Newbury: Talent

Julie made the decision right out of hairdressing school that her focus was to be haircoloring and she hasn't looked back. She has been a sought out colorist among the who's who of Boston's network since her career on Newbury St. and ability to evolve and maintain and follow trends has made her one of Boston's best Color Specialist's.Her passion has always been to create the hue's and depths that look sun-kissed or rich brunettes that are always flattering to the individuals skin tones. Her corrective color work is legendary, if someone happens to go astray. Her knowledge and wealth of color has made her a leader among colorists in the city of Boston. Her philosophy is that you can have beautiful color while maintaining healthy hair, natural beautiful color is always her priority!

JULIE BALIWEICZ
Master Colorist

John has been an enthusiastic member of the Mario Russo team since 1994. After studying color in Los Angeles, John returned to Boston to put his knowledge to use at Salon Mario Russo and to specialize in highlights and corrective color. John has been recognized by Town & Country in their "Who's Who" of American colorists. He has also been honored in Allure by being featured for his natural face-framing highlights and by being named "Boston's Best Colorist." John has garnered attention in several "Best Of..." issues of local magazines, and is mentioned in Boston Magazine with some regularity. His varied clientele includes local celebrities and news anchors, and his services are even sought out by New Yorkers who travel to Boston for his unique coloring touch. His work can be seen nightly on local and national T.V. Outside of the salon, John's other creative pursuits include painting and gardening. He incorporates his overall color knowledge to create dazzling results in all three mediums. International travel is also his passion where he attends seminars and gets previews of coming trends from major cities around the world.

JOHN BROSNAN
Colorist

Lisa Evans is passionate about creating the perfect look for each individual. Using specialized techniques, such as balayage, she is skilled at producing radiant and natural looking results. She is inspired by both the art and the science of coloring. "I love to use fashion as an inspiration and tailor that to each client I see." Lisa says. "It is important to keep up with the trends and interpret them to suit the real life woman." Lisa is also known and respected for her transforming results in corrective color, which she achieves by basing her work on an understanding that patience is the key to success! Lisa has known she wanted to be a colorist from the very start of her professional career in 1997. She received extensive color training at the Gene Juarez Advanced Training Salon in Seattle and worked at their flagship location before relocating to Boston in 2007. She has also had various continuing education classes with some of the country's top colorists, such as The Doves, Jo Blackwell and Toni and Guy. Lisa has been featured in Lucky Magazine's Coast to Coast Guide to Great Colorists, Allure Magazine's Best of the Best issue, popsugar.com as well as quoted in the New York Times, Boston Magazine and many other publications.

LISA EVANS
Colorist

Amanda grew up in Duxbury, Massachusetts and attended Syracuse University where she double-majored in Fashion and Retail Management. While at Syracuse, she discovered her passion for the beauty industry and her desire to help people realize their full self-worth through looking their best. Shortly after, she pursued a career as a professional hair colorist. Amanda's training began on the South Shore of Massachusetts, and in 2005, Amanda sought out Salon Mario Russo because of Mario's standard of excellence. She continues to advance her career and expertise by taking a variety of classes including, but not limited to, advanced color classes through Wella with Alexandra Matiz, the world wide hair tour in Barcelona, Spain, and classes held throughout Boston and New York. Amanda was voted Boston Magazines "runner up" for Best Brunette Colorist in 2009! Amanda takes deep pride in her work and understands the importance of suggesting the perfect color. She is passionate about enhancing ones natural beauty and bringing out her clients inner confidence! She loves "beautiful, healthy" hair and insists in maintaining an at-home regime of color safe products. Amanda wishes every client to leave Salon Mario Russo loving their color and feeling like a better version of themselves.

