany Laxa is a seasoned stylist and proud Virginia Beach native with a passion for making her clients feel their very best! With a career that spans since 1997, Tiffany has honed her expertise in creating natural, seamless color transformations and delivering precision haircuts that are both modern and timeless. Her dedication to tailoring each look to her clients' personal style has earned her a loyal following. You can book with her directly by clicking the book now button below.
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Maryglen S.
master stylist at wilder james
Maryglen brings over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry, specializing in natural, customized hair colors and precision cuts that highlight each client’s unique features. Her goal is to help every client who sits in her chair feel confident and beautiful, whether through a subtle highlight or a bold, fresh makeover. Outside the salon, Maryglen is happily married (she and her husband tied the knot in Vegas!) and enjoys spending time with her dogs. She also has a deep passion for horses, working with and riding them regularly, which keeps her grounded and continuously inspired. Maryglen is excited to collaborate with clients to create the hair of their dreams.
Krista K.
Independent Colorist & Blonding Specialist
@Krista.kelley27
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As a dedicated hair stylist and blonde specialist, Krista brings years of experience as a master colorist to every client. Her journey began in the vibrant beauty scenes of Los Angeles and San Diego, where she developed a passion for personalized styling. Now based in Virginia Beach, Krista is excited to bring her expertise to this community, building meaningful relationships while providing exceptional, tailored service. With a commitment to ongoing education, she stays at the forefront of trends and techniques, ensuring stunning results and a welcoming, enjoyable experience for every client.
Italia T.
Wilder James Apprentice
@hair.by.italiatancredo
Currently a dedicated cosmetology apprentice under the mentorship of Krista, Italia has always had a passion for the beauty industry, with a particular interest in hair, makeup, and skincare. Through her apprenticeship, she’s gaining invaluable hands-on experience, mastering cutting, coloring, and styling techniques. Eager to grow alongside skilled stylists, Italia is committed to delivering exceptional service and creating personalized, thoughtful experiences for each client. Her dedication to her craft and passion for beauty shine through in every appointment, making her a standout apprentice on the rise.
Jill H.
Salon Coordinator
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Jill is a dedicated salon coordinator at Wilder James Salon, known for her seamless appointment scheduling and exceptional guest service. With a warm and approachable personality, along with a keen eye for detail, she ensures every guest feels welcomed and well taken care of from the moment they arrive. In addition to her coordinating role, Jill is an aspiring makeup artist, bringing a creative passion for beauty to every interaction. Her commitment to creating a smooth, enjoyable experience makes her an invaluable member of the Wilder James team.
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Justice F.
Salon Coordinator
Justice is a passionate salon coordinator at Wilder James Salon, known for her expert appointment management and exceptional customer service. With a welcoming attitude and a keen eye for detail, she ensures every guest feels cared for and at ease from the moment they arrive. Her commitment to creating a smooth, enjoyable experience makes her an invaluable part of the Wilder James team.
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Taylor F.
Independent Colorist
Lived in color, Extension specialist
@taylorshaehair
Taylor specializes in hand-tied extensions and lived-in color, focusing on creating timeless styles and seamless, natural-looking extensions. Taylor’s passion is helping clients achieve the hair they've always dreamed of, with results that feel effortlessly beautiful and completely undetectable.
Text 757-530-5322 to request an appointment
"This salon is everything!! It is stunning, down to the very last detail. The perfect marriage of sophisticated design with a warm welcoming vibe. A perfect reflection of Donna! Her skill and talent are top tier and her customer service is on par. I couldn’t recommend Donna and Wilder James more!"
"Wilder James is hands down the best salon I’ve ever been to. The atmosphere is so elegant and relaxing. The staff is incredible and the owner Donna is the most talented, kindest soul. She truly cares about her clients and making them feel their best. I’ve been going to Donna for years and can not recommend her enough."
"I have long awaited Donna opening her own salon. She’s an uber-talented hairstylist and Wilder James represents the many years she’s spent crafting her skills and becoming a top stylist in Virginia Beach! Wilder James is classic, and so is she. I’d follow her anywhere."
"Wilder James is STUNNING!! Not only does it have an inviting and warm aesthetic, but Donna, who is incredible and talented, is genuinely passionate about her work and her clients. On top of that, the wide range of Oribe haircare products and accessories adds to the overall vibe and provides such a luxe, elevated experience."
"I love this salon and the owner!! I have been getting my hair done by Donna for 3 years and have been amazing with my hair after every appointment. She is very kind and professional and is amazing at her job 💌"