MEET OUR TEAM

Artistic
Creative I
Creative II
Director
Designer I
Designer II

Diane Cole Stevens

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Location: Belle Point/DC

Diane Cole Stevens, Owner of Cole Stevens Salon, is an internationally recognized Hair Stylist, Entrepreneur, Life Coach & Mentor, Educator and Philanthropist. She is the visionary behind Cole Stevens, an award-winning salon with two highly sought destinations in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and its’ Texture Manifesto Series-cut, colour and styling techniques on curly to coily hair. This has catapulted Diane and her Styling Team to a global platform as the innovators on texture and multicultural hair trends.

For over 13 years, Diane has partnered with WELLA, the Company, and represents Nioxin and Wella as a Top Artist. She has been featured in major publications such as the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Pop Sugar, Delta Sky Magazine and Refinery 29 as a thinning hair expert and top colorist. Diane is also on the Board of Directors for Intercoiffure América/Canada.

In addition to her passion and skill for hair, Diane is the CEO and founder of the Cinderella Foundation. Founded in 2002, the organization helps, inspires and guides young women in underserved areas. Diane travels to Sierra Leone, West Africa, with a team of stylists and spiritual leaders to teach women cosmetology skills so they may seek employment or start their own businesses.

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Renee Williams

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Level: Artistic Director

Joined: Cole Stevens in 2011

Location: Belle Point/DC

Experience: 25 years

Savvy in: Extension specialist including Microlinks (hand tied, strand by strand, individual rows), Tape ins, Clip ins, traditional install, closure install, hand stitch, integration systems, Metowi Method; Trichology Practitioner; Color Customization; Precision Hair Cutting; Wig Making/Installations and Keratin certified. Renee has had extensive training from such names as Vidal Sassoon, Wella Color Expert, one on one with Steven Moody precision cutting.

Press/Media mentions: Renee’s work has been featured in Essence & Black Sophisticates Magazine. She has worked with several award shows including BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards and MTV Awards shows. She also has an extensive list of celebrity clients, as well as sports and political figures

Fun Fact: Renee loves Bike riding; working out and business organization. She also taught spinning for 5 years

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Sophie Leal

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Level: Artistic

Joined Cole Stevens in 2024

Location: DC

Experience: Sophie has a passion for cutting hair. She knew she wanted to be a stylist since the age of 7. At age 14, she was accepted for an exclusive apprenticeship in France, where she began her journey in the world of hair cutting. She received her cosmetology education and certification in Paris, France. Upon arriving in the states, she was trained by Bumble and Bumble in New York.

Savvy in: Cut and Color

Fun Fact: Sophie is a certified yoga teacher. She practices and teaches Iyengar yoga. When not styling hair, she finds solace in her garden and growing natural herbs for cooking. She is also an avid traveler, often exploring countries like India and beyond, seeking inspiration from diverse cultures.

Jamel Monroe

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Level: Creative I

Joined Cole Stevens in September of 2015

Location: Belle Point/DC

Experience: 36 years

Savvy in short hairstyles and statement cutting

Fun Fact: Prior to Cole Stevens, Jamel collaborated with top beauty brands, Mizani and Revlon, as a Platform Artist, soon followed by his achievements in the Black Hair Olympics.

Check out his work on INSTAGRAM

Koren Green

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Level: Creative I

Joined Cole Stevens in February 2018

Location: DC

Savvy in cutting, the bob and pixie cuts are her speciality. One of 7 finalists for Intercoiffure New York Fashion Week in 2019. Completed Wella’s Color craft 1,2 & 3 in Calabasas, CA 2022; Mustafa’s Hollywood wave and updo class in NYC. Vidal Sassoon ABC Cutting Course Miami. Koren’s work has been featured in The Washingtonian, 3 full page spreads in Black Hair Sophisticates, Vanity Fair, Washington Life, and during NY Fashion Week. Celebrity clientele includes numerous political and television figures and the president of Essence Magazine.

