Meet The Windermere Team

Laura Dulay

Owner
She/Her

Even as a child, Laura Dulay knew she wanted to be a salon owner when she grew up. But the path to achieving her dream wasn’t straight and simple—it was full of twists and turns that led her to where she is today—the owner of not just one salon, but three thriving businesses in central Florida.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Laura attended college for a year after graduating high school. In that year she learned two important lessons: College wasn’t for her, and neither was New Jersey.

She left school and enrolled in the Joe Blasco Makeup Artist Training Center in Orlando to pursue her passion for the beauty business and her preference for sunshine.

In the beginning, working in a salon held little appeal: Laura’s goal was to be behind the camera, working on set. At school, she honed her makeup skills and learned to style hair. After graduation, she hit the ground running, working for Michael Cairns, a Florida photographer specializing in commercial/lifestyle/entertainment shoots.

Her career as a makeup artist and stylist on shoots took off from there, and Laura worked for companies like Home Shopping Network, Miller Brewing Company, Wella and others. Her jobs took her all over the world, traveling a couple weeks out of every month

In the mid 2000s, Laura married and started a family, and decided to pursue her original dream of salon ownership. She took a job at the Ritz Carlton salon in Orlando to learn their high standard of customer service, getting trained in several positions.

During this time, she got her cosmetology license at the Aveda Institute in Winter Park, Florida, and then went on to work at an Aveda salon before opening up her first Salon Dulay location in 2012. And in 2020, during a global pandemic, she opened her second and third locations, which are now thriving.

Laura’s career has always been driven by people. In the beginning, she was motivated by the joy her clients experienced after their hair and makeup transformations. Now, it’s her employees who drive her ambition and growth.

She loves coaching her team to hit their own professional and personal goals, and prides herself on being a present, engaged leader.

In her personal life, Laura also challenges herself. As a single mom, she carves out quality time with her daughter doing what they love: Scuba diving. Together, they explore the ocean, even going on shark dives to view different species of their favorite fish.

Laura always strives for growth and knowledge, whether it’s in her business or under the sea. Her next endeavor is becoming an educator. After growing leaders in her own business, she’s excited to help other owners grow leaders in their salons.

Email: laura@salondulay.com

Tabitha O

Manager/Level 5 Colorist
She/Her

Taby was raised in Orlando and is an Aveda graduate. She loves learning new coloring techniques and loves giving guests a fresh new look. Taby also enjoys challenging herself with corrective color and takes great care of her guests. She also loves sharing her knowledge and is the salon color educator. Taby has been doing special event makeup and updos since her teens and loves working with brides and anyone going to a special event to give them a customized, beautiful look!

Email: tabitha@salondulay.com

Jordan

Supervisor
She/Her

Jordan is originally from New York and moved to Florida during the summer of 2021. She has always loved the beauty industry and grew up watching YouTube videos of people doing hair and makeup. Jordan is licensed in both New York and Florida and has worked behind the chair as a cutting specialist. She looks forward to ensuring all of our guests have a wonderful experience at Salon Dulay.

Email: jordan@salondulay.com

Matthew

Customer Service
He/Him

Matthew is originally from Tampa, but has recently relocated to Orlando. As an Aveda graduate, Matthew has always been passionate about all things beauty. He is excited to be starting his training as a colorist. Outside the salon, Matthew loves to hang with friends, visit Disney and enjoy a good coffee.

Marisol G

Level 8 Stylist
She/Her

Marisol discovered her passion for beauty at the age of 12 in New York and studied and pursued her love for the craft on the island of Puerto Rico. Early in her career she landed a contract with Chanel 4 WAPA Television performing before-and-after’s on live television. In 1999, she relocated to New York and had the privilege of working with actors from The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Friends and Oz.  Marisol found her calling in 2002 when she became a part of the Aveda family as an educator at the Soho New York Institute.

In 2005, she relocated to Florida to touch people’s lives by certifying at Hair Club for Men and Women. Her love and passion for sharing knowledge of Aveda led her to reconnect with the Aveda Institute Orlando in 2008. In 2010, she was chosen to be part of the design team at the Orlando Institute for the Edwin Neill educators competition worldwide, and her work was displayed on the wall of fame at the Aveda Institute Minneapolis.

