Bios

Ronnie Hier

Ronnie Hier comes from a family of entrepreneurs. His mother, Evelyn Hier was a hairdresser and owner of a salon in downtown Washington, D.C., his brother, Tom, is a graduate of Brown University and Wharton School of Finance. A second generation Washingtonian, Ronnie attended college in Utah studying marketing before he began his career as a hairdresser. In 1975 he moved to Los Angeles, and after seeing the movie "Shampoo", decided to enroll in cosmetology school. In 1977 and over the next 9 years, Ronnie worked in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia before moving back to LA in 1989, to work with comedy film director Tom Shadyac . In 1991 Ronnie Elias Salon opened its doors. The salon has been featured in numerous local and national publications. Since 1991, Ronnie Elias Salon has grown and became one of the premier salons in the Northern Virginia area.

Missy Hier

Missy Hier attended college at the University of South Carolina as a fine arts major. After attending USC, she uprooted and studied illustration at the Fashion Institute in New York. After all of her studies concluded, she started her career in New York City working in the executive office of the American fashion designer Halston. In 1980 Missy moved to Washington, D.C. and for many years that followed, worked in the cosmetic industry with world-renowned cosmetic icons Chanel, Estée Lauder, and Shiseido. She joined the Ronnie Elias Salon team in 1998 and currently manages the salon. Having worked at Ronnie Elias Salon for over 10 years now, Missy is a familiar face to the community and to the majority of Ronnie Elias’ clientele.

Elissa Whitestone

When clients leave Elissa Whitestone’s chair, they leave with not only an exciting hairstyle, but also a boost in confidence. Elissa has studied in New York and California under the most innovative schools, Graham Webb, Toni & Guy, Vivienne Mackinder, Vidal Sassoon, grund, Bumble and Bumble, Goldwell, and Wella. Elissa’s continuing education has established her as an extraordinary stylist, adding flair to highlighting and coloring. Not only does Elissa have dedicated clients, she is also a dedicated stylist, having been with Ronnie Elias Salon for over 12 years! Her personable nature and her multi-dimensional talents are distinctive qualities that she bestows upon each client’s unique experience at Ronnie Elias.

Beverly Lester

A 35-year veteran in the hair industry, Beverly Lester designs classic and efficient hair styles to complement each client’s individual personality. Beverly has devoted hundreds of hours towards continuous education, attending classes with American Crew, grund, Goldwell and Wella. Beverly’s clients describe her as professional and dedicated, and these characteristics have led to loyal clients and lifelong friends. Her precision cuts and phenomenal perms have contributed to her popular demand. Beverly is a firm believer that giving each client consistency with every visit is the most important attribute a stylist can provide.

Heather Jiron

Heather Jiron has dazzled clients with her inventive style and her creative nature. Her energy is contagious and her love of good conversation has contributed to devoted clients. Heather believes that the best thing she can do for a client is communicate and listen to what they want. Her clients credit her as a timely, innovative and a caring person. Her love of fashion keeps her in constant pursuit of up-and-coming trends. Heather is dedicated to learning and has attended classes with Great Lengths, Vidal Sassoon, Graham Webb, Wella, Goldwell, and Bumble and Bumble. Her work can be described as consistent, creative and technical. Heather devotes herself to creating a fun and relaxing experience, giving them time away from reality. With an eye for detail, Heather specializes in helping her clients define their own personal style with color-enhancing haircuts as well as extensions.

Shawn Gorsuch

Every member of Shawn Gorsuch’s family has become a hairstylist, so it was no surprise when Shawn wanted to join in on the family business. Shawn’s down-to-earth personality is evident as soon as a client walks into the salon, and he devotes himself to exceptional customer service. Having 12 years of experience in the hair industry, he is very much involved in achieving the best education and the best result on his work. He has graduated from Graham Webb Academy, studied with Wella, and was an Ambassador for Toni Guy. Shawn produces very technical but fun haircuts, using texturizing tricks to add creativity to the hair. His ambition has led to his specialization in contemporary and fun hair, describing his hairstyles as trendsetting.

Devin Simmons

When asked by her clients and co-workers how they would describe Devin Simmons, unanimously she was described as a perfectionist and genuine. An excellent listener, Devin remembers the little particulars about her clients and their hair. Her favorite part of working at Ronnie Elias is building relationships with her clients. Devin has received extensive advanced training in cutting and coloring techniques from Wella, Goldwell, Graham Webb and grund, and is a product of lifelong learning. She was also an apprentice for Ronnie Hier for three years and has worked with the salon for over seven years. Her specialty is in coloring and straightening. Devin cares immensely about her clients, saying, “I’m confident enough to give my professional opinion but humble enough to really listen to what you want.”

