Staff

April Telman was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Early on she knew that hair was her passion in life. Soon after moving to Chicago she has found her home at Studio Vitál. She enjoys all aspects of hairstyling including cutting, blow-drying and especially updos.

Gabriel has specialized in Japanese Thermal Reconditioning for 6 years and has continued his training in New York and LA. This process takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. If you have had chemical straighteners before and were unhappy with results the Japanese Thermal Reconditioning may be right for you. Call Gabriel at Studio Vitál for a consultation.

Kenneth Talaga is a Chicago native and now makes his home on Lake Geneva. Ken has been with our salon for 18 years. His many loyal clients know that he'll give them the same care and attention that he gives to his other two passions, gardening and raising animals.

Jon Russell is a versatile hairstylist. We are proud to say that he has been with our staff for 15 years. He is an amateur body builder and art-deco enthusiast and he brings the same meticulous attention to detail with every service.

Fred Lucke is a native of Baltimore Mayland, he has lived in Chicago and has worked in the industry for 25 years. He is fun and playful and likes to work with all ages and he really enjoys a challenge.

Angie is originally from Haiti. She’s a Mom and a dedicated to her community. She is best known at Studio Vitál for her shampoos and incredible scalp massages.

Mary Molina is a native of Chicago. She started her career in the hair industry 26 years ago and has been sought after ever since for her wide range of hair styling skills. Mary incorporates light, color and movement into all of her hair design work.

Jing is the Styling Assistant at Studio Vitál.

Jullien is Studio Vitál's Salon Assistant.

Mark “Nicholas” Contrares is our Urban Cowboy. He is originally from Southern California, but for the last 20 years has called Chicago home. Nicholas is an accomplished artist and singer. He tells us that he is most proud to be a part of the Studio Vitál team and we are so pleased to have him.

Melanie Kircheva was born and raised in the Chicago area. Her hobbies include art, country music and photography. She comes from a cosmetologist family and sees color as a great means to express her inner creativity.

Grace was born and raised in beautiful south Italy. She has been in Chicago since she was 18 and been in the hair industry for 20 years. Her love for hair and fashion is evident in her professionalism and genuine Italian flair.

Saintilia is the color assistant at Studio Vitál.

Linda received her degree in Esthetics from Pivot Point International. In order to provide nourishing treatments and the newest in salon skincare treatments, she continues her education at the Dermal Institute of Chicago. Linda stresses the fact that we all have only one skin, and so it is important to nourish it inside and out.

Bonnie Gasyna is one of Eastern Europe's brightest exports, Bonnie has a well earned reputation in Chicago for beauty and excellence. Her artistry is always impeccable.

Studio Vitál features Senna Cosmetics
Dorthea Jackson- Make-up Artist had trained in the field of makeup in California at the Academy of Cosmetic Arts with Marvin Westmoore. Dorthea has experience in airbrushing special effects as well as beauty makeup. She has worked with numerous celebrities in feature films and television. She also specializes in EYELASH EXTENSIONS.

Brian is the manager of Studio Vitál. Originally from California, he started in the salon industry shortly after moving to Chicago. His goal is to make every client feel welcome and happy with their experience at Studio Vitál. He also enjoys traveling and is a fan of Equestrian Sports.

Sandra is a part of our guest services team. She is originally from Chicago and was in the veterinary medicine field for 15 years. Sandra enjoys cooking, reading and CUBS baseball.

Julio is the Studio Vitál in-house accounting. Julio is a dedicated family man, and a long time member of our corporate team.