salon kokopelli - our talent

hair department

Kathy (director of spring lake location)

I started the job I love in 1990. In June 2003, I joined the Kokopelli family. I believe in and love Salon Kokopelli’s mission and future. I admire and respect my friends and coworkers. From the beginning I was taught the importance of education. It is with that education that keeps me constantly informed and aware. The cornerstone of my training has been in New York City at the Redken Exchange on 5th Avenue. Through the years I have kept well rounded with alternating hair (cutting and styling), color (all types), and business (management, finance, and promotion). From 2001 to 2003 I traveled and assisted a Redken affiliated platform artist.

Favorite Products: Rough Paste/BKT Oil-Shine/Frizz Reducer (fun great finishing paste, piecey messy or smooth, straight or mixed with just about anything).
Hot Tip: When using a flat iron always use a heat safe product such as Redken Iron Silk (to protect your hair from the heat, let each section cool around a round brush for some extra body. Hair spray optional.
Favorite Quote: “Smile, it makes people wonder what you’re up to.”
Hours: Brielle and Spring Lake locations. Please call for hours and availability.
Favorite Quote: “Always act your shoe size and never your age!”
Hours: Wednesday in the Brielle location. Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the Spring Lake location. Call for availability.

Eileen

I have been a stylist since 1987 and with salon kokopelli since 1997. There have many years of education behind me, some of my favorites have been at the Redken Exchange, NYC with Chris Baran, Kaz Amor, Sam Villa.
I work at a salon that promotes and provides great education.

Hot Tip: Always wait 48 hours after color before you shampoo your hair. Try Pureology!!
Favorite Products: Pureology Super Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner. Styling with a cocktail of Satin Wear and Outshine.
Favorite Quote: “ Whatever you do, do it well!”
Hours: Monday, Thursday, and Friday in Brielle.

Arielle

I started my career at salon kokopelli in 1998.and it just keeps getting better!
Favorite Products: Pureology Straight and Volume together. Redken Velvet gelatin and glass cocktailed together.
Hot Tip: Criss cross your bobby pins! Blow dry hair the opposite way you want it to lay.
Favorite Quote: “Our future depends on what we do in the present.” – Gandhi
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Brielle

Donna

I have been styling hair my whole life!! I started in this industry and began my career at Salon Kokopelli in August 1998.
Favorite Product: Maneuver…which is retailed for men but I use it on many women.
Hot Tip: Natural hair color is the way to go if maintenance is not your lifestyle.
Quote: “My religion is very simple, my religion is kindness.” - Dalai lama
Hours: All hours in the Brielle location. Please call for hours and availability.

Jess

I have literally grown up at Salon Kokopelli starting when I was 15 years old as an assistant. I am currently a Certified Redken Specialist with seven years as a stylist. I have also taken advantage of any and all continuing education opportunities, including in salon Sam Villa-cutting, Justin Issac, color class and many Redken classes.
Favorite Products: Velvet Gelatin, I love it! BKT oil, just awesome, Rough Paste, Full Frame and a drop of Glass.
Hot Tip: When finished with your blowout, switch the hair dryer to cool and allow two to five minutes of cold air to seal cuticles and increase natural shine.
Favorite Quote: “All you need is love.”
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the Spring Lake location and Saturday in Brielle. Call for availability.

Chelsea a/k/a “Bella”

Employed at Salon Kokopelli since October 2001, I have experience in many departments at the salon such as make up, front desk, nails and hair. I guess you can say I am multi-talented! I attended Westmore Academy of Cosmetic Art and am also a Certified Redken Specialist.
Favorite Product: Wool Shake/Vinyl Glam to add shine to dull hair.
Hot Tip: Don’t wash your hair everyday. The natural oils are actually good for your hair.
Favorite Quote: You can’t be old and wise if you’ve never been young and crazy!”
My Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday in Brielle and Saturdays in Spring Lake. Please call for hours and availability.

Tricia

I came to Salon Kokopelli in December 2003. Currently I am working part-time to be able to spend more time at home with my family. I have received in salon continuing education in Sam Villa-cutting and Justin Issac-color.
Favorite Product: Velvet Whip Cocktail. Align and Blown Away.
Hot Tip: When blow drying side swept bangs, dry to opposite side of which you wear them to give you more fullness and to make them lay nicer.
Favorite Quote: “To each his own.”
Hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday in the Spring Lake location, Sunday in the Brielle location. Please call for hours and availability.

Rachel

I have been at Salon Kokopelli since March 2001. I LOVE it here!!! Many many classes at the Redken Exchange in NYC and in salon education with, Sam Villa-cutting and Justin Issac-color. I have also enjoyed education with David Stanko & last but never least….Kaz Amor.
Favorite Products: Redken Velvet Gelatin, Quick Dry, Blown Away, Smooth Down Shampoo and Conditioner, Woolshake. Pureology-Nano Works, Shampoo and Conditioner and Blow Dry Amplifier Spray Gel Real Curl.
Hot Tip: Let natural wave air dry, spray Wool Shake and scrunch to add life, body and shape.
Favorite Quote: There are no goodbyes for us, where ever you go; you are always in my heart.
Hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday in the Brielle location. Please call for hours and availability.

