Meet The Team
Teamwork makes the dream work.
Lisa DeMaria
Lisa is the founder and creative director of award-winning eco-friendly Salon Topaz.
With over twenty years of experience in the beauty industry, Lisa began her career as an apprentice in NYC under a French celebrity hair stylist. Here she had the opportunity to learn different techniques from stylists that came from all around world.
Lisa has a strong foundation in many different haircutting techniques including razor cutting. Now as the owner of Salon Topaz her focus is to pass that knowledge onto her team and give them that same strong foundation that will help them flourish in their career.
Besides hair Lisa is also passionate about health and wellness. She graduated from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in 2014 and has learned to incorporate some of what she has learned into the salon to create a healthier environment for not just her guests but also for her team that works beside her daily.
She takes an outside in approach to beauty and feels it’s important to make healthier choices when it comes to what we put on, in and around our bodies.
When Lisa’s Not in the Salon…
- she can be found on her families farm with her 4 children milking goats, collecting eggs and enjoying all that nature has to offer with the family!
Get to Know Lisa
- Sign: Leo ♌
- Favorite Restaurant: Purdy’s Farmer and the Fish 🐟
- What Instantly Makes Her Day Better: Fresh green juice in the morning and hand picked dandelions from her children 💚🌼
Raed Ayoub
With over 19 years of experience in the salon industry, Raed has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of Salon Topaz, leading the team to financial achievement. In 2006, recognizing his wife Lisa DeMaria’s immense talent and passion for hair, Raed invested in the creation of Salon Topaz. From the moment it opened, the salon quickly became one of Westchester’s most sought-after destinations.
In January 2007, Raed joined the salon full-time as the manager, bringing his extensive business expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to the team. His leadership has been integral to the growth of the salon, where he applies his wealth of knowledge in business operations, guest services, and maintaining the highest professional standards.
Raed’s commitment to excellence is evident in his relentless focus on continuous improvement in every aspect of the salon, from cleanliness to operational efficiency. His unwavering attention to detail, professional standards, and contagious positive energy have been key drivers of the salon’s ongoing success.
Get to Know Raed
- Sign: Pisces ♓
- Holy Grail Hair Product: Oribe Gel Serum
- Pet: King Charles Cavalier named Rocket 🐶
- Days Off: Training in the gym with my two older sons or coaching soccer to my 8-year-old son ⚽
- One Thing That Makes Everything Better: Hearing my little girl say “I love you, Daddy” 💖
Jenny Reilly
Jenny’s Signature Style
Jenny’s approach to hair is simple yet sophisticated: low-maintenance, high-quality color. She specializes in lived-in color and effortless, flowing haircuts. Her philosophy? Great hair should be unfussy and fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.Get to Know Jenny
- Sign: Sagittarius Sun, Pisces Moon, Cancer Rising
- Personality in Three Words: Honest, Silly, Resilient
- Holy Grail Hair Product: Kevin Murphy Scalp.Spa Wash
- Pets: The bestest boy dog, Crouton, & the three-legged magical black cat, Onion
On Her Days Off, You’ll Find Jenny…
- Being the girl at the rock show
- Reading a thriller or murder mystery
- Writing in her journal
- Practicing yoga & pilates
- Traveling the world with her husband
- Gathering around a table full of laughter and good conversation with family and friends
One Thing That Makes Any Day Better:
💛 A hug from her niece… or a Mezcal Margarita al fresco 🍹
Armani Singleton
Armani, a New York native, exudes passion and creativity. She discovered her love for hair while styling friends in college dorm rooms. After earning her undergraduate degree at SUNY Buffalo State University, she pursued her passion at Empire Beauty School in Manhattan, where she obtained her cosmetology license.
Following her dreams, Armani completed a two-year apprenticeship at The Coily Collective in Midtown, where she mastered the art of cutting and styling curly hair. In 2023, she joined the Salon Topaz team with the desire to build a diverse clientele across all hair types.
Armani’s Signature Style
Specializing in cutting and styling, Armani’s goal is to create effortless hair that enhances your natural beauty. She believes that great hair should be both stylish and achievable, teaching her clients techniques to recreate their dream look at home. Whether it’s smooth, bouncy, or sleek, Armani’s glam aesthetic always delivers perfection.
Get to Know Armani
- Zodiac: Virgo
- Personality in Three Words: Witty, Vigorous, Charismatic
- Holy Grail Hair Product: Oribe’s Dry Heat Protection Spray
- Addiction: Shopping 🛍️
When Armani’s Not at the Salon, You Can Find Her…
- Catering and bartending at a local restaurant in the Bronx, her hometown
Favorite Time of the Year
🎶 Queue “Summertime” by Will Smith & DJ Jazzy Jeff ☀️
Ava Matthews
Ava always knew she belonged in the world of arts and creativity. Her first love was painting, but as she explored more areas of expression, she developed a deep passion for all things beauty. Tagging along with her mom to salon visits sparked an early interest in hair that only grew stronger over time.
After high school, Ava enrolled at the esteemed Aveda Institute in New York City. Wasting no time, she dove into the salon world at Salon Topaz while still in school. Her growth was rapid, and her natural aptitude for color quickly became apparent.
Known for her expertise in blonding and lightening techniques, Ava keeps her clients glowing with confidence. She is currently expanding her services to include hair extensions, giving clients a seamless transformation from root to tip.
Ava’s Signature Style
Ava brings radiant energy and precision to every service. Her work reflects her love for beauty that is both elevated and effortless. She specializes in bright, dimensional blondes and is passionate about perfecting transformative hair looks.
Get to Know Ava
• Sign: Virgo
• Favorite Holiday: Halloween 🎃
• Holy Grail Hair Product: Kevin Murphy Smooth Again
• Pets: Bandit, the best bunny, and Allan, the fish 🐰🐟
• Favorite Color: PINK 💖
• Go-to Starbucks Order: Strawberry Açaí with no berries 🍓
One Thing That Makes Any Day Better:
💗 A really great hair day and a fresh set of highlights.
Shqiponje Gjevukaj
Shqiponja was destined to be in the beauty industry. She grew up surrounded by the salon environment, watching her hairstylist mom work her magic. Recognizing her daughter’s natural talent, Shqiponja’s mom encouraged her to attend cosmetology school.
While attending school, Shqiponja began assisting her mom with clients, gaining hands-on experience and invaluable insight. Upon graduation, she accepted a position at a vibrant salon in northern Westchester. Craving deeper growth and inspiration, she joined the Salon Topaz team, drawn by their strong commitment to continuing education.
Shqiponja is passionate about all things hair — particularly creating soft, flowing styles that enhance her clients’ natural beauty. Her philosophy aligns perfectly with Salon Topaz’s mission: to create beautiful hair while maintaining its health and integrity. Her talent is developing rapidly, and she’s excited to continue growing both her knowledge and her clientele.
Shqiponja’s Signature Style
Her style is soft, fresh, and always polished. She specializes in styles that move and flow naturally — always with an emphasis on hair health and confidence.
Get to Know Shqiponja
• Sign: Cancer
• Personality in Three Words: Bubbly, Honest, Detailed
• Holy Grail Hair Product: Oribe’s Gold Lust line
• Go-to Starbucks Order: Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso with Strawberry Cold Foam ☕🍓
One Thing That Makes Any Day Better:
🍷 Opening a nice bottle of white wine.