Fun Fact: Koren is motivated by success! She enjoys cooking at home and other activities that engage the body such as yoga class and playing tennis.

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Giselle Sencion

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Level: Creative I

Joined in 2007

Location: Belle Point

Savvy in specialized cuts and styles – including curls

Fun Fact: Giselle’s friendly and humorous personality is what intrigues her clients. For each appointment and consultation, she starts and begins with a smile.

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Brenda-210x140 — Brenda Arias

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Level: Creative I

Joined Cole Stevens in 2008

Location: Belle Point

Savvy in round brushing and a variety of styling techniques

Fun Fact: Brenda is a great teacher. Her positive spirit always uplifts her peers and clients.

Jacquelyn Sullivan

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Level: Creative II

Joined Cole Stevens Salon originally in 2008-2017 returned in 2021

Location: DC

Experience: Dudley Center and Nu Yu, Graduated from The Aveda Institute in Washington, D.C., participated in Trend Vision for 4 years; completed numerous Wella color classes. Vidal Sassoon ABC Cutting Classes; Worked with Martin Pretoria on fashion shoots and Summer Dennis music videos. Jackie has completed Devacurl Cutting classes in New York. She has also traveled to Paris, France and trained with David Mullett.

Savvy in:Precision cutting, Wella color and natural styles

Fun Fact: Jackie is a Certified Nutritionist through the Living Light Culinary Institute, and she is a certified yoga instructor.

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Mel Vega

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Level: Creative II

Joined Cole Stevens in 2024

Location: DC

Experience: Mel is an Aveda trained Cosmetologist and Educator. She graduated in 2010 and now has 15 years of experience in the beauty industry. Mel became a Master Colorist when she lived and worked in salons on the west coast. As a bicoastal stylist, she loves creating lived-in finishes on textured hair. She thrives in color application and placement and is well versed in color theory. Mel loves creating a customized experience that tailors to each guest. She is detail oriented and enjoys making guests feel more beautiful.

Savvy in: Custom color & blonding techniques including highlights, balayage, ombre, and foilyage.

Fun Fact: Mel was a Math major in college and often uses her love for Geometry as a blueprint to her color applications.

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Ashley Gibbs

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Level: Director

Joined Cole Stevens in 2012

Location: Belle Point/DC

Experience: Paul Mitchell Academy graduate with over 11 years experience

Savvy in: Natural hair styling, extensions including micro links, blow dry and style. Participated in the HydraPure commercial and photo shoot, texture boot camp and the hair extension training curriculum.. Has trained with Mustafa Styling class in Soho, New York.

Fun Fact: Ashley has danced professionally for over 20 years. She was a band dancer at her alma mater, Bowie State University and she has worked previously as a dance coach for the Accokeek Academy.

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Jade Jacobs

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Level: Director

Location: DC

We are thrilled to announce the return of Jade Jacobs, a seasoned stylist with 14 years of experience.

Experience: Jade graduated from Paul Mitchell, The School, in Tysons Corner, Virginia. She is a multi published Hair Stylist in Sophisticates Black Hair Magazine. Jade is known for her creative flair and dedication to delivering stunning hair transformations. She brings her expertise in barbering, custom curly cuts, precision cutting all lengths, as well as color melting and balayage. She also offers silk press, flat twist, two strand twist, loc maintenance and cornrows.

Fun Fact: Having previously been a cherished member of our salon family, Jades’ passion for hair and her commitment to client satisfaction have always been admired by her clients and the team. Her unique ability to understand and enhance each client’s individual style makes her a favorite among both new and returning clients.