Aleksandra Ulanowicz

Alex Ulanowicz has a vibrant and larger-than-life personality. Described by her co-workers and clients as fun and glamorous, Alex thrives off of making people feel great. Everyone loves being pampered and being made to feel beautiful and she believes that beauty is the most important part of being a stylist. Alex became a stylist because of her loves for beauty, everything within an image and making people look and feel like royalty. She believes education is the foundation for success and she consistently attends classes to further her knowledge. She has attended classes for Graham Webb, Wella and Goldwell. She has also been an apprentice for three salons. Alex’s specialty is creating glamorous looks with up-do’s and hair styling. Her love for beauty and glamour can be seen with every client as she creates sensational masterpieces.

Nikki Gorsuch

When you sit down in Nikki Gorsuch’s chair, not only do you get pampered and receive an exquisite haircut, you also become drawn to her charismatic nature. Her compassion for her clients is superior and when they leave, they become her friend and a part of her family. Nikki became a hair stylist to follow in her father’s footsteps and join the family business as each of her immediate family members have. She is dedicated to learning and has studied at Graham Webb, Toni Guy, Bumble and Bumble, Goldwell and Redken. With an incredible eye for detail, Nikki is well versed in color, highlights, cuts, beautiful up-do’s and special occasion hair. Her clients rave about their great haircuts, the vibrant color and Nikki’s uncanny ability to interpret their specialized needs. Her expertise has also been noticed by the media. Nikki has been featured in Northern Virginia Magazine for her extraordinary talent. Nikki gives each client an enjoyable experience and values the relationships she builds and maintains with her clients.

Meredith Carroll

With a background in painting and design, Meredith Carroll was eager to join the hair industry in order to stretch and expand her creative limits. By studying with Goldwell, Graham Webb, Toni Guy, Vivienne Mackinder, grund and Redken, she has become an expert at coordinating the perfect color and cut combination to fit the client’s lifestyle and face shape. Meredith accredits giving clients’ healthy and beautiful hair that is easy to manage as a critical component of delivering an excellent experience to her clients. With her design palette it ensures Meredith has a specialty in highlights and coloring. She is also considered one of the straightening specialists for Ronnie Elias Salon. Her creative edge and artistic approach keep her clientele current and fashionable.

Lisa Kaplan

Some people have a hard time figuring out “what they want to be” when they grow up. Lisa Kaplan, on the other hand, knew she wanted to be a hair stylist ever since she was a little girl. Her passion for the hair industry has driven her to become one of the forefront stylists in highlighting and coloring. For over seven years now, Lisa’s loyalty to offer the very best to her clients has been the driving force behind her continued education in the field. She has studied with Bumble and Bumble, grund, Wella and Goldwell. Lisa’s charming personality is an asset to the salon experience and her love of a good conversation makes her sought after by many. Being a natural curly-haired person herself, Lisa understands the frustrations of maintaining those curly locks and she is considered a specialist with those tresses!

Deniz Sandal

Many people walk into a salon for an excellent hair experience. Others come in looking for a break from the “real world.” Deniz Sandal delivers both: an immaculate hair experience as well as relaxing therapy. Her caring and patient personality is refreshing. Every client leaves her chair feeling a renewed sense of energy, as well as gaining a fabulous new look. She constantly takes her education to a higher level, studying in multiple classes which have included: Graham Webb, Bumble and Bumble, grund, Goldwell, Toni Guy, and Redken. Having been a stylist for 10 years, Deniz has established herself as a phenomenal specialist in hair cutting and a much sought-after stylist. Deniz is sincere in her attention and goes the extra distance to make sure every client is pleased with their results.

Keri Hadley

Originally trained in California, Keri Hadley has studied in some of the top classes in the hair industry, including Vidal Sassoon, Bumble and Bumble, Nick Arrojo, and Toni Guy. With over 15 years of experience, Keri consistently has created modern and life-conscious cuts that have her clients raving over her professionalism and talent. She has been featured in Northern Virginia Magazine and Northern Virginia Living. Keri specializes in hair cutting and Great Lengths extensions. She is valued for her timeliness and personal nature by each of her clients and is continuously referred to by everyone who gets to experience her hair cuts and charming personality.

Mylan Nguyen

Not intimidated by any project, Mylan Nguyen is always heard saying, “I’m up for any challenge!” Her genuine and fun personality makers her clients instantly feel welcome. After attending college and obtaining a bachelor’s degree in business, Mylan wanted to head back to school and join the hair industry because of her love for beauty and fashion. She has studied with Paul Mitchell, Wella, Goldwell and Graham Webb. Mylan’s passion is making people feel beautiful and she dedicates herself to listening to what each client’s needs and wants. Her specialties include precision cuts and vibrant coloring and highlighting. She has exceptional versatility, ranging from classic to modern looks.