Marianna

Starting in this industry in 2003, I finally found my home as a stylist at Salon Kokopelli in July 2007. I have in salon education with Sam Villa-cutting, and Justin Issac-color. I recently attended a continuing education class with David Stanko-color.
Favorite Product: Align and Satin Wear, Velvet Collection and Nylon Clay (scrunch away!)
Hot Tip: Blow dry your hair in the opposite direction you want it to fall for added volume.
Favorite Quote: “Cherish yesterday, live for today and don’t worry about tomorrow for it hasn’t come yet.”
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the Brielle location. Please call for hours and availability.

Marisa

As an experienced hair stylist I came to Salon Kokopelli in March 2008. I have taken advantage of continuing education with Sam Villa-cutting and Justin Issac-color, in which the Salon offered. I have also graduated from Vidal Sasoon Precision cutting class. I also enjoy performing nails and waxing services.
Favorite Products: Sleek Obedience, Pureology shampoos and conditioners, Align, BKT Serum.
Hot Tip: When scrunching, always use a paper towel, you get a more defined curl that way, while taking out some moisture.
Favorite Quote: “Always act your shoe size and never your age!"

Christine

I live for hair!!! I have been with Salon Kokopelli since May 2007 and have received continuing education from Sam Villa-cutting and Justin Issac-color.
Favorite Products: love Wool shake! BKT Oil, (Argon oil) Body Full Shampoo and Conditioner
Hot Tip: When towel drying hair, squeeze water out, don’t rough up, that will cause unwanted frizz and fly-aways!
Favorite Quote: “The worst thing in life is wasted talent.”
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Brielle and Spring Lake locations. Please call for hours and availability.

Cleo

As a hair stylist in the industry since 2007, I finally found my nitch with Salon Kokopelli. I have been at the salon since October 2008. I have been afforded in salon continuing education with Sam Villa-cutting and Justin Issac-color. I also attended the Redken Exchange, NYC.
And with Kathy being my coach, it is a given, I love color!
Favorite Products: Blown Away, Curl Force, Fabricate (super straight, spray hair gel, Pureology hydrate shampoo and conditioner)
Hot Tip: My favorite cocktail is blown away with BKT oil. When you want naturally curly hair straight you must use tension with your brushes.
Favorite Quote: “We must strive to be like the moon. Be good to all.”
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday in the Brielle location. Saturday in our Spring Lake location.

support staff

Kim

I have been full time with Salon Kokopelli since June 2008.
Favorite Product: BKT Oil, Fresh Curls Spring Mouse, Wool Shake, Ultra Rich Body Lotion/Dermologica
Hot Tip: Say everything with a smile, be prepared for anything!
Favorite Quotes: “Don’t let the past steal your present!” and “Day by day nothing seems to change, but pretty soon everything’s different.”

massage

Carol Ann

I have been part of the salon kokopelli family since 2002. My nurturing began in 1988 incorporating Swedish and Shiatsu modalities to return the body to a state of balance. I am a long standing A.B.M.P. member.
Favorite Product: Dermalogica Stress Relief Oil and Tiger Balm.
Hours: Wednesday and Friday
Hot Tip: Honor Yourself. Allow yourself to relax and breathe.
Favorite Quote: Cherish Human Connections.- Anonymous

skin care

Wendy

I started as a client from the birth of salon kokopelli, it seems only natural to work in a place that you love to be at! So in 1996, my career in skin care began. Our environment is loving and supportive which is why many of us have been here so long. We compliment each other so well!!
I thrive on education and can not get enough of it. The International Dermal Institute in NYC, has provided me with extensive continuing education in all aspects of skin care. I currently hold 2 degrees & always striving higher.
Favorite Products: Dermalogica…All the Way!!! Power Rich, Hydrating Booster, Redken Chem Shot is a must.
Hot Tip: Drink your water, your skin will “Thank you” for it. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!!
Hours: Brielle location.

Erta

I started my career in this industry at salon kokopelli in 2000 and would say that it has been like my second home. I live and breathe skin care and waxing is my passion!!!
I have furthered my education at the International Dermal Institute, NYC, for all aspects of skin care. I take pride in being extremely thorough with every guest and help them understand that with proper care, everybody can achieve a healthy complexion.
Favorite Products: Dermalogica Products as a whole. To many to list …. I must say that if I have to narrow it down “Hydrating Booster”; is like a glass of water for your skin…ahh good!!!
Hot Tip: Exfoliation is essential!!
Favorite Quote: “We can always make it work”

Michele K.