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Zewdi Bahbla

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Level: Designer II

Joined Cole Stevens Salon in 2018; she has over 9 years experience

Location: DC

Savvy in: Hair enhancements, flat twist, cornrows, feed in braids and spa like shampoo
Completed Cole Stevens Texture Hair curriculum part 1 & 2

Fun Fact: Zewdi is Eritrean born and loves to travel

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Paris Butler

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Level: Designer II

Joined Cole Stevens in 2020

Location: DC

Savvy in: A variety of services including layered cuts, round brush blowdry, fantasy hair color, block color techniques, and hair extensions (such as traditional installs, clip-ins, tape-ins, and ponytails, wig installs ).
Experience: 5 years Press/media: I have worked for the 75th annual Tony awards show 2024. My work has been showcased on CBS and tubi networks.

Fun Fact: Outside of hair I have a talent and passion for Visual merchandising, Photography, videography & creative directing. I was a bartender & I’m a big fashion girly.

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Nyya Fletcher

Click Here to Book Me

Level: Designer I

Joined Cole Stevens in 2020

Location: Belle Point

Experience: Nyya is a talented and passionate designer-level hairstylist at Cole Stevens with five years of experience in the beauty industry. She began her journey in 2018 at the prestigious Thomas Edison School of Technology, where she honed her skills in cosmetology and graduated in 2021. With a strong foundation in both luxury hair extensions and color, she has earned certifications in luxury hair extensions by Kerri Alston and Goldwell’s Basic Foundational Color Training, ensuring that her clients receive the highest level of care and expertise.

Savvy in: Nyya specializes in silk presses, natural hair styling (including flat twists), and gel twists. Nyya skill set also extends to luxury hair extensions, including tape-ins and micro-links, offering clients transformative hair solutions with seamless results.

Fun Fact: When I am not creating stunning hairstyles, you can find me perfecting lash looks—I am just as passionate about lashes as about hair

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Jalyn Trigg

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Level: Designer I

Joined Cole Stevens in 2022

Location: DC

Experience: Jalyn joined our team directly from Aveda Cosmetology School. She specializes in cuts, color and flat iron styling. She is certified in our Goldwell Color System and she is Keratin Certified.

Savvy in: Jalyn does a phenomenal CS signature round brush, and a little secret, it is said she does the best wash ‘n go style in our DC salon!

Fun Fact: In her free time, she loves to paint, draw and do makeup application. Jalyn says “My mom is my biggest inspiration, she is such a hardworking woman who basically raised me by herself, she is my inspiration always and forever.”

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Dasia Cunningham

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Level: Designer II

Joined Cole Stevens in 2022

Location: Belle Point

Experience: Attended Aspen Beauty Academy of Laurel from 2021-2023; Wella Color Techniques Class; Color Class with Kolor King; Goldwell Basic Foundational Color Training; Cole Steven’s born and trained!

Savvy in: Silk presses, color, and extension customization.

Fun Fact: When i’m not doing hair, i’m binge watching a television series.

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Carolyn Elbert

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Level: Designer II

Joined Cole Stevens Salon in 2020

Location: Belle Point/DC

Experience: Paul Mitchell Partner school Phase II graduate.

Tri-state licensure DC|MD|VA

Assistant to Cole Stevens Artistic Director 2 years

Member/ contributor to CS Glam & Project Team and Extension Team

Cole Stevens HydraPure commercial & photo shoot

Intercoiffure America/Canada 2022 NYC Conference

Savvy In: custom color, highlights & balayage

Extensions: traditional installs, micro links, clip ins, ponytails.

Fun Fact: Originally from St. Louis

I love giving my clients a bombshell blowout!

I love traveling, live music and swimming!

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Artistic: Diane Cole Stevens

Click Here to Book Me

Location: Belle Point/DC

Diane Cole Stevens, Owner of Cole Stevens Salon, is an internationally recognized Hair Stylist, Entrepreneur, Life Coach & Mentor, Educator and Philanthropist. She is the visionary behind Cole Stevens, an award-winning salon with two highly sought destinations in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and its’ Texture Manifesto Series-cut, colour and styling techniques on curly to coily hair. This has catapulted Diane and her Styling Team to a global platform as the innovators on texture and multicultural hair trends.

