Team

I have been dressing hair for 20 years. My journey to become a hairstylist started in Czechoslovakia where I was born. While receiving my high school education I studied graphic design and commercial arts for 4 years. Curriculum of this school become a strong foundation of my work today. Science of chemistry helped me to master hair coloring, history of arts become and endless inspiration and the geometry is an essential part of precise haircutting.

After I moved to Florida I graduated Fashion Focus Hair Academy and obtained degree in Cosmetology. At this unique private school I discovered my passion for hairdressing. I gladly accepted an offer to become a personal assistant of Mr. Richard Weintraub, owner of the best salon in Sarasota. As his protege I have received training at Bumble and Bumble institute in New York city. I took advanced classes in French haircutting technique from Frederic Fekkai, Candy Shaw and others. This cutting technique uses hair to frame the face resulting in beautiful, soft, versatile looks.

Eager to master French haircutting I went back to Europe. I became a student at L’Oreal Professional Paris Institute in Prague. Working at one of the downtown hair salon in this Bohemian city was also an amazing experience. After 6 moths I came back to Florida.

Venice is a wonderful town to raise my two children and maintain a healthy lifestyle. For more than 7 years I was part of a team of stylists in the most popular salon in our area. We were provided with styling classes by Eufora and color education by Schwarzkopf. I recently finished 3 months of Cutting Loose’s advanced training academy in Sarasota where I sharpened my skills in recent hair coloring trends including Balayage together with new trends in cutting utilizing French technique.

I’m surrounded by the best in the our industry including Mrs. Coral Pleas – salon owner, entrepreneur of the year and my mentor. I decided to open my own place.  At Lenka Hair Salon we take pride and passion in catering to every client. Our interior has chic and elegant atmosphere designed to make you feel great. If you are allergic to average like me you will appreciate and love how we make you feel and you will be amazed how we make you look.

Mercedes is considered by many impressed guests to be one of the best stylists in town.

Born and raised in Dominican Republic Mercedes lived in New York City before moving to this paradise.

Mercedes strives to achieve class and enjoys producing work that is sleek, sophisticated, and luxurious. She is an innovative and versatile stylist, whose attention to detail contributes to her skill in creating personalized hair looks that fit her guests.

There is an enormous demand to get to her chair. Mercedes thrives to accommodate each one of her valuable guests, but never compromises the quality of her work. To provide the best guest experience, she teams up with another phenomenal hairstylist, former salon owner from California, Oksana. She doesn’t want the commitment of her own clientele anymore and enjoys assisting to one of the best in the industry now. These two lovely ladies create a beautifying symphony like you have never experienced.

Mercedes is a Fashion Focus Academy graduate who completed an extensive apprenticeship at Lenka Hair Salon. She was Lenka’s “right hand” while attending advanced education program in French Hair cutting at Cutting Loose Salon in Sarasota years ago. She had the privilege to get certified with the famous Martin Parsons in up-styling and long hair design.

Her commitment to constantly grow makes her venture outside of Florida to learn more and bring the latest to our sunny paradise. Lenka hair salon provided her with the classes in Jamison Shaw hairdressers salon in Atlanta. She was coached personally by Mrs. Candy Shaw and her team in precise French cutting as well as Balayage. Using this French, freehand technique she creates natural-looking, sun-kissed color that looks, as Mercedes says, “like you’ve spent a summer at the beach, not three hours in the salon.”

Keeping in mind that hair color should make an individual look, she strives to inspire confidence in every client. She is a genius when it comes to hair coloring. Her gifts are in an individually customized tones, and deliberate placement of contrast. You can trust this lovely, elegant lady with color correction, growing out gray transformation as well as amazing vibrant reds and perfect blonds. However, if there is something unachievable, compromising or simply not right for you she will make a better suggestion you can trust.

Mercedes has an eye for selecting haircut shapes that compliments her clients’ facial features and lifestyle. She is known for designs that range from edgy to clean cut. Her women’s short haircuts are modern and youthful, and her long-layered cuts grow out beautifully, maintaining lasting shape. If you think nobody can cut your hair right in this town book with Mercedes, she is worth of waiting for.

