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Melinda Rodriguez
MASTER STYLIST/ OWNER
  
Boasting more than ten years of training experience in the hair industry with Vidal Sassoon in London and Chicago, Melinda guides Roque Salon with an eye for style and a vision to take her business to internationally-acclaimed status. Melinda began her career with Vidal Sassoon Salon where she quickly achieved a Senior Stylist standing and recognition for leadership and education skills. With that experience, she helped launch the Miami Vidal Sassoon Salon and began to participate in several major fashion shows for Cigar Magazine, Nicole Miller and Armani, just to name a few. She launched Roque Salon, a unique salon, known for its dedication to exceptional hairstyles and colors--and beauty as a lifestyle. Equally comfortable in cutting and styling, researching new product lines or conducting a seminar in front of five hundred attendees, Melinda brings a fresh and positive outlook to her work and each client that walks in the door.

Past and present clients include: Jane Seymour, Chayanne, (Latin Recording Artist), Britto (internationally-renowned artist) and Ford Modeling Agency of Miami.

INSPIRATIONS: TRAVELING, TEACHING SEMINARS, FASHION SHOWS, MAGAZINES

Rene
SENIOR STYLIST
  
Rene Valadez comes to Roque Salon with 7 years of Vidal Sassoon training, education and styling experience. After his initial training in Chicago , Rene transferred to the Beverly Hills salon where he quickly earned top-stylist status and educator at the Santa Monica Academy . During that time, he also provided services to various modeling agencies, charities, such as St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and a variety of photo shoots and fashion events. From lending a hand at celebrity-filled events, including the Emmys, Oscars and Grammies, to working with celebrities themselves, such as Mimi Rogers, Rachel Hunter and SNL’s Amy Poehler, Rene brings the Roque team a unique and impressive approach to style that exceeds clients’ expectations every day.


“Regardless of ethnicity, hair is hair,” says Rene, “and with the proper education, there is always a solution for the care and maintenance for each individual type of hair.”

INSPIRATIONS:
Fashion, photography, art, music, architecture, anthropology, and life itself

 

Elaine Zachrel
SENIOR STYLIST
 
Elaine Zachrel, Roque’s Senior stylist, boasts impressive credentials and is considered one of the salon’s best and most loyal. She began her career in 1993, training at London’s Vidal Sassoon School, which led to a nine-year stint altogether with Vidal Sassoon. She worked first as a senior stylist and teacher in Chicago before moving to San Francisco, where she continued to work as a stylist and a teacher in the Education Center before joining the Roque team. While her passion lies with hair and style, Elaine is also working toward a bachelor's degree in Applied Psychology at University of Illinois at Chicago and enjoys spending her free time working out, cooking and spending time with her husband and two dogs.

Peter Santana
SENIOR COLORIST

Peter has long been revered by industry experts as a top colorist in Chicago and South Beach . He boasts nearly 15 years of experience across several internationally-renowned salons, such as Vidal Sassoon, Oribe, Lancome Spa and Brown’s Beauty Lounge, in South Miami Beach, Chicago , Toronto and New York City . In 2001, he helped develop and establish Roque Salon’s now-thriving color department and continues to oversee its monthly training program for up-and-coming colorists from around the country. To no surprise, he’s been featured on various national television shows, including “Ambush Makeover,” as well as several South Florida publications.

As evidenced by his illustrious client roster across both Chicago and South Beach cosmopolitan centers, Peter is quick to build loyalty among clientele by combining an elusive world-class service with his infectious personality; indeed, his professionalism and positive attitude are second to none.

INSPIRATIONS: Family, Friends and Finding beauty in all things.

Tatjana Simanic
SENIOR COLORIST

Senior colorist Tatjana Simanic comes to Roque Salon from the East coast where she lived for eight years, six of which were dedicated to intense training and hands-on coloring at several highly-acclaimed salons. As a trainer and educator for hair-care line Bumble & Bumble and an expert among many others, such as Wella, Davines, Aveda and Lorel Professional, Tatjana brings extensive knowledge to the Roque team. She’s known for her