For over 13 years, Diane has partnered with WELLA, the Company, and represents Nioxin and Wella as a Top Artist. She has been featured in major publications such as the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Pop Sugar, Delta Sky Magazine and Refinery 29 as a thinning hair expert and top colorist. Diane is also on the Board of Directors for Intercoiffure América/Canada.

In addition to her passion and skill for hair, Diane is the CEO and founder of the Cinderella Foundation. Founded in 2002, the organization helps, inspires and guides young women in underserved areas. Diane travels to Sierra Leone, West Africa, with a team of stylists and spiritual leaders to teach women cosmetology skills so they may seek employment or start their own businesses.

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Renee Williams

Click Here to Book Me

Level: Artistic Director

Joined: Cole Stevens in 2011

Location: Belle Point/DC

Experience: 25 years

Savvy in: Extension specialist including Microlinks (hand tied, strand by strand, individual rows), Tape ins, Clip ins, traditional install, closure install, hand stitch, integration systems, Metowi Method; Trichology Practitioner; Color Customization; Precision Hair Cutting; Wig Making/Installations and Keratin certified. Renee has had extensive training from such names as Vidal Sassoon, Wella Color Expert, one on one with Steven Moody precision cutting.

Press/Media mentions: Renee’s work has been featured in Essence & Black Sophisticates Magazine. She has worked with several award shows including BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards and MTV Awards shows. She also has an extensive list of celebrity clients, as well as sports and political figures

Fun Fact: Renee loves Bike riding; working out and business organization. She also taught spinning for 5 years

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Sophie Leal

Click Here to Book Me

Level: Artistic

Joined Cole Stevens in 2024

Location: DC

Experience: Sophie has a passion for cutting hair. She knew she wanted to be a stylist since the age of 7. At age 14, she was accepted for an exclusive apprenticeship in France, where she began her journey in the world of hair cutting. She received her cosmetology education and certification in Paris, France. Upon arriving in the states, she was trained by Bumble and Bumble in New York.

Savvy in: Cut and Color

Fun Fact: Sophie is a certified yoga teacher. She practices and teaches Iyengar yoga. When not styling hair, she finds solace in her garden and growing natural herbs for cooking. She is also an avid traveler, often exploring countries like India and beyond, seeking inspiration from diverse cultures.
Creative I: Jamel Monroe

Click Here to Book Me

Level: Creative I

Joined Cole Stevens in September of 2015

Location: Belle Point/DC

Experience: 36 years

Savvy in short hairstyles and statement cutting

Fun Fact: Prior to Cole Stevens, Jamel collaborated with top beauty brands, Mizani and Revlon, as a Platform Artist, soon followed by his achievements in the Black Hair Olympics.

Check out his work on INSTAGRAM

Koren Green

Click Here to Book Me

Level: Creative I

Joined Cole Stevens in February 2018

Location: DC

Savvy in cutting, the bob and pixie cuts are her speciality. One of 7 finalists for Intercoiffure New York Fashion Week in 2019. Completed Wella’s Color craft 1,2 & 3 in Calabasas, CA 2022; Mustafa’s Hollywood wave and updo class in NYC. Vidal Sassoon ABC Cutting Course Miami. Koren’s work has been featured in The Washingtonian, 3 full page spreads in Black Hair Sophisticates, Vanity Fair, Washington Life, and during NY Fashion Week. Celebrity clientele includes numerous political and television figures and the president of Essence Magazine.

Fun Fact: Koren is motivated by success! She enjoys cooking at home and other activities that engage the body such as yoga class and playing tennis.

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Giselle Sencion

Click Here to Book Me

Level: Creative I

Joined in 2007

Location: Belle Point

Savvy in specialized cuts and styles – including curls

Fun Fact: Giselle’s friendly and humorous personality is what intrigues her clients. For each appointment and consultation, she starts and begins with a smile.