The favorite part of her journey was when she participated as a platform artist creating elaborate hair and makeup designs at the fashion shows on stage for breast cancer and Earth Month fundraisers. In 2016, Marisol continued her passion for education by becoming the lead educator of Matthew Michael’s Experience and created a bootcamp which set new-hires up for success by improving quality of technical skills and speed.

In 2018 she continues her journey in striving for excellence and becomes part of the Salon Dulay family. Marisol is excited to exceed her guests’ expectations by further enhancing their needs with exquisite hair shape designs and customized finishing styles.

Shawn M

Level 6 Stylist
He/Him

Shawn has over 12 years of experience in the beauty industry in which he’s worked to perfect his craft. A former Paul Mitchell and in-salon educator, he’s passionate about continuing his education and learning the newest trends and techniques. After working with several different brands, he found his home at Salon Dulay where his personal values mirror the Aveda mission.

Shawn specializes in combining the latest fashions with each individual’s hair type. He utilizes smoothing treatments, extensions, and the latest cutting techniques to provide guests with beautiful styles they can easily recreate at home. Care is always taken to ensure the proper styling tools and products are thoroughly explained. With experience in long and short hair, as well as clipper cuts, Shawn prides himself on delivering results to any guest who sits in his chair.

Vanessa Z

Level 6 Stylist
She/Her

Vanessa has a passion for creative growth and strives to stay at the forefront of the industry with her knowledge of new trends and services. She has certifications in American Wave, Deva Curl, VoMor™ Hair Extensions and Brazilian Blowout.

With a great eye for art and a combined intuitive understanding of texture, balance and geometry, she translates these into amazing styles for her guests. Vanessa specializes in haircutting, texture and waves. Aveda as a company has been the perfect ground for Vanessa to grow and excel. She takes pride in her work and feels confident knowing she’s using products that will not only produce great results, but are also plant-derived.

Charles

Level 5 Stylist
He/Him

Charles started cutting hair at age 14. Ironically his Myers Briggs predicted that he would be a hairstylist, which gives him over 25 years of haircutting experience. He specializes in both men and women of all ethnicities and hair textures. With extensive training in Toni & Guy, Vidal Sassoon and classic barbering techniques, Charles is able to bring any haircut to life. His attention to detail and perfectionism make him a highly skilled haircutter. His talent has allowed him to work at one of the top salons in Manhattan. Charles also works as an educator and platform artist at hair shows like IBS, Orlando Premiere, ABS, Toronto’s ABA, New York Fashion Week, NYFW Men, Essence Magazine photo shoots, McDonald’s commercials and other projects
throughout the country.

Melanie M

Level 5 Stylist
She/Her

Melanie is from Orlando and graduated from the Aveda Institute in 2013.  She provides facial waxing, makeup services and is very passionate about cutting and styling to enhance natural waves and curls. She is a certified stylist in the Deva Curl technique. She loves doing beautiful blow-dries and has always had a strong passion for making people look and feel their best!

Ashley

Level 4.5 Stylist
She/Her

Ashley started working as a hair stylist and colorist when she was 16 and had the opportunity over the years to work in some of the best salons in Central and South Florida. She is always following the latest trends and cutting techniques to provide her guests with the freshest and most modern styles. Ashley specializes in multiple advanced cutting and coloring techniques, women’s long layering, face-framing, short cuts, modern bobs, precision short cuts, men’s cuts, and styling for formal & special occasions.

Most importantly, she always prioritizes listening and collaborating with her clients. Ashley’s goal is for her guests to walk out of the salon feeling that they just had most fantastic hair-styling experience—and results—of their life. Every time.

Christy S

Level 4.5 Stylist
She/Her

Christy joined the Salon Dulay team in 2016 when she moved from New York City, where she attended the Aveda Institute New York. Having been a dancer and performer for years, Christy has always had a passion for makeup and hair styling. She went back to school for cosmetology and her journey has been an exciting new adventure.

She is a cutting specialist and her specialties include short, textured cuts, precision bobs and curly hair. Styling and special occasion hair and makeup are among her other passions. She has devoted a lot of time to her education to give her clients beautiful cuts suited for their face and lifestyle. She loves to connect and listen to her clients’ wants and needs, and make them look and feel their best. Christy is Deva Curl-certified and is excited to transform beautiful curls.

