Jennifer Donovan

Kingston native and lover of all things local, Jennifer Donovan graduated from SUNY New Paltz as a Public Relations and Business major. All the while, she worked as a hair stylist and salon coordinator for the infamous hair stylist to the rock-and-roll world, Mark Ferraro. Jennifer worked first-hand with the many great creative personalities that migrated to Woodstock and the Catskill region.

After college, Jennifer continued to work on large-scale productions as a designer, and as head of the hair and makeup department at the Fisher Center at Bard College. She was also a hair and makeup artist for on- and off-Broadway productions, and continues to work with American Ballet at the Metropolitan Opera House. With several years of theatre, film, daily styling experiences, and endless connections in the industry, Jennifer continues to train and hire staff to provide expert skill sets to local productions, businesses, and stylists. Jennifer also stays busy in the entertainment world with commercials, album covers, documentaries, and films — even red carpet preparation for A-list clientele in NYC.

Jennifer is now helping other women open their dream projects as a consultant and silent partner, as well as assisting with getting local film projects off the ground.

“Your investment to giving people a better outlook on your future as a stylist is by using the devotion of time, energy, and connections from previous worlds towards a more local business, and for the people within that community,” she says. “Just because you leave NYC does not mean it's over."

Mark Ferraro

A veteran hair artist and Kingston native, Mark says The Beatles and his mother are two of the main reasons he entered the cosmetology field. Cutting hair with hedge clippers and cutting hair as it floated upward while in the water are two of his favorite experiments he has ever conducted within the craft. Mark loves everything about what he does and working at Le Shag, especially the ability to make people smile.

Adrienne Nixon

Adrienne is a Redken specialist and an academic graduate of Bumble & Bumble. She specializes in cuts, colors, straightening systems and more. She is also plays a leading role in our Academy at Le Shag.

Stephen Ramsey

Stephen is an accomplished hair stylist who began his career at the famed Noelle Day Spa in Stamford, CT. He then spent 5 years in Milan, Italy where he worked on runway shows for high fashion designers. Upon returning to NY, Stephen worked doing hair and makeup for the theater and in editorial. He has advanced training from Vidal Sassoon and Toni & Guy.

Kristen Ciliberti

Kristen is a Master Stylist with 20 years of experience, working primarily in and around the NYC area. Prior to Le Shag, she established a dedicated following at the renowned East Village salon Whistle.

Kristen specializes in pixie cuts, shag cuts, bobs, Balayage, and dramatic colors.

Before she was slinging scissors, Kristen owned and operated the Tuscan Cafe, a well-loved restaurant by day, and an underground music venue by night. She maintains her edge and dedication to the community at the salon, with an intense focus and attention to detail that delivers stunning results.

Taylor Weiss

At only eight years old Taylor was introduced to the world of hair. She is Third-generation in the beauty industry, this early foundation being raised in salons and spas taught her the importance of care and exceptional customer service. Taylor also learned the luxury of getting pampered and the importance of giving that service to others.

Taylor has been in the industry for over 15 years and has numerous certifications in: hair cutting, foiling, balayage, dimensional coloring, keratin treatments, hair extensions, curly hair and razor cutting. She was an educator for Schwarzkopf professional and has worked with numerous color lines including: Redken, Schwarzkopf, Wella, Lanza, Farmisi, Joico, Kevin Murphy, Organic Color Systems and Goldwell. She continues her educational portfolio, still.

Taylor’s expertise in hair mixed with passion to make her client feel as radiant as possible, allows the experience to begin. Taylor is always excited to embrace beauty, she sees it in everything, and shows up to give hers back through her work.

Ilissa Duffy

Ilissa, Le Shag’s Director of Operations, was literally born into cosmetology.  She has been honing her craft since she was a little girl practicing on mannequins in her mother’s shop in their home. 

Ilissa came to Kingston to work at Le Shag directly from cosmetology school, where the non-competitive, supportive atmosphere of the salon helped her learn and grow as a stylist. Ilissa now focuses on the business end, working directly with Le Shag founder Jennifer Donovan on running the day-to-day operations. 

While prioritizing continuing education, she continues to learn and grow as a stylist and makeup artist because she “never gets bored making people feel beautiful inside and out.”

Marissa Whittaker

A Master Sylist with over 17 years of experience, Marissa got her start in the hair replacement field in Westchester, NY. There she worked as head stylist and trainer for over 10 years.

Designing customized hair pieces for hair loss clients gave her a comprehensive knowledge of hair loss and its remedies, and also how hair can empower and restore confidence in a person.

Marissa is also a master cutter with specialized training in razor cuts and customized shaping techniques. Marissa continues her studies regularly. She is certified in Brazilian blowout keratin treatments, extensions, and is a Redken color expert.