AMANDA JOHNSON
Colorist

Heidi's bohemian eclectic personal style reflects her approach to hair color, natural and easy. She draws inspiration from life and finding the beauty in everything. She loves making people "feel and look beautiful". "I believe hair color reflects how we are feeling. I like to change (my clients) as the seasons change, lighter brighter in the spring/summer, and a bit deeper/richer for the fall/ winter". Heidi's color bio reads as a book of who's who in color from the famed 'Jo Blackwell, Nancy Braun, Beth Minardi, Orlando Pita in NYC, Oribe in Miami, to Christopher and Sonya Dove in London, England to the Van Michael artistic team. She's been Vogue magazine's 'Best Boston colorists along with the coveted 'Best of Boston' colorist award and the Best Colorist from the 'Improper Bostonian. Her knowledge and passion in color, balayage, and corrective color surpass all expectations.

HEIDI SHVETZ
Colorist

Lance is a New Orleans native who has been in the beauty industry since 1991. He joined Salon Mario Russo in the spring of 2008. He worked for years in New York, honing his skills and doing print work for many magazines, including Self, TV Guide, Town and Country, and Southern Living. Lance has also worked for Ritz-Carlton Salons and Spas, training new stylists and colorists in the high standards of the Ritz-Carlton. As an employee of a world-class company, Lance styled celebrity clients such as Dustin Hoffman, Patricia Arquette, Courtney Cox, Mary Tyler Moore, Mandy Moore, and Victoria's Secret model Adriana Lima. When Lance relocated to Boston, he was eager to join the highly respected Salon Mario Russo team. Lance is motivated in his styling and coloring work by the client-stylist interaction. He says of his craft, "I get to help clients feel great about themselves. That is a reward in and of itself!"

LANCE COLLINS
Colorist/Stylist

Jonathan DeMar began his studies in Fine Arts at Mount Wachusett and continued to the Mass College of Art where he favored sculpture and oil painting. He made the transition to hairstyling in 1988, and has been a part of the Newbury Street circle since then. Known for his strong sense of aesthetic, there's no wonder why this seasoned stylist possesses the vision and ability to personalize each cut and color for every client that sits in his chair. Jonathan's education is vast from attending workshops and forums from, Wella, Bumble and Bumble, Aveda, to Michael O'Rourke Hair Concepts and the Vidal Sassoon Academy in London. Along with his precision haircuts and coloring techniques, he also masters Keratin Treatments and a full spectrum of hair relaxing services .This, plus more enables him to give clients a well-rounded, array of services. When asked, what's the trend, Jonathan, without a doubt always replies, Healthy, Beautiful and Natural looking hair. The classics are always the contemporary. My clients find comfort in the fact that they will in no doubt, be able to replicate a look that I've given them with the utmost ease. He travels extensively for inspiration in keeping with current techniques , but when asked where to travel for the perfect "getaway," the answer is the small island of Anguilla, in the British West Indies, usually with shears in hand... just in case!

JONATHAN DEMAR
Colorist/Stylist

Check back for Corey's bio.

COREY HENDERSON
Stylist/Colorist/Bridal Specialist

Elle began her career on Newbury Street in 1999 and joined Salon Mario Russo the fall of 2010. Her knowledge and expertise incorporate the many workshops and seminars she has attended. Since 2008 she performs as a member of the Sebastian Professional Design Team. Elle travels the US performing as a platform artist and salon educator inspiring, creating and sharing her craft. Elle is also a member of the education team of Salon Mario Russo coaching and developing the future staff of Salon Mario Russo. Elle's passion extends further with her commitment to editorial work, fashion shows and photo shoots. Her work has appeared in Stuff and OK Magazine to name a few. Elle enjoys working with clients to evolve their look. Her attention to detail with her cut and color always leaves her clients current, vibrant and modern.

ELLE PROULX COHEN
Colorist/ Stylist

Monika joined Salon Mario Russo in 1996 after earning her degree in philosophy. She perfected her craft by working closely with Mario as her mentor. Since beginning her career as a stylist and colorist, Monika has been featured in national and local press. In 2008, she was recognized in Boston Magazine's Best of Boston for "Best Bridal Updo." Monika understands the importance of being a consultant for her clients. She listens carefully and provides styles that match her clients' lifestyles. It is of paramount importance to her that her clients leave the salon not only having had a pleasant experience in the salon, but more importantly, with styles that look great and work in their everday life. Monika's client list includes professionals, TV reporters, and The Herald.

