The reason behind CCS
Literally, from the ground up—Color Canvas Systems was born.
I loved creating beautiful hair. Working on the floor made me realize there had to be a better way.
Color Canvas Systems grew from that need: more room to create, with the tools I needed close at hand.
Alisha Fox · Founder
My story was always written in hair.
My journey began with a mentor who believed in me and my dreams.
As a high school junior, I approached my principal and superintendent about creating a work-study program. Five days a week, I shadowed a stylist in her salon, learning by watching, listening, and doing.
I was shy, but I kept going. My mentor’s encouragement stayed with me through cosmetology school. At nineteen, I took a leap of faith and bought my first salon.
Hair shows, backstage work, and my time as a TIGI ambassador kept me learning. Owning a Full Concept Aveda salon in Lincoln’s historic Haymarket became one of my proudest chapters. Behind the chair, I was always looking for ways to stay organized, make room for creativity, and build a career I could enjoy for years.
A client’s inspiration photo sparked an idea. Bringing that idea to life made me look differently at the workspace around me. Why were we adapting our creativity to the space we had, instead of creating a space that supported the way we worked?
Selling my salon meant stepping away from something I had worked hard to build. It also gave me the chance to pursue Color Canvas Systems: a workstation shaped by the everyday needs of a hairstylist.
What followed was years of developing, testing, listening, and refining. Collaboration and feedback from other stylists helped move the idea forward. The journey asked for patience and perseverance—and reminded me why I started.
That purpose is still at the heart of CCS. I want stylists and students to have room to create, tools within reach, and a workspace that supports their artistry. We are artists. We deserve to work like them.
With love, Alisha