Now a Hudson Valley resident, she has brought her knowledge of hair replacement to Le Shag as our lead extension stylist. She can offer help in all areas of hair loss remedies. Marissa takes extreme care and skill with all who sit in her chair!

Drew Jarret

Drew Jarret has been a stylist for 45 years with a huge range of experience in the fashion, photography and beauty industries. A true visual artist, Drew has had success behind and away form the chair. Early in his career he worked and taught at Vidal Sassoon. After leaving there, he pursued fashion session work with clients like Italian Vogue, Face magazine, as well as other international publications. He has also done editorial advertising sessions with clients like Prada, Calvin Kline, Miu Miu and Dolce Gabbana.

Drew has a photographic  eye and can snap your next vision to life. His editorial approach will have you leaving the salon feeling fresh and cool.

Drew currently has a few photography books in the works.

Lundy

With an eye for color and a love for transformation, Lundy collaborates with each client to create a style that makes them feel beautiful and expresses their individuality. After earning her degree in art and painting, Lundy brought her creative skills to the study of cosmetology at Arrojo Studio. She then worked at Fringe salon in Manhattan’s Lower East Side for 8 years before joining Le Shag in 2022.

Inspired by everything from natural beachy blondes to the colors in the rainbow, she is excited to meet clients and help them achieve their hair goals.

Carly Lendhardt

Originally from Rochester NY, Carly has dedicated over half a decade to her cosmetology career.

Carly enjoys embracing her client’s natural hair and creating low maintenance styles. She specializes in hair painting and multidimensional grey blending. She is a great fit for long haired clients who wish to keep their length but update their look.

Carly is also an essential member of the Le Shag bridal team. She focuses on enhancing her clients intrinsic beauty. Her makeup inspiration stems from from vintage beauty and old Hollywood glamour.

Carly adds: “I believe in providing a relaxing environment so clients can feel at ease during their services. I love connecting with people and guiding their beauty visions to fruition.”

Jannah Fliegel

Jannah is a stylist who draws inspiration from the Catskill Mountains, Montauk and NYC. She truly believes in helping people feel their best and recently has been studying the practice of Reiki. Diversifying her interests has helped her in the pursuit of all things beauty, skincare, and wellness. She is certified in Brazilian Blowout System and also is Hot Heads Hair extension certified.

Jannah started her journey with Le Shag in 2019 while still in beauty school. She assisted directly to founder Jennifer Donovan in both the Kingston and Woodstock locations. She came to Le Shag with a full background in salon and spa management as well as working in retail and event planning including weddings. She is excited to build a stylish, sophisticated and thoughtful clientele.

Skylar Felipe

Skylar began working with Le Shag in 2020. After gaining her cosmetology license while in high school, Skylar continues her education at the Le Shag Academy while working as an assistant to the Master Stylists. She has participated in photoshoots, specialty events and is becoming seasoned in hair colors that include vivid tones. Skylar will be joining the floor as a Junior Stylist in 2022. She is currently enrolled in business school and has a well-rounded interest in the company. We are thrilled to have Skylar on the team and cannot wait to see the imprint she makes on this industry.

Taylor Grego

Taylor Grego (She/Her) has been an incredible addition to the Le Shag team. Initially beginning at our Woodstock location in reception, Taylor has grown from there into Master Assistant to Jennifer Donovan and many of her Master colleagues at Le Shag and has now joined heere colleagues as a Junior Stylist.

Taylor really enjoys seeing the simple professional tricks of reviving brunette with a gloss as well as using simple but special techniques to create intricate but natural tones in hair colors light to dark but always states: “I will forever love fashion colors because the creativity is endless”

Taylors goals at Le Shag are limitless: “My goal is to be like my fellow upper stylist coworkers: incredibly knowledgeable and trustworthy to their clients and fellow colleagues. I value them giving me daily education” 

Taylor is eager to build a clientele who is searching for a mindreader to succeed in creating the look they have always hoped for, through this artistic expression she feels her personal goals are met in each amazing, beautiful human she has the opportunity to work with.

Adamari Lopez

Making her way to a junior stylist in the year 2023, Adamari Lopez has been one of the lead assistants at Le Shag. Since the age of 10, Adamari knew she wanted to do hair after making her first braid, this is what later pushed her into the cosmetology career.

Adamari has a passion for fashion colors and creating unique and colorful hair. She showcases her own grunge aesthetic while crafting something for the beauty of others. After working under Master Stylist, Marissa Whitaker, Adamari has learned a surplus of other skills including waxing, updos, and styling. Adamari is more than excited to become a full time stylist at Le Shag.