Elites Discover Raw Beauty

I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to write this review. I think I had a bit of a mental block to it. This was not my favorite event. The salon itself was amazing. All of the stylists and employees were at the top of their game.
There wasn’t very much seating and the queues for the little service treats were a bit disorganized.
I agree with Tiffany S. With fewer people, it would’ve been a much more successful event. It was too difficult to maneuver and the temperature was uncomfortable. Have you ever tried to eat while standing AND looking cute? It’s just way too difficult.
I think the most fun was getting a bit of a contouring lesson from their resident make up queen. I had my face on for the event so, she didn’t have to spend time on the other parts. She made me look 5 lbs thinner. Also, major shout out to the awesome receptionist. We spent most of the evening talking about cupcakes.

I gave a long think on how many stars to give this event, a little because it seems like all Elite events are expected to get stunning reviews, but mostly because I wanted to love it.
I just didn’t.
The idea was great, and if the attendance number had been even lowerit would have been an amazing event. However, this little place was way too small for all the people that were there. I felt like I was shuffling over people to wait in line for a little treat of service. It was also an inferno, which makes for sweaty shuffling over people, which is awkward.
The services provided that I managed to get in to were nice. The hand treatment was certainly the best part. Liked the products, love having my hands massaged. The head & shoulder massage was very well meaning, but she admitted no one there was an actual massage therapist and it showed when she attempted to rub my head and just pulled my hair a lot. I didn’t have the patience to try to get in for the ‘Chakra & Makeup’ Station, people were constantly trying to make their wait in line known over there and it was just too warm to be pushy. I would have loved to have been able to get my hair done but between the heat & the Unilocalers I couldn’t commit.
The snacks were great though! I loved Linds’ little mimosa bar she made in the back by the Tony Romo snack station. The ribs & shrimp taco were both amazing. The tiny cupcakes over by makeup were divine. I rationalized their size to allow myself two.
Overall, I think the space and the staff are great — if you were to go during normal hours with a normal amount of clients inside. I think the idea was fun & the choices made were wonderful for what she was working with.
I could see myself going back if i ever break up with my current salon, but very very alone. In winter. While everyone else is busy.

Excellent event put on by Unilocaltastic CM Lindsay, RAW and Tony Roma. I enjoyed myself so very much at this very cool event.
The event was set up very well and allowed traffic to flow smoothly. I enjoyed the tasty treats, (jalapeño poppers, ribs and mimosas) provided by Tony Roma. The scalp massage before my haircut was so relaxing and the haircut was fantastic. And it is always a pleasure to spend times with some of San Antonio’s most awesome elite Unilocalers.
I so look forward to the next event.

Had such an enchanted evening at Raw Beauty! I’m so glad I got to discover this place. They’re going to be my new go-​to for hair cuts! No more Rio’s Golden Cuts for this guy!
I think this place used to be a tombstone sales place, where they had grave markers out front of the place. What a nice change!
The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. Loved the fact that they sell all the coolest Aveda creams, lotions, aromatherapy, and ointments! That stuff is incredible!
I got a back massage, which was heavenly. Loved that!
The food was awesome– Tony Roma’s ribs, and shrimp tacos. Not to be confused with Tony Romo, because then they’d be dropping the tacos on the floor. The food was amazing! Plus, the champagne bar and mimosa station was much appreciated after a hot drive to the location.
The location was very clean, well organized, and had great flow. The event was a bit on the packed side, but that just shows the Elite love! I really dug the little giveaways– mints, and buttons! Yay!
I can’t wait for the next event!

Amazing event! I am a big fan of Raw Hair and am always looking for a chance to promote them. Loved the amenities they provided at this event. The food and drinks were great and the DJ kept it lively. Fun time.

I’d love to give this more stars, because I really appreciate these events… and had I been early, maybe I would have had a service to review. But. It was cramped and awkward to move around, or even to find your way to the drinks. I wanted to try the food, but something about standing in the middle of a crowded salon chowing down ribs from a napkin felt all wrong. The whole thing needed some form of organization… A sign-​in for the services, take-​a-​number, waiting/​seating on the porch, something. The staff seemed super friendly, though. After hovering around the various service stations with no luck, I finally sniffed some oils, ate a cupcake, and left. I’ve been so very impressed with the Elite events, but I have to say this was my least favorite.

While the set-​up meant for some hazardous traversing to get some booze, I really enjoyed my time at this Elite event. Was it a little cramped, yes. Was it a little spicy inside, sure. Did I get glamorous and boozed up for FREE? Hell yeah. My stylist was Kat and aside from being freakin’ adorable, she knew her stuff. I like to give very little instruction to my stylists and for her to totally get what I want from the words, «get me gorgeous» was awesome.
After I got dolled up (and after I quit flipping my hair in the mirror) I mingled with some Unilocalers, feasted on some shrimp tacos from Tony Roma and checked out the other lucky Elites who were looking amaze sporting their new ‘do. Thanks Lindsay for introducing me to a great salon and giving me the ammo to throw a little more sass the rest of the night!

