Lisa DeMaria
Lisa is the founder and creative director of award-winning eco-friendly Salon Topaz. With over twenty years of experience, Lisa began her career in NYC at the distinguished Fekkai. Here, she had the opportunity to train with prestigious hair artists including celebrity stylist Frederic Fekkai. At Fekkai, she learned the soft and beautifully blended French technique of hairdressing. Lisa had a passion to learn everything the industry had to offer and traveled to London to study at the Vidal Sassoon Academy. This is where she honed her skills in geometric shaping and precision haircutting. Lisa later became a network educator with Bumble and Bumble where she attended classes to perfect her razor cutting skills. As an educator, she would then bring her knowledge to fellow hairstylists and train them in these techniques. Lisa has worked at New York Fashion Week with various designers. She was a featured artist at RAW where she showcased her collection of hairstyles in Brooklyn, NY. In 2006, Lisa opened Salon Topaz where she has trained and built a talented team of hairstylists. As a salon owner, Lisa has cultivated a culture where beauty is more than skin-deep. She believes in nourishing our bodies with conscious ingredients starting from the inside. Lisa created a mission to only partner with companies that use high-quality plant-based ingredients that leave out toxic chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde. Years ahead of the curve, she partnered with sustainability company Green Circle, which is now becoming an industry standard. Lisa has been voted “Best of Westchester Hair Stylist” by Westchester Magazine and her hair salon has been voted “Best Eco-Friendly Hair Salon”. Today, Lisa no longer works behind the chair. Her main focus is on training where she remains committed to building a team of like-minded talented professionals. This has made Salon Topaz an educated focused workplace where stylists continue to grow from within and can continue its award-winning reputation. Instagram: healthyhairbylisad
Raed Ayoub
Believing in his wife Lisa DeMaria’s talent and passion for hair, in 2006, Raed invested in the opening of Salon Topaz. Upon its opening, the salon instantly became one of the most popular destinations in Westchester. In January of 2007 Salon Topaz added to its family when it brought on Raed as manager. Raed brought his business experience and entrepreneurial savvy to help in the growth of the company. As a leader of our salon, Raed brings a wealth of business knowledge to help Salon Topaz succeed. Raed has a passionate commitment to constantly improving Salon Topaz’s standards in areas of guest services, overall cleanliness and streamlined operations. Each day his attention to detail of the business, professional standards and contagiously positive energy in his duties as a manager has been a key factor in the salon's continuing success.
Liz Colasurdo
Liz is a Master Colorist and Stylist at Salon Topaz. Her career in the beauty industry began in 2006,
working through her attendance at Berkeley College, where she graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor’s
Degree in Fashion. During that time she had the opportunity to work Fashion Week and photoshoots
with BCBG Max Azria and Kahn Lucas.
Having these experiences helped Liz discover that her passion was actually in a different area. This is
what propelled her to join the Salon Topaz team in 2009 and began apprenticing under the award-winning stylist, Lisa DeMaria. With Lisa’s support and guidance, Liz grew rapidly, beginning her career as
a professional hairstylist and leading master colorist.
Liz states, “I love that I get to wake up every day and live my passion. The rewards of being a stylist and
master colorist are endless. Whether it’s transforming someone’s look completely or solving their
previous color challenges, I love being part of their hair journey and inspiring them to be the best
version of themselves.”
Liz continues to advance her skills by taking part in advanced classes on a regular basis. Studying under
some of today's industry leaders, such as Arrojo Academy, Oribe Pro, Eufora, and Kevin Murphy. She
understands that trends are continuously changing and staying up to date on new techniques is her
responsibility to her clients. Always bringing them the most current looks, Liz believes that hair should
look natural and effortless. She is a true artist, and you are the canvas, with perfection being the
outcome every time.
Liz works Thursdays, Fridays, and every other Saturday
Instagram: styledbylizh
Jenny Reilly
Prior to her career as a colorist and stylist, Jenny attended LIM College in New York
City graduating with a BBA focusing on Fashion and Art. She went on to pursue and
enjoy many roles in the design world.
Deep down, Jenny always knew her lifelong dream was to do hair, something she
always did on the side for family and friends. Jenny then quit her job as a design
assistant to achieve this vision.
Jenny is a multifaceted stylist who specializes in color. After completing cosmetology
school she received her advanced training at ARROJO Studio SoHo and Tribeca in
their rigorous and competitive Color Apprentice program. Jenny’s natural aesthetic is
lived-in color. She loves flowing, swooshing haircuts using either shears or a straight
razor. She is also trained in formaldehyde-free smoothing treatments. Jenny provides
custom colors and cuts to an eclectic clientele. Her main goal is to present all her clients
with low-maintenance, unfussy hair, that fits their lifestyle.
“I love connecting with people. Being a hairstylist is so much more than people see. I
not only get to make individuals feel their best but I also get to share in their life's joys.”
Jenny works Wednesdays, Fridays, and alternating Saturdays/Sundays. She also
works on every last Sunday of the month.
Instagram: jennydoeshair_ny
Monica Amendano
Monica’s fresh and youthful vision, passion for hair, and innate love for individualism comes through in the
haircuts and styles she creates for each of her loyal clients. Originally from Ecuador, and now living in
New York, Monica draws inspiration from both worlds to create looks that are playful, fresh, effortless.
Monica’s passion for hair styling was ignited after volunteering at a local salon in her hometown.
However, it was when she joined the team at Salon Topaz, under the mentorship of elite stylist Lisa
Demaria, that she could hone her skills in haircutting. Monica devoted herself to learning the ins and outs
of a great haircut, then modifying them to suit her artistic expression and her client’s personality. Her goal
is to make you feel like the best version of yourself. Whether it is short hair, curly hair, or a textured shag,
Monica will have her guest feeling confident. As a curly girl herself, many of her curly guests rely on her
for tips in achieving their perfect “curl look”.
Monica is a lifelong learner and continues to stay ahead of trends by learning from masters in the
industry: Oribe, Eufora, Kevin Murphy, Aveda, among others. She takes pride in her in-depth
consultations with guests. “There’s nothing better than hearing that excited gasp when a guest looks in
the mirror. I live for that.” When you sit in Monica’s chair she will have you feeling like the best version of
yourself.
Monica works Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and alternating Saturday/Sundays
Instagram: monica.styles
Karen Nieves
Upon graduating from Capri Cosmetology school in Nanuet NY at the top of her class in the summer of 2017, Karen began her apprenticeship at Salon Topaz where she was personally mentored by award-winning Elite Hair Stylist and owner, Lisa DeMaria. In the fall of 2019, Karen’s dedication to her training earned her a promotion from apprentice to hairstylist at Salon Topaz. With a passion for everything beauty-related, she continued her education with industry heavyweights such as Oribé, Eufora, Aveda and Kevin Murphy among others. Karen’s areas of expertise include creating natural and blended-looking highlights using a balayage technique, subtle long layered cuts, textured bobs, elaborate styles for special events, and special occasion make-up. She has an eye for choosing the correct colors to compliment her guest's skin tones and enhance their natural beauty as well as creating styles that suit the individual's personality. Karen’s cheerful personality will make you feel welcomed the second you sit in her chair.
Karen works Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and alternating Saturday/Sundays
Instagram: Karenbeautty