MONIKA RAMIZI
Colorist/Stylist/Bridal Specialist

Marialisa's career path began in 1990 on Newbury St. She trained extensively with both Vidal Sassoon and Toni and Guy, along with Bumble and Bumble in NYC .Marialisa combines her savvy classic styling and love for strong geometric shapes with razor and also dry cutting. Mindful of clients’ personal style, she infuses her attention to detail with her equally strong sensibility with her approach to color. Always searching for inspiration, Marialisa loves researching editorial work - of new and vintage European fashion magazines and films. In addition to cutting and color, ML has great passion for styling, up- dos, and the very classic art of "hairdressing".

MARIALISA RAVASINI
Colorist/Stylist/Bridal Specialist

George was recognized as one of Newbury Street's most talented stylists very early in his career. He joined the Salon Mario Russo team in 1990 as a senior stylist and specializes in creating modern, sophisticated short cuts. His capabilities and talents are extensive, and his career path at Salon Mario Russo has included positions as a staff manager and as an education director. George has a passion for learning and a drive to continually evolve his technique that has led him to travel and study in fashion capitals, such as Paris, Montreal, New York, and London. In Montreal, George studied with LaCoupe, and he studied with Bumble & Bumble in New York. He has a diverse background in runway styling for Chanel, Escada, Jean Paul Gaultier, Dolce & Gabbana, and Alan Bilzerian. George has a reputation among his extensive clientele for being a true "man about town" who can always recommend the best new Boston hotspots for dining and entertainment. He has been awarded Best of Boston - Women's Haircut and Best of Improper Bostonian - Men's Haircut, and most recently, Best Woman's Haircut 2009 by the Improper Bostonian. George sums up his work by saying, "I love to cut hair and work with all the new tools and techniques that are continually changing and evolving."

GEORGE AMARAL
Stylist


Rossana Casale trained to be a professional stylist at Salon Mario Russo, officially joining the team in 1999. Her continuing education at Salon Mario Russo has enhanced and broadened her passion for styling. She has also studied with Sebastian and Bumble & Bumble in New York. Rossana's clients include television personalities and Boston Celtics Dancers. She has worked for runway shows, including St. John, Chanel, and the Paul Pierce Truth Foundation Show. She uses an honest, realistic approach to consult with clients and enable them to leave the salon feeling polished, pampered, and pretty. Rossana finds inspiration in all things feminine and conveys this through soft, flowing, flattering hairstyles that unlock the potential in a woman's hair and enhance her best features. Her specialty is in cutting and styling long hair, while her vast clientele has complete confidence in her range of abilities that encompass edgier cuts as well as precision men's haircuts. Rossana places great importance on teaching her clients how to maintain their new look at home. She believes that her success is based on the client being able to duplicate the look she gives them. With a little bit of time and effort, her clients are able to recreate the style.

ROSSANA CASALE
Stylist

Juston joined the Salon Mario Russo team in 1991 and has taken on roles including stylist, stylist educator, and senior stylist manager. He has trained extensively in fashion hub cities such as London, Montreal, and New York. Thanks to his background, he is able to recognize and utilize fashion for hair. "You absolutely never stop learning in this industry and that is one of the things I love most about it. Fashion for hair, as in fashion for clothing, changes, borrows, and evolves with each passing decade. It's so much fun being there with it as it happens," Juston has a passion for short hair and professional hair care products. Cutting hair short is very liberating and can awaken the "Inner you", the one who may need a little push forward. Once the genie is out of the bottle , you may not get her back in ! He takes care to share his product knowledge and discoveries with his clients, believing in the importance of helping them to become more educated about their own hair and its needs, and to learn to work with their own natural attributes for maximum results. Juston specializes in cutting and hair design.

