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 was working as a hair stylist and salon coordinator for 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 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."

Briana Barresi

Briana is a well-rounded stylist with expertise in updos, extensions, and keratin treatments. She has a strong passion for connecting with people and making them feel beautiful about themselves.

Born in the Bronx, Briana is happy to bring her talents to the city of Kingston, because she feels "there is a real sense of community".

Briana has been developing her craft at Le Shag for six years and has been on the floor for five. She is a senior stylist for Wedding & Event styling and continues training at Le Shag for commercials and editorial work.

Kara Eletto

Kara, Le Shag’s Art Director, graduated from college with an Art degree, and immediately began pursuing hair as an art form. She approaches styling much in the same way as she approaches painting: by experimenting with geometric cuts and bright, vivid colors. She finds inspiration through nature and her love of crystals to create a style unique to each one of her clients. Kara loves hearing stories from her clients and working with “her family of hairstylists” at Le Shag in Kingston.

Kara was one of Le Shag’s first stylists. She has and continues to help, shape and mold the Le Shag brand and environment within to what it is today. As a "right hand mate" to Jennifer, Kara is a role model to her colleagues and helps lead and train the future staff at Le Shag.

Ilissa Duffy

Ilissa, Le Shag’s Salon Coordinator, was literally born into cosmetology, She has been honing her craft since she was a little girl practicing on the 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 helps her continue to learn and grow as a stylist. Ilissa stays current with trends in the field by frequently watching videos and loves what she does because she “never gets bored making people beautiful.”

In addition to Ilissa being our Salon Coordinator, she is our leading Eyelash & Waxing Artist as well as Makeup Artist & Styling Technician. As a "jack of all trades", Ilissa is an amazing asset to both Le Shag and her devoted following.

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.

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.

Stephen is a Master Sylist at Le Shag Capsule.

Taylor Weiss

Taylor is a specialist in Schwarzkopf color. She’s an expert in cutting, special event styling and everyday styling.

You can visit Taylor at the Le Shag Capsule in Woodstock NY!

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 and is certified in Brazilian blowout keratin treatments, extensions, and is a Redken color expert.

Now a Hudson valley native, she has brought her knowledge of hair replacement to Le Shag and is 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!

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.

Regina Kelly

Regina became a Le Shag team member in 2018, starting at our Le Shag Capsule at Glo Spa. As an eager stylist with cutting, coloring, styling, design, makeup and event specialties, she is constantly on the move making dreams come true.

Kristen Ciliberti

Kristen is a Master Stylist with 17 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 began slinging scissors, Kristen was known to many New Yorkers as a longtime owner of the Tuscan Cafe, a well-loved cafe by day, 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.