Jen

Level 4 Stylist
She/Her

Jen started her journey in the beauty industry back in 2004 when she moved from her hometown in South Florida to Orlando to attend cosmetology school. After graduating, Jen worked behind the chair with various professional brands and taking advanced education classes regularly. In 2009, Jen decided to take her career to a new level and became a cosmetology educator for the Aveda Institute. She found a love for sharing her knowledge with others and helping them grow. Jen has a passion for continuing education. She has taken various advanced courses over the years and has also had the opportunity to work with top Aveda Master Stylists. Jen has a passion for detail work. She loves haircutting, especially corrective cutting, and styling. She is also a certified hair extension artist, specializing in K-tip, tape-in, I-tip/microbead and sew in. Her ultimate goal is to ensure her guests are in love with their look.

Monica

Level 4 Stylist
They/Them

Monica, who was born and raised in central Florida, fell in love with Orlando at a young age and knew they wanted to live in this beautiful, diverse city. They graduated from cosmetology school in 2014 and spent the next two years doing hair behind the chair. In 2016 they were offered an opportunity to travel the country with a touring theatrical show as one of their lead vocalists and decided to take a break from the salon industry. In 2018, Monica made the move back into the salon and has spent the last few years creating the perfect balance for both of their passions — stylist by day, musical theater kid by night. Being a queer performer has set forth Monica’s hairstylist career like they could have never dreamed. They specialize in edgy short cuts, textured bobs, trendy shags and mullets. But more importantly, their specialty is helping clients feel like their most authentic, coolest selves. Serving the LGBTQ+ community and making the salon environment a more inclusive, safer place for all has sparked a passion for this job and a connection with their clients that is incomparable.

Sarah

Level 3.5 Stylist
She/Her

Sarah grew up on Long Island, New York. Florida has been her home for a few years, and most of that has been at Salon Dulay! Hair has always been a love of Sarah’s, but not something she thought would be a career. She fell in love with Aveda, as a company, when she was in school at the Aveda Institute in Winter Park. As someone who tries to live her life as sustainably and plant based as possible, Aveda is the perfect company. When Sarah is not doing hair, she is outside by water and spending time with my friends and family. She loves that she gets to hang out with people and play with their hair as a career, and it is the best decision she feels she has ever made.

Sarah loves cutting and styling all types of hair, she loves sassy bobs, beautiful blow drys, long luscious hair, fun pixies, and cool clipper cuts! As part of the LGBTQ+ community she strives for her chair to be a safe space for all humans, and to make everyone feel their most authentic self!

Lisette

Level 3 Stylist
She/Her

Lisette was born and raised in South Jersey where she attended Rizzieri Aveda School in 2010. She spent her time learning and studying her craft and moved to Orlando in 2015 to be with family and continue pursuing her love of cosmetology. She has assisted alongside nationally recognized hair stylists at New York Fashion Week. She is now happily engaged and has an 18 month old daughter that is the light of her life. She specializes in haircutting, styling and smoothing treatments for both men and women. Her top priority is to ensure her guests are happy and confident with their look. She believes in the importance of empowering her guests with the products and knowledge to recreate their style at home.

Zella

Level 3 Stylist
She/Her

Zella is originally from Chicago, Illinois and has been in Florida since 2015. Zella has always had a passion for hair and makeup. After completing comprehensive training at the Aveda Institute Orlando, Zella looks forward to finally bringing her passion, creativity and forward-thinking style to life at Salon Dulay. Education is very important and Zella continues to take multiple classes each year to stay up to date with the latest fashion trends. She was 2018’s Best New Aveda Artist winner and she continues to challenge herself daily behind the chair.

Ashley S.

Level 2 Stylist
She/Her

Creative and passionate about her craft, Ashley Saunders began her career as a stylist in Scottsburg, Indiana in 2008.  After perfecting her craft, Ashley took some time off from the hair industry, to perfect being a mother to two little boys. When Ashley and her family moved to Orlando, she brought with her the ability to collaborate with her clients, allowing her to enhance their natural beauty, and always leaving them feeling more beautiful than when they came in.  When Ashley is not styling hair, she enjoys having pool time with her husband and boys, while always looking for a new adventure outdoors.