Working in the skin care industry since 1999, I came to Salon Kokopelli in July 2006.
Favorite Products: Precleanse and Power Rich
Hot Tip: Always cleanse your skin at bed time.
Favorite Quote: “Everything happens for a reason.”
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday in the Brielle location. Please call for hours and availability.

nail care

Cyndi

I’m in it for the long haul, working in Salon Kokopelli’s nail department since its inception in 1993.
Favorite Product: Creative Almond Hand Scrub. Smells delicious and makes hand feel smooth and silky soft.
Hot Tip: Take very good care of your feet. If they are not happy, you won’t be!!
Favorite Quote: “Treat people the way you would like to be treated.” “Never, ever assume anything about anybody, 95% of the time you are wrong.”
Hours: Monday, Wednesday Thursday and Friday in the Brielle location. Please call for hours and availability.

Erica

I have been a full time nail technician with the Salon
since June 1996.
Favorite product: Cuccio Milk ‘n Honey Body Butter
Hot Tip: Before putting on socks and sneakers, rub some lotion on heels. The heat with the lotion will add moisture to cracked heels.
Favorite Quote: “It is what it is.”
Hours: Monday and Thursday 3:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Emily

I started at salon kokopelli in July 2009.
Favorite Product: Chip Skip, manicures and pedicures last longer. Axxium Gel Lacquer, the ultimate lasting manicure.
Hot Tip: Pamper your hands and feet year round – healthy hands and feet mean a healthier you!!
Favorite Quote: “ Keep an eye not in personal interest upon just your own matters, but also in the personal interest upon those of others.”

Erin

Love nails. I have been at Salon Kokopelli since September 2005.
Favorite Products: Umm… Black Cherry Chutney polish, no no…. Midnight in Moscow polish, no no…., it’s definitely Royal Rajah Rubey polish.
Hot Tip: Cuticle oil, cuticle oil, cuticle oil!!!
Favorite Quote: “The father of compassion and God of all encouragement, who encourages us in all our affliction so that we may be able to encourage…”
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in our Spring Lake location. Call for hours.

Kelly

I started in this industry in 2000 and have been an employee of Salon Kokopelli since August 2008. I have an advanced education in gel nails and am currently attending cosmetology school.
Favorite Product: Axxium Gel System.
Hot tip: Out of cuticle oil? You can substitute olive oil.
Favorite Quote: “I’d rather be poor and happy, then rich and miserable.”
My Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 5:30-9:00 PM and Saturday 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

aspiring talent

Brittany

An aspiring talent in Salon Kokopelli’s hair department, I have been with the Salon since July 2008. I have furthered my education with Sam Villa-cutting and Justin Issac-color. Look forward to many more classes to come.
Favorite Products: Iron Silk, Nylon Clay Cocktails, Spring Mouse, Crystal Curls, Velvet Gelatin, Vinyl Glam Heat Glide.
Hot Tip: Put cool air through hair after you straighten it from blow drying. This will close your cuticle, create shine in your hair, and lock in the straightening so your hair will not crease right away.
Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday in the Brielle location. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday in the Spring Lake Location.

Michelle V.

Only with Salon Kokopelli since December 2008, as an aspiring hair stylist, but it feels like a life time. I have attended education in salon classes for Sam Villa-cutting and Justin Issac-color, so far.
Favorite Product: BKT and Argon Oil
Hot Tip: Use less shampoo and conditioner as you’re probably using too much.
Favorite Quote: “Things happen for a reason, just believe.”
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday in the Brielle location. Please call for hours and availability.

Jen V.

I joined Salon Kokopelli as support staff in September 2008, and then moved to the Associate Program. I am an aspiring hair stylist with continuing in salon education classes with Sam Villa-cutting and Justin Issac-color.
Favorite Products: Anti Snap, Velvet Whip, Workforce 09 Hairspray
Hot Tip: For a soft wavy look, curl just a few sections of hair with curling iron…hairspray and then take the blow dryer to it for about a minute with your fingers.
Favorite Quote: “Life isn’t about how many breaths you take, it’s about the moments that take your breath away.”
Hours: Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday in the Brielle location. Please call for hours and availability.

Chelsea V.

Just graduated cosmetology school in June 2009 and received my license. I have been with Salon Kokopelli since April 2009. While at Salon Kokopelli I have received continuing in salon education with Sam Villa-cutting and Justin Issac-color.
Favorite Product: Blonde Glam Conditioner, Blown Away.
Hot Tip: Just go with the flow.
Favorite Quote: “Everything happens for a reason.”
Hours: I have hours in both the Spring Lake and Brielle locations. Please call for my availability.

Tracey

Upon graduating from cosmetology school I came to Salon Kokopelli in May 2009 and soon to be part of the skin care department.
Favorite Product: Special cleansing gel and oil control lotion, BKT and Anti-Snap.
Hot Tip: Always smile.
Hours: Both Brielle and Spring Lake location. Call for hours and availability.

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