JUSTON DISTAZIO
Stylist

Violet was born and raised in Albania, where at an early age she realized her natural talent for helping people make their hair dreams a reality. Having trained with Vidal Sassoon in Santa Monica, she joined Salon Mario Russo in 2002, and quickly developed her natural ability to help her clients understand their hair. Violet is trained and practices the latest methods and new technology with hair extensions. She is one of the most sought after stylists by the brides and bridal parties. The 2007 Boston Magazine Best of Boston winner for "Best Blow Dry", is known for her beautiful up-dos, twists and chignons. She has created looks for Boston society and celebrities, including Belinda Carlisle of the Go Go's, Tonya Chen Mezrich of NECN, Wendy Nicks of NBC, and many others. She has created runway looks for Mike & Ton Fall/Winter 2011, and was one of the stylists of the Michael DePaulo's Couture lookbook Fall/Winter 2011. Her hair styles and up-dos have been featured in the Improper Bostonian, the NECN's Morning show with Tonya Mezrich and Bridget Blythe, and the Bridal Styles Boutique. Violet is dedicated to make all her clients leave the salon not only with a look they love, but also with a look they can maintain everyday.

VIOLET FURXHI
Stylist/Extensions/Bridal Specialist

Tim Kelley studied fine arts at both Mass college of Art and The Art Institute of Boston. Tim's appreciation for great art and design led him to follow his creative path to hairstyling. He began his hairstyling career in Boston on Newbury Street and has been a fixture and an integral part of the Mario Russo team for many years. His training is vast and includes the Vidal Sassoon Academy in London, Bumble and Bumble in NYC, Aveda workshops and countless Wella seminars just to name a few. He has worked with several fashion designers, Jean Paul Gautier, Dolce and Gabbanna, and has participated in many local fashion shows. He received the prestigious MIT Fashion and Technology Award featured in GQ Magazine. Tim's accomplishments have also been recognized by Vogue magazine as the Go to Man', in Boston for bridal events. He was a founding board member of Hair Cares and is proactive in many local charities. Whether an everyday look, or the most complex of style, His remarkable talents make him the obvious choice for any occasion.

TIM KELLEY
Stylist


Sal is a master stylist who joined the Mario Russo team in 1998. He was named Artistic Director in January of 2011. He specializes in haircuts that emphasize clean lines and gorgeous, sexy styling. Sal believes very strongly in continuing education and has received advanced training in New York at Bumble & Bumble and Shu Uemura, as well as in London at Vidal Sassoon and Tony & Guy. Sal is currently the Associate Director of the Shu Uemura Art of Hair Atelier team, and travels the country educating on cutting and styling. Sal has worked backstage at New York Fashion Week for Rodarte, Suno, Thakoon, Theory and Monique Lhuillier as well as for John Varvatos and Salvatore Ferragamo. He has worked locally for designers Mike & Ton and Daniela Corte. Sal's editorial work has appeared in Teen Vogue, Boston Magazine and Stuff. He has styled six covers of the Improper Bostonian magazine and has worked with celebrities such as musician Lori Mckenna, comedian Mo Rocca, actress, America Ferrera, author Tina Brown, and TV host Clinton Kelly. Sal has also styled hair for the clothing store Louis website and appeared on the show Ambush Makeover. He was named Boston's Best Blowout by Allure magazine and the Improper Bostonian and was one of Stuff's Players for 2011. Sal is a self-confessed "entertainment and pop-culture junkie" and uses the knowledge of contemporary culture to inspire his hairstyles.

SAL MALAFRONTE
Stylist/Bridal Specialist

Tatiana's career has extended across both geographic and industry borders, with a degree in business and a flair for fashion design. After she attended the New England School of Hair Design, Tatiana joined the Mario Russo team in the spring of 2005. She trained exclusively with Mario Russo and became skilled in designing and creating beautiful cuts and styles that are suitable for all of her clients' needs. Tatiana also specializes in bridal and special occasion styling. Her clientele includes local TV personalities and news anchors from FOX and CBS. Tatiana has styled hair for Chanel and Salvatore Ferragamo runway shows, and she recently did a photo shoot for Improper Bostonian's "Eligible Bachelor" issue. Tatiana strives to create a look that seamlessly combines her hairstyling skills and fashion knowledge with the client's lifestyle and personality. She also takes advantage of trips to Europe as sources of inspiration to create modern, stylish hair designs.