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Brenda Arias

Click Here to Book Me

Level: Creative I

Joined Cole Stevens in 2008

Location: Belle Point

Savvy in round brushing and a variety of styling techniques

Fun Fact: Brenda is a great teacher. Her positive spirit always uplifts her peers and clients.
Creative II: Jacquelyn Sullivan

Click Here to Book Me

Level: Creative II

Joined Cole Stevens Salon originally in 2008-2017 returned in 2021

Location: DC

Experience: Dudley Center and Nu Yu, Graduated from The Aveda Institute in Washington, D.C., participated in Trend Vision for 4 years; completed numerous Wella color classes. Vidal Sassoon ABC Cutting Classes; Worked with Martin Pretoria on fashion shoots and Summer Dennis music videos. Jackie has completed Devacurl Cutting classes in New York. She has also traveled to Paris, France and trained with David Mullett.

Savvy in:Precision cutting, Wella color and natural styles

Fun Fact: Jackie is a Certified Nutritionist through the Living Light Culinary Institute, and she is a certified yoga instructor.

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Mel Vega

Click Here to Book Me

Level: Creative II

Joined Cole Stevens in 2024

Location: DC

Experience: Mel is an Aveda trained Cosmetologist and Educator. She graduated in 2010 and now has 15 years of experience in the beauty industry. Mel became a Master Colorist when she lived and worked in salons on the west coast. As a bicoastal stylist, she loves creating lived-in finishes on textured hair. She thrives in color application and placement and is well versed in color theory. Mel loves creating a customized experience that tailors to each guest. She is detail oriented and enjoys making guests feel more beautiful.

Savvy in: Custom color & blonding techniques including highlights, balayage, ombre, and foilyage.

Fun Fact: Mel was a Math major in college and often uses her love for Geometry as a blueprint to her color applications.

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM
Director: Ashley Gibbs

Click Here to Book Me

Level: Director

Joined Cole Stevens in 2012

Location: Belle Point/DC

Experience: Paul Mitchell Academy graduate with over 11 years experience

Savvy in: Natural hair styling, extensions including micro links, blow dry and style. Participated in the HydraPure commercial and photo shoot, texture boot camp and the hair extension training curriculum.. Has trained with Mustafa Styling class in Soho, New York.

Fun Fact: Ashley has danced professionally for over 20 years. She was a band dancer at her alma mater, Bowie State University and she has worked previously as a dance coach for the Accokeek Academy.

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Jade Jacobs

Click Here to Book Me

Level: Director

Location: DC

We are thrilled to announce the return of Jade Jacobs, a seasoned stylist with 14 years of experience.

Experience: Jade graduated from Paul Mitchell, The School, in Tysons Corner, Virginia. She is a multi published Hair Stylist in Sophisticates Black Hair Magazine. Jade is known for her creative flair and dedication to delivering stunning hair transformations. She brings her expertise in barbering, custom curly cuts, precision cutting all lengths, as well as color melting and balayage. She also offers silk press, flat twist, two strand twist, loc maintenance and cornrows.

Fun Fact: Having previously been a cherished member of our salon family, Jades’ passion for hair and her commitment to client satisfaction have always been admired by her clients and the team. Her unique ability to understand and enhance each client’s individual style makes her a favorite among both new and returning clients.

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Zewdi Bahbla

Click Here to Book Me

Level: Designer II

Joined Cole Stevens Salon in 2018; she has over 9 years experience

Location: DC

Savvy in: Hair enhancements, flat twist, cornrows, feed in braids and spa like shampoo
Completed Cole Stevens Texture Hair curriculum part 1 & 2

Fun Fact: Zewdi is Eritrean born and loves to travel

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Paris Butler

Click Here to Book Me

Level: Designer II

Joined Cole Stevens in 2020

Location: DC

Savvy in: A variety of services including layered cuts, round brush blowdry, fantasy hair color, block color techniques, and hair extensions (such as traditional installs, clip-ins, tape-ins, and ponytails, wig installs ).
Experience: 5 years Press/media: I have worked for the 75th annual Tony awards show 2024. My work has been showcased on CBS and tubi networks.