It was a great attempt for an awesome event. It wasn’t what I was expecting though. In my mind I pictured a relaxing evening, where one could enjoy a salon. When I arrived I immediately started to sweat. Due to how many people were there. I think it would of been much more intimate if only the select few that were actually getting services were invited.
They had a massage chair in the front, next to everyone entering. Who could relax right in the front with an audience? It would of been better in a quiet area with a fan! Only three people received a blow-​out. There was a makeup station and a hand massage station, but you just sort of had to stand in line and wait to get any services. I wish there would of been a sign in for each service or appointments times pre-​arranged.
Tony Roma’s was there representing and I had a great fried shrimp taco. :)
I think with this event, less could of been a lot more. When I think of a salon experience I think of comfort and relaxing. This was the opposite.

Elites Discover Raw Beauty was such a fun experience I didn’t want to leave!
As soon as I walked in I was greeted by the lovely Lindsay with a fancy champagne glass, I knew it was ON from there! Every corner I turned there were tons of things going on from makeup application to a full on body massage. The Tony Roma’s food was delicious and the nice gentleman who was serving really made my night with his lovely personality and eagerness to ensure I sampled everything he had to offer. The ribs were fall apart heaven, the bacon wrapped jalapeño popper was the best I’d ever had, and the fried shrimp tacos were so YUM, I’ll be using my Tony Roma’s coupon very soon!
I ran into a lot of great buds (Sonia & Jai) which always makes a solo trip worthwhile and I met a lot of new friends (Curt, Lilibeth, Aziz, Angela, Patrick, Breanne and Ashlee-​all so sweet). The heat really got to me, I was literally cooking in that place then I had massive anxiety because I was about to get a blowout… more heat (aghhh!)! Kat, my stylist, was so kind to wash my hair with COLD water, did a lovely job with my hair and I really appreciate when a hairstylist can hold an interesting conversation! I’ve been using Aveda products for over 15 years and it’s always nice to find a salon who uses natural hair care products. After my blowout I was able to mingle a bit more and by that time it was cooler and I took full advantage of the hand wraps by Jamie and shoulder/​back massage by Shamika. I waited a good 25 minutes before getting a hand wrap and didn’t appreciate how the owner of the establishment asked me to step aside so that the photographer could take photos of another girl getting a hand treatment, kinda rude. The DJ was great and played upbeat tunes throughout the event, too cool!
Huge thanks to Lindsay for an amazing event, the Raw team for providing Unilocalers with your best services, and Tony Roma’s for the outstanding food!

So glad to be a part of this Unilocal event. Especially on my birthday! :) had so much fun, the food was amazing, champagne hit the spot, and the music was perfect. I love that Raw uses Aveda and their products are organic and natural! Everyone was so helpful and knowledgable of the products being sold, and services provided. I was given the hot towel oil treatment for my hands, which I loved and it made my hands so soft. Next had my make-​up done and the young lady (I forget her name) was so nice and answered all my questions. After this and two fish tacos later I was siting backwards in a weird chair like contraption and getting a head massage that was beyond perfect. I would’ve gladly fallen asleep if she hadn’t stopped when she did! My head, neck and shoulders were in HEAVEN! Lindsay thank you so much for an awesome Unilocal Elite event! I’m so happy that I got to take part. And Raw thank you for being awesome! I’m gonna try to get in for some stress fix lavender lotion haha

I’m giving this three stars. It was just me. I was not very impressed with anything, and the fact that I was physically uncomfortable (have YOU tried suffering a Texas summer without A/​C in your auto?) had a LOT to do with it.
The food was okay, although I’m not a big fan of ribs that really need to be… well, meatier. I was not offered any of the services (I guess that my profuse sweating had something to do with it… I cannot blame the masseuse for not even giving me the time of day), and I was just generally uncomfortable. There were a LOT of people inside that tiny Tobin Hill building. Something I’m not a fan of… and without my wife, I’m socially awkward.
The DJ, while I’m sure he is good, could have played something more… how do I put this delicately… more upbeat and less «girly». I for one would have appreciated some classic rock, oldies, and/​or jazz. Not that… whatever it was… as a DJ myself, I would have most certainly varied the music a LOT more.
Sorry, but unless I can bring along the wife, I’ll not attend any more Elite-​only events. Lindsay… PLEASE…more plus ones! I REALLY like to have my wife along for the ride.
Thanks!

I can honestly say, I’m impressed. The food, the music, the free haircut! WOW! Everyone looked so beautiful! I walked in to see Ash right after her blow out, she looked amazing! I got a hot towel treatment! I got to meet the owner of Tony Roma’s who was serving up ribs and shrimp tacos, he gave me a stack of coupons to use at his restaurant. My hair cut started with a massage, and ended with my hair being washed and styled.
It was amazing to see my fellow Unilocalers out looking great! Just look at those pics!!!
The staff was so fun too, they were enjoying the party just as much as we were! Shout out to Sammy who did my cut THANK YOU SO MUCH! It looks great! I’m gonna have to make an appointment with you soon.
Dang these Elite Events are getting good! Whats gonna happen next?