TATIANA LESNIKOVA
Stylist/Bridal Specialist

Leah began her education at The Paul Mitchel school and completed advanced training with Paul Mitchell in Miami before joining the Mario Russo team in 2006. At salon Mario Russo she trained as personal assistant to Mario Russo , observing his master work for one year perfecting her finishing technique. Leah continued "in salon" training with mentor and Education Director Gary Croteau for three additional years. As her career progresses, she is dedicated to always continuing her education and keeping up with the latest trends. In her quest for knowledge, Leah immersed herself in developing her love of cutting and styling by attending the Vidal Sassoon Academy in New York City and Miami. She has been hand picked to represent Shu Uemura as a Haigo Artist, traveling the country, inspiring stylists on the Shu Uemura techniques while representing Salon Mario Russo. She has actively participated in many high fashion shows including New York Fall Fashion Week 2011 working with many designers including; Tory Burch, Philip Lim, Thakoon, Theyskens Theory, and Monique Lhuillier. In Boston she has worked on hair for fashion shows including ; Betsy Johnson, Salvatore Ferragamo, Mike and Ton, and Daniela Corte. She has also styled hair for photo shoots including cover shoots for the Improper Bostonian, as well as Boston Magazine. Amoung Leah's skills is also the ability to listen attentively and patiently develop a reppore with her clients. She always brings a creative fresh eye to each of her designs. She enjoys creating looks that leave the client feeling confidant and fashion forward while still comfortable. Leah is an educator for the junior stylists at Salon Mario Russo and holds weekly classes. She is passionate about teaching and giving back to the community.

LEAH SURGRUE
Stylist/Bridal Specialist

Andrae has worked in the hair industry since 2006, and joined Salon Mario Russo's color department in 2010 as a junior colorist. His extensive training with L'Oreal, Goldwell and Toni & Guy and his passion for hair color, empowered him to take his career to the next level by working and training with Boston's Best Hair Color Team. Andrae continues his training by attending L’Oreal Professional Academy and also Toni & Guy Academy on Fifth Ave. He looks forward to sharing his knowledge of intricate coloring techniques and love of fashion with his clients. Andrae's interest in the performing arts and keen eye for fashion inspired him to create memorable makeovers for stage and screen. He travels regularly to Atlanta and NYC to stay current on the latest trends for his clients. Whether a soft buttery blonde or a rich luscious brunette, he strives to find the best approach to help his clients achieve beautiful color that is reflective of their individual personality and style.

ANDRAE BRASHEAR
Junior Colorist

Tyler Trifilo is a native New Yorker, but has found a home in Boston at Salon Mario Russo. He began his styling career at the age of 5 by creating one-of-a-kind looks on family members for “Sunday Dinners”, and has continued to explore his love of hair and style ever since. While studying performance at the Acting and Dance Conservatories of SUNY Purchase, Tyler took several hair and makeup classes, and styled for countless performances and fashion shows. He has also taken hand-on workshops with Bumble and Bumble, Vidal Sassoon, Kerastase and Oribe, and was recognized with the awards for Creativity and Best Overall Performance in the Oribe Stylist Challenge. Tyler has styled for several fashion shows, including Saks 5th Avenue and “The Tent” at Boston Fashion Week. He is proud to volunteer for local charities, such as Rosie’s place, Children’s Hospital, and the AIDS Support group. Tyler believes that you are never done learning or growing, and he constantly strives to stay abreast of the latest looks, styles and trends in the industry. His motto is “ Do what you love, and you will always be happy”.

TYLER TRIFILO
Junior Stylist

Check back soon for Michael

MICHAEL SURETTE
Bridal Coordinator
Special Events Planner

Check back for Gina's bio.

GINA MANCINONE
General Manager