Fun Fact: Outside of hair I have a talent and passion for Visual merchandising, Photography, videography & creative directing. I was a bartender & I’m a big fashion girly.

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM
Designer I: Nyya Fletcher

Click Here to Book Me

Level: Designer I

Joined Cole Stevens in 2020

Location: Belle Point

Experience: Nyya is a talented and passionate designer-level hairstylist at Cole Stevens with five years of experience in the beauty industry. She began her journey in 2018 at the prestigious Thomas Edison School of Technology, where she honed her skills in cosmetology and graduated in 2021. With a strong foundation in both luxury hair extensions and color, she has earned certifications in luxury hair extensions by Kerri Alston and Goldwell’s Basic Foundational Color Training, ensuring that her clients receive the highest level of care and expertise.

Savvy in: Nyya specializes in silk presses, natural hair styling (including flat twists), and gel twists. Nyya skill set also extends to luxury hair extensions, including tape-ins and micro-links, offering clients transformative hair solutions with seamless results.

Fun Fact: When I am not creating stunning hairstyles, you can find me perfecting lash looks—I am just as passionate about lashes as about hair

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Jalyn Trigg

Click Here to Book Me

Level: Designer I

Joined Cole Stevens in 2022

Location: DC

Experience: Jalyn joined our team directly from Aveda Cosmetology School. She specializes in cuts, color and flat iron styling. She is certified in our Goldwell Color System and she is Keratin Certified.

Savvy in: Jalyn does a phenomenal CS signature round brush, and a little secret, it is said she does the best wash ‘n go style in our DC salon!

Fun Fact: In her free time, she loves to paint, draw and do makeup application. Jalyn says “My mom is my biggest inspiration, she is such a hardworking woman who basically raised me by herself, she is my inspiration always and forever.”

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Olga Echavarria

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Level: Designer

Joined Cole Stevens in 2009

Awards: Cole Stevens’ Most Valuable Player Award (2013) and Most Passionate Award (2015)

Savvy in: Protecting healthy hair. Master of Hair and scalp issues to promote hair growth and strengthening. Round brush, scalp treatments and intense moisture treatments

Fun Fact: Volunteer lead team member of styling girls hair in the Cinderella foundation. Nicknamed the “Salon Concierge” of Cole Stevens Salon. She treats the client experience as paramount.

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Nelly Hernandez

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Level: Designer

Joined Cole Stevens in 2013

Experience: 9 years

Savvy Excellent in Round Brush and Silk press technique, flat twist and two strand twist sets, Flexi-Rods styles.

Fun Fact: Nelly speaks fluent Spanish and is always positive, happy and spiritual

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM
Designer II: Dasia Cunningham

Click Here to Book Me

Level: Designer II

Joined Cole Stevens in 2022

Location: Belle Point

Experience: Attended Aspen Beauty Academy of Laurel from 2021-2023; Wella Color Techniques Class; Color Class with Kolor King; Goldwell Basic Foundational Color Training; Cole Steven’s born and trained!

Savvy in: Silk presses, color, and extension customization.

Fun Fact: When i’m not doing hair, i’m binge watching a television series.

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM

Carolyn Elbert

Click Here to Book Me

Level: Designer II

Joined Cole Stevens Salon in 2020

Location: Belle Point/DC

Experience: Paul Mitchell Partner school Phase II graduate.

Tri-state licensure DC|MD|VA

Assistant to Cole Stevens Artistic Director 2 years

Member/ contributor to CS Glam & Project Team and Extension Team

Cole Stevens HydraPure commercial & photo shoot

Intercoiffure America/Canada 2022 NYC Conference

Savvy In: custom color, highlights & balayage

Extensions: traditional installs, micro links, clip ins, ponytails.

Fun Fact: Originally from St. Louis

I love giving my clients a bombshell blowout!

I love traveling, live music and swimming!

Check out her work on INSTAGRAM