I know it’s almost hard to believe that stylist like this even exists. I as an owner am extremely proud to have this exceptional bilingual professional on my team.

Let me finish her bio with her own words:

“I feel that consultation and understanding what my guest desires is a key to a great style. I pride myself in listening and communicating with each guest to achieve their needs and hair goals. I am never too busy to insist on consultation every time you come to my chair. I am looking forward to seeing you at Lenka Hair Salon”.

Olga was born in Russia just 60 miles from Moscow. She developed an interest in cosmetology as a young girl, but a college degree was necessary in post communist Europe. She graduated from Moscow engineering institute as an honored student.

Soon after earning her degree she realized that her true passion is to work in a more creative setting and to help people look their best.

Olga finished cosmetology school in Moscow in 2001 and gained experience while working in several upscale salons in Russia.

Olga’s dream was to live near the beach. In 2013, she relocated with her family to sunny Florida. She studied English language at the State College of Florida. She then completed a cosmetology program at Charlotte Technical College in 2016.

This talented stylist joined our team in 2017. Olga is certified in Brazilian blowout, and also certified in Candy Shaw – Master Balayage class. Olga worked with Redken, Goldwell, JKS, Schwartzkopf, L’Oréal and Wella color.

With nearly 15 years of experience in the industry and international training Olga loves to match the perfect hairstyle to each guest. She believes in tailoring each look to custom fit a person’s individual needs. In her opinion best work is inspired by her client’s personal style. Olga is an expert in classic cutting utilizing the French technique. She is a true master when it comes to haircutting. There isn’t a hairstyle she can’t duplicate unless it’s not right for you. You can trust Olga’s expert opinion.

When it comes to color Olga has a skilled eye for color matching. She has mastered American and French balayage, as well as numerous techniques of blonding with foils. You can trust this Olga with the process of growing out your gray the most seamless way possible. Her expertise can be seen in the final look, which is always presented effortless, beautiful, and glossy.

Olga is known for her men’s cuts that range from edgy to clean cut. Her expertise is gentlemen coloring, including natural looking highlights or soft balayage to enhance youthful appearance of sun-kissed hair. Let her blend your gray sparkles without anyone noticing that you color your hair -no line of demarcation ever.

Permanent waving is one of this stylists’ techniques to add body and volume after prior consultation, consisting of hair diagnosis. Sometimes Olga perms her gentlemen guests as well to enhance the density and thickness of their hair.

In order to provide the best guest experience, she often teams up with another phenomenal hairstylist, former salon owner from California Oksana, who doesn’t want the commitment of her own clientele anymore and enjoys assisting to one of the best in the industry now.

Olga’s exceptional skill and ability to tailor her craft to each client’s unique vision, have earned her a widespread reputation as the best stylist for those seeking a flawless look.

Deborah is a top stylist in our area. With over 30 years behind the chair and a former salon owner. Moving to Venice from PA., NJ. area, bringing her passion for hair, nature and life.

Perfecting cutting and color skills by attending yearly workshops and conventions with the best Artists of our industry. Along with years in the business she is able to adapt new concepts to accomplish goals of each client.

She is a master with a pair of scissors, meticulous and precious, focused on every detail. Sessions in her chair are an experience of calmness, where you will never feel rushed.

A friendly approach will set you at ease and ready to face the new you.

Deborah enjoys cutting curly hair as well as all textures. She loves working with the hair growths and curl patterns to create a natural but sophisticated look, taking in consideration lifestyle along with manageability and current trends.

Deborah is starving to bring out the best in all her clients. Creating an effortless and fresh color story with the belief that “one service doesn’t fit all”. She firmly believes that hair color should be a collaboration between artist and client, and therefore an authentic extension, and expression, of an individual’s style. Her interest in people and the different ways they express themselves is always at the forefront of her creative process.

And this is what she would say:

“I have a passion for hair. I love making people feel confident and beautiful. If you are looking for an uplifting and relaxing hair experience I’m the stylist for you.”

There is no stylist like Ms. Ali!!! She is an incredible, multitalented artist. Her unique, charming personality, sense of humor, compassion for people and animals completed with the most beautiful smile will impress you the moment you meet.