Tori

Level 1.5 Stylist
She/Her

Tori graduated with a degree in Cosmetology from the Career Technology Center in Scranton, Pennsylvania. After graduating, Tori continued her education by studying makeup at the M.U.D (Makeup Designory) Institution in Manhattan, New York and worked for an Aveda salon in Pennsylvania. She is now following her passions for hair and Disney in the Sunshine State!

Kayla

Level 1.5 Stylist
She/Her

Kayla feels as if the missing chapter of her life has been her passion for the true understanding and knowledge of cosmetology. As she has gotten older she has realized that doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will. When people go to the salon they are looking for change and she wants to be part of that change. Whether it be chopping off 12 inches of their hair due to a life change, getting that “I’m feeling myself” cut and color for your best friend’s wedding, or it’s just time to break that mold everyone else seems to polish, Kayla is your girl! Her hair is her attitude, pride, and persona.

Michelle

Level 1 Stylist
She/Her

Michelle was born and raised in Florida and has had a passion for hair ever since elementary school. She started working for Salon Dulay immediately after graduating from Paul Mitchell the School. Michelle is very excited to be learning and experiencing new techniques in her classes at Salon Dulay. She has a lot of experience and a passion for customer service. Michelle loves making people just feel good about themselves and boosting their confidence!

Madalyn

Level 1 Stylist
She/Her

Madalyn moved to the Orlando area in 2015. In 2020, she decided to follow her passion for beauty and wellness and chose Aveda for their natural and environmentally friendly products. Madalyn graduated from Aveda Institute Orlando in 2021 and in her down time, enjoys spending time with family, friends and her dog. She loves learning and is excited to advance her knowledge and grow in the cosmetology world at Salon Dulay Aveda.

Amanda K

Level 5 Colorist
She/Her

Amanda is a master colorist and an Aveda-certified Educator. She trained at the Aveda Institute Tallahassee and also completed the Aveda Institute’s Masters Program. Amanda has lived in several of Florida’s beautiful cities, and after graduation she relocated to the greater Orlando area, where she has lived and worked for over a decade.

Amanda has continued her education through Aveda as her career has progressed and strongly believes that in order to grow as a stylist and stay relevant in the industry, stylists must maintain a high level of education. In accordance with this philosophy, she attends multiple classes every quarter through the Aveda Advanced Education Academy. She has extensive training in Aveda color as well as a plethora of hair coloring techniques. She is passionate about her guests, (and their hair) fashion and education. Amanda specializes in redheads and natural tone-on-tone color.

Bernice R

Level 5 Stylist
She/Her

I grew up in Puerto Rico and some of my best childhood memories were watching my father cut hair at his barbershop and take care of his guests with love and dedication. He has inspired me over the years to provide excellent service and to give a caring, unique experience to each of my guests—which has always been my number one priority.

Needless to say, I fell in love with this industry and am so grateful to do what I’m passionate about for 16 years now. Continuing education has always played an important role in what I do to stay inspired and current with trends. I specialize in color, and some of my most favorites are corrections and blondes! Healthy, shiny hair is my goal! Aveda is so special to me because it’s not only an amazing company with compassion for the world we live in, but a lifestyle! I look forward to enhancing the beauty that is already in you!

Nonna A

Level 3.5 Colorist
She/Her

With an Armenian background and raised in Tallinn,Estonia, Nonna Akopjan spent time around her uncle who owned a recognized and very busy hair salon, became passionate about beauty and fashion at a very early age, and pursued this passion years later by earning a degree at the Aveda Institute Orlando. Choosing her mentors carefully, followed the works of Amanda, Nonna gained significant technical expertise by serving as an assistant for one year, mostly under Amanda herself as she continued to take additional courses as a result of her dedication to perfection.
Nonna’s dedication to providing superb service and creating spot-on results for her clients is second to none. She applies precision and skill to any work she undertakes, from simple processes such as highlights, to unique and complex solutions such as color corrections. Whether her clients are blondes, brunettes, red heads or somewhere in between, Nonna has the ability to work with all hair types and colors. And most importantly, she excels at consistently keeping her clients highly satisfied. Nonna joined the Salon Dulay Team as a colorist in late 2015.