For me being away from the elite scene for so long, this one definitely kicked things into high hear again for me! As I told Lindsay earlier, I did not know what to expect bc the invite said haircuts, food and a DJ??? I felt like it had the potential to be a hot mess but it surely was not.
This was probably one of the coolest Elite events I’ve been to ever. The ladies here were all very sweet, were not shy to have a good time even with us strange Unilocalers and most importantly KNEW WHAT THEY WERE DOING!
They catered to us and let us sample most of their services from scent matching to scalp and shoulder massages and these ladies had us covered from head to toe! I was one of the lucky gentlemen to get a free haircut and boy was it an experience.
I had the pleasure of having Denise pick my name out of a hat earlier in the day and apparently lady luck was on my side. She had a glowing smile, was very kind and chatted me up enough to explain why she has a 2 week wait time for a cut. She took her time, asked me what I was looking for and began my pampering with an oil scalp massage. Heavenly.
She then faded me up and as I mentioned to her, I’m used to getting fades from my brother so getting a grade A fade from her made me realize how much of a n00b my brother is. I’ll tell him to keep his day job. Kudos Denise. You were worth every penny. What’s that? Oh yeah it was FREE. Still worth whatever she charges.
The food was WAY better than I was expecting. I thought we’d have some basic hors d’œuvre but instead, Lindsay landed us the guys at Tony Roma’s. The shrimp tacos had several small fried shrimp, some shredded lettuce and diced tomato, what seemed like Chipotle sauce and he even threw in some jalapeños for heat. The pork ribs were extremely tender and the BBQ sauce I had was slightly tangy mostly sweet and all the way delicious. Bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers were better than your average Joe too. #Success
The DJ had things popping off and I got a chance to see some old faces and meet some newer elites so it was a pleasure to be invited as always. Lindsay scored a grand slam in my book so keep up the great work and thank you for putting this little shindig (literally) together.

AGAIN with the showing up early thing. Gaw! My groove is entirely mussed up!
Anyhoo… Lindsay got us in at Raw Hair Studio and despite the fact that I felt as though I was constantly stepping on someone’s foot or feeling as if I was in someone’s way or accidentally photo-​bombing someone’s selfie, it was fantastic! The place is tiny but somehow we all managed to fit ( Unilocalers, employees, and Tony Roma’s) and enjoy ourselves. I managed to get a wonderful head and shoulder massage from Shamika. Shamika is on point! She filled me in on the massages they have as a service and the Aveda Blue Oil she used on me. In a short amount of time I felt quite rejuvenated and relaxed. All the ladies at Raw were very sweet and ultra accommodating!
Tony Roma’s kept the foodstuffs flowing — shrimp, mimosas, and other finger foods for our enjoyment. TR even thought outside the box and cooked the shrimp outside the building so we wouldn’t smell like the ocean while they were getting it together. Great call!
All in all, I had a lot of fun! My hat’s off to Lindsay for pulling off another great time. :)

Way to go Lindsay!!!
Tonight was soooo much fun! I’m so glad you chose Raw Beauty, the Raw team was fabulous! Everything was awesome, food was provided by Tony Roma, the ribs and the bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers rocked and the mimosas flowed happily. There were guys getting their hair cut and young ladies getting their hair styled. The music was playing and everyone was just getting pampered. I got a head and neck massage by Shamika and I was in heaven. Yes, the place might be a bit small, but the Raw team sure know how to treat Unilocalers right. It sure was great to be back at an Elite Unilocal event. This one was awesome, can’t wait for the next one.

10 stars!!! Yo! I walked in with straight hair and walked out with an amazing curly hairdo!
I was blown away by this Unilocal Elite event put together by our new CM Lindsay! When I walked in the door, raw hair studio already got a full house. I saw stations for food & drinks, makeup touch up, hand massage, scalp massage, hair cuts and blowouts. Oh, boy!
I was so busy exploring and experimenting that I didn’t have any time to talk to anyone or take pictures! I first got a makeup touch up on my lip color and blush. I looked glamorous instantly, score! Then I moved on to the hand massage station and got an awesome hand treatment. My hands felt so soft like rose petals instantly, DOUBLE score! Then I moved on to get my hair blowout. That’s right, I won a hair blowout! Yay! My stylist Kat was the BEST! She not only created an amazing curly hairdo using straight iron (read NOT curling iron!!) but also gave me lots useful tips for easy hairdos at home! She graduated from Aveda, was absolutely fantastic and so sweet! I got so many compliments on my new hairdo and looked like million bucks instantly, TRIPLE score!!!
Of course I got food and drinks in between. The ribs, shrimp taco and bacon wrapped jalapeño were all super delicious! The bubbles were great too. The only thing I missed was the scalp massage but then again who would want to mess up their awesome new hairdo?!
All in all, a 10 star Unilocal Elite event! I’d totally come to Raw Hair if I need a new hairdo for any event in the future! Thanks so much, Lindsay and Raw!!!