Ali was born in New Jersey but has lived in Venice for years. She believes in being a well-rounded stylist and is always learning new techniques. She has attended advanced cuttings classes at Jamison Shaw Hairdressers in Atlanta where she got certified in French haircutting technique. Ali is a certified Balayage expert and certified in Brazilian Blowout as well as Keratin. She has been trained by Goldwell, Wella and Redken top colorists in the country.

This lovely young stylist has an instinctive ability to enhance her client’s natural beauty.

From long effortless layers, shags & mullets, to short pixies, there is no cut she can’t do unless you don’t have the hair for it.

From graduated, blunt, layered to classic, her bobs are out of this world! Although most of the time she shapes your hair wet first, sometimes especially with curly texture she chooses to cut dry only. Yes she is well known for cutting curly hair. Ali always finishes with dry texturing techniques to customize and detail her precise shapes.

Her cutting specialties include classic gentleman’s cuts, masculine clipper cutting, fades, and rock star long man’s shapes as well. Ali blends timeless looks with raw and contemporary styles. Drawing inspiration from fashion, music, and art, each cut is tailored to her client’s personality and lifestyle.

Ali has an eye for determining which color will best ‘light up’ each client’s skin tone and eye color, with her signature soft lines and unparalleled dimension.

Her coloring expertise feature fantasy color, bleach & tones, lived-in highlighting services such as Foilyage & Balayage, root melts, and natural subtle, settled designs as well. Ali is master when it comes to reds. She is known for using the latest techniques and trends to create a custom experience for every client.

Ali’s compassion paired with her creative eye for structure, shape, and color makes her a well-rounded and invaluable stylist.

Despite her youthful appearance she is the first stylist we hired, and we are very proud to have her on our team.

After choosing an untraditional high school path at vocational cosmetology program, Kipten bravely relocated himself from Vermilion, Ohio to Venice, Florida.

Kipten joined our team in Jun 2019 as a junior stylist and retrained under the careful eye of Lenka herself to learn her signature techniques and received extensive French haircutting training. His incredible talent and phenomenal sense for detail promoted him very soon into the position of Lenka’s personal colorist. Working with a clientele with the highest expectation he had to deliver the best quality of services.

Kipten uses exclusively only French haircutting technique; he mastered French and American Balayage while still bringing that natural affinity for men’s styles to the salon. Kipten is a winner of 2 barbering competitions and still enjoys gentlemen grooming and cuts.

While working on our team he enjoys teaching young cosmetology students in local schools. Kipten constantly educates himself at hair shows also takes classes with Goldwell color experts. The biggest impact on his career was three days long hands on intensive French cutting class in Atlanta with internationally recognized educator Candy Shaw and her team at Jamison Shaw hairdresser’s salon.

This young gentleman works with Goldwell, JKS, Redken SEQ and Brazilian Blowout and Keratin. His specialty is dry cutting, wig cutting and styling as well as gentleman’s grooming, perming and coloring.

Kipten is very empathetic, his ability to get into clients’ mind helps him to understand their vision, hair goals and limitations. He is very visual and loves working with pictures to ensure him and his guest is on the “same page” after thorough consultation.

Kipten’s compassion paired with his creative eye for structure, shape, and color makes him a well-rounded and invaluable stylist.

Hello World,

My name is Jada. I’m from this beautiful paradise we call Venice, Florida. Shortly after high school I obtained my license in cosmetology. After several interviews in all of the best salons in the area I decided to join this amazing salon. I’ve worked at Lenka hair salon as a Protege first, later I became Lenka’s colorist. I was fortunate to have Lenka teach me one-on-one the fundamentals of French Haircutting.

I mastered the advanced French haircutting class at Jamison Shaw hairdresser salon in Atlanta. I am certified in Brazilian blowout, and I am also certified in Candy Shaw – Master Balayage class. I have worked with Redken, Goldwell, JKS and Schwartzkopf.

I like to start our relationship with very personalized consultation (never rushed) going through images to be sure we are “speaking the same language”. After Consulting I define the structure of the haircut while wet, finishing the cut after the blowdry with tons of personalized detailing. I like to liberate my guests by giving effortless structured haircuts that work with natural flow of hair. I enjoy cutting pixies, short, long hair and bobs as well. I am very passionate about curly hair. I want to give you the knowledge on all the products that will work best for you in this humid Florida weather.

I specialize in Blonding! From different techniques like highlights, babylights, teaselights and Balayage to color corrections, I am ready to take on your color needs to create a transformational look! How ever I am very experienced in helping guests to embrace their gray as well and transform them from colored to natural.

I’m passionate about self care and loving ourselves for who we are and I hope to help so many beautiful people love themselves a little more so my goal as a stylist is to not just create beauty but to remember to love yourself too!

I love everything hair related and after 39 years, I am still passionate about it. Education, with some of the best in my industry, has fueled my passion throughout the years.

I’ve worked behind the chair in my own salons, not only to make my clients feel and look their best but to inspire other stylist as well. I have cherished the trust placed with me. I also have had the privilege to be an educator for several hair color and product manufacturers in the US and Canada.

After enjoying a successful nearly four decades long career in the coastal Carolina’s area, I relocated to Florida to retire. However the love I have for hairdressing continued to call me. I was fortunate enough to join the team at Lenka Hair Salon after deciding I still needed to be a part, of the industry I love.

I couldn’t have been more fortunate to find a salon full of like-minded professionals to be a part of. Supporting the staff and inspiring them ,as well as elevating the client experience, is a great opportunity for me to continue this next chapter of my career.

I truly believe in this quote by Dr. Lew Losoncy – “I am a hairdresser- I psychologically and cosmetically change the destinies and images of fellow human beings!”

Educators

Matrix Essentials – Educational Training Advisor
Whitesands Haircare – Educational Team
Oligo Professional – Educational Team

Classes and Certifications
Misael Aponte
International Color Director
Oligo Professional
The Art of Color 1&2 – Certification
Jerry Chang- Photographic Styling
Wallid Fehme- Dry Cutting
Genevieve Grenier- Cutting
Lisa Hartman – Lisa Loves Balayage
Arnie and Sydell Miller – Founders OF Matrix Essentials
Hair cutting/coloring /permanent waving /skincare/makeup
Vivianne Mackender- haircutting/formal styling
Nicolas French – Print work styling/avant-garde
Dr Lew Losoncy – Salon psychology
Fernando Salas- Haircutting/television and avant-garde styling
Joe Santy – Permanent waving
Mags Kavanaugh – Haircutting/coloring/formal styling/chemical theory
Keya Neal – Texture vs Race founder- hair coloring
Sam Villa – Redken Artistic Director- hair cutting/ coloring/styling
John Paul Mitchell – Haircutting/ coloring
Hiroshi of Beverly Hills – Japanese haircutting
Phillip Wilson – Wilson Collective founder- haircutting
Geno Stampora – Salon management/Psychology
Luis Alvarez – Aquage founder- Formal Styling
Martin Parsons – Formal Styling /Cutting
Robert Cromeans – Hair Cutting /Coloring
Nick Arrojo – What Not to Wee stylist- razor cutting
Beth Minardi – Hair Coloring
Farouk Shami – Hair Coloring
Leo Passage – Haircutting
Tabitha Coffey – Salon management- Cutting
Ted Gibson – What not to Wear Stylist- Cutting/Coloring
Dixie Pelfrey – J Beverly Hills CEO, one on one, salon management, color/cutting
Rico and Tony Altieri- haircutting
George Alderete – Keune Artistic Director- Coloring
David Valasco – Haircolor Mastery
Candy Shaw – Sunlights Balayage
Mary Rector-Gable – Behind the Chair, Founder – Coloring & Cutting
Barbicide Certification – Sanitation/Sterilization
Babe Hair Extensions – Certification
Hotheads Hair Extensions – Certification
Brazilian Blowout – Certification
Keratin – Founder, Kenneth Copeland – Certification

Born and raised in the sunny coastal town of Moldova, Alevtina’s love for beauty and artistry began early. After graduating with honors from an elite Hair Academy, her extraordinary talent quickly earned her a place at one of the country’s most prestigious salon- renowned for serving politicians, TV personalities, and public figures.

Within her first year, Alevtina achieved what many strive for over decades: the title of Master Stylist. She not only built an impressive private clientele but also mentored junior stylists in advanced cutting techniques.

For seven years, Alevtina worked almost exclusively on location, crafting elegant, customized styles for successful and fascinating clients. Government vehicles often lined up at the salon door—testament to her trusted reputation and polished results.

Her career eventually took her to Washington state, where she and her husband raised their four children in Seattle. Yet, the sun always called her back—just like the golden beaches of her childhood. That led her family to sunny Florida, where Alevtina re-established her professional license through Charlotte Technical College.

Today, we’re proud to welcome Alevtina to our salon family as a stylist of exceptional talent, strong ethics, and heartfelt warmth.

Alevtina is a master of precision cutting. Whether you’re working with thick, unruly curls, fine or thinning hair, or tricky cowlicks, she tailors each cut with meticulous detail. Her specialty lies in short and mid-length haircuts—from bold, trendy crops to beautifully textured bobs and lobs, with or without soft movement and wave.

She is equally skilled in men’s grooming. Her gentleman’s cuts are consistently sharp and clean, combining scissor work with expert fades and classic barbering techniques. It’s no surprise she was once the go-to stylist for high-ranking government clients.

Alevtina’s color expertise spans the globe. Trained in top-tier brands such as Wella, Schwarzkopf, Redken, Goldwell, Oligo, and JKS. She is also certified in advanced Candy Shaw Signature Sunlights Balayage, freehand coloring French method technique from Cutting Loose Academy.

She brings the same artistry to texture services, offering expert Keratin treatments, Brazilian blowouts, and soft, natural-looking permanent waves—helping clients manage Florida’s humidity with ease and style.

Need an elegant updo? Alevtina is your go-to for flawless styling for weddings, events, and special occasions. Just bring in a photo—she’ll bring it to life.

Outside the salon, Alevtina is a devoted wife and mother. Her happiest moments are spent exploring Florida’s beaches, enjoying her church community, reading, and sharing music and adventures with her nearly grown children.

With over 25 years of experience in the beauty industry, Kellie Stowe brings passion, precision, and artistry to every guest she works with. Despite her extensive background, Kellie began her journey at Lenka Hair Salon as a personal assistant and later colorist, earning her current position as one of our most sought-after stylists. Within just one year, she established a loyal clientele and quickly became one of the salon’s most popular professionals.

A well-rounded stylist, Kellie is renowned for her phenomenal coloring skills. She loves creating both natural, sun-kissed looks with highlights and balayage as well as bold, expressive designs using fantasy colors and dimensional, chunky block effects.

Her meticulous personality ensures precision in every haircut—from technically intricate shapes to eccentric custom styles. Kellie also excels in gentlemen’s grooming, gray blending, highlighting, and perming.

Kellie’s friendly, approachable nature and empathetic communication make every guest feel heard and understood, leading to exceptional, personalized results. Trained by some of the industry’s best, she continues to expand her skills to stay current with evolving trends and techniques.

Throughout her career, she has worked with leading color brands such as Goldwell, Wella, Redken, Paul Mitchell, Oligo, and JKS, and she is skilled at converting formulas into Oligo’s no-ammonia color line, ideal for Florida’s climate. Kellie is also a certified Brazilian Blowout Specialist.

Her favorite styling lines include Oribe, Oligo, and Kevin Murphy, though her broad experience allows her to recommend the best home-care products for every hair type and lifestyle.

Outside the salon, Kellie is a proud mother of two sons who share her commitment to a healthy, balanced lifestyle. She enjoys outdoor exercise, relaxing on the beach, and long walks with her dog, embracing the vibrant Florida way of life.

Book a complimentary consultation with Kellie to share your hair goals and discover how her expertise can help bring your vision to life.

Step into Kellie’s chair and experience the artistry of a true professional. Known for her refined technique and intuitive sense of beauty, Kellie creates looks that feel effortlessly elegant and uniquely yours. Her loyal guests trust her not only for her skill but for the confidence and radiance she inspires. Discover the difference of bespoke hair design — with Kellie Stowe at Lenka Hair Salon.