Kelsey W

Level 3 Colorist
She/Her

Kelsey is a Michigan girl living in the sunshine state. She graduated in 2014 from the Douglas J Aveda Institute in Ann Arbor, MI. Since moving to Florida and elevating her career as a colorist, Kelsey has developed a passion for soft blended blondes, balayage, and ombré. She also loves providing clients with fun, fashion colors. Her ultimate goal is honing in on clients wants and needs and having the client leave the salon feeling beautiful. Kelsey is proud to have worked for Aveda for over 5 years and the opportunity to grow with the company. Additionally, she loves working for a brand that is environmentally conscious and gives back to society.

Sandy

Level 3 Colorist
She/Her

Sandy is a Michigan native who moved to Florida in 2014 and decided to change careers, following her passion for cosmetology. She is an Aveda Institute graduate and believes in continuing education throughout one’s career. Sandy has a love for color and all things Aveda. She has a calm, engaging presence and enjoys connecting with each and every guest.

Stephanie

Level 2 Colorist
She/Her

Stephanie grew up with a true admiration for the arts. She found herself naturally gravitating towards the world of theatre, a medium of storytelling that she fell in love with. It was only a matter of following her intuition that led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre from Florida Southern College. There, the pursuit of costuming led to the appreciation of the beauty industry and Stephanie was advised by mentors to look into the Aveda Institute. Always a supporter of the creativity found in self-expression, she ultimately graduated with her cosmetology license, and has focused all of her continuing education in hair coloring. As a colorist at Salon Dulay, Stephanie is excited to work with guests in this exciting field.

Reina

Level 1 Colorist
She/Her

Reina was born and raised in Central Florida. She graduated high school a year early to attend Aveda Institute in Orlando to follow her dreams to become a cosmetologist. She is really looking forward to learning many new things and becoming better at her craft within Salon Dulay. Reina tells herself everyday “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better -Maya Angelou.” Away from the salon Reina enjoys spending time at the beach with her family and friends.

Alissa

Level 1 Colorist
She/Her

Alissa was raised in Chicago and moved to Orlando in 2021. In 2020, she received her cosmetology license and started training to pursue her passion in color services. She worked for Disney and gained exceptional customer service training and learned she loved to create magic for others. Being a colorist allows Alissa to express her creative side while helping others be their most confident. Alissa is excited about furthering her education with Aveda and the Salon Dulay team.

Devon

Level 1 Colorist
They/Them

Devon was born in Maryland, but has lived most of their life in Orlando.  They have always had a love of the theater which brought them into the drag industry for four years.  Wanting to expand from wigs to actual hair, they attended the Aveda Institute Orlando and graduated in 2021. This is where they found their passion for color and extensions.  They are excited to bring everyone’s inner beauty to the outside- one smile at a time!

Tiffany

Level 1 Colorist
She/Her

Carole

Assistant
She/Her

Carole started working as an apprentice hair stylist and colorist at age 16 in the South of France. After 3 years of intense training and studies with master hair stylists, Carole obtained the National French diploma for Hair Styling, Colors and Cosmetology. As her husband got hired to be part of the opening of The Bellagio, she decided to put her career on hold and move to Las Vegas with him. After 20 years of working in luxury hotels as a personal assistant for high profile guests, celebrities and royal families, Carole decided to go back to her original career, because of her passion for the beauty industry. She provides a warm welcome, genuine care and comfort and delivers the finest personal service and a relaxing and memorable experience.

Ilianiz

Assistant
She/Her

Ilianiz was born in Middletown, CT and raised in Central Florida.  She has always had a passion for the beauty industry.  After graduating high school in 2020, she attended and graduated from the Aveda Institute Orlando.  She is following her dreams of becoming a professional hair stylist and colorist.  Ilianiz is excited to be taking classes at Salon Dulay to learn the latest techniques for all hair textures.  Since working at Salon Dulay, she says, “It doesn’t feel like work here, it feels like a family coming together to do what we love and are extremely passionate about.”

Luna

Assistant
She/Her

Luna is originally from Denver, CO but has recently moved to Orlando. After graduating High School in 2021, she attended and graduated from Aveda Institute of Orlando in 2022. She is pursuing her passion in hair and is excited about furthering her education with Aveda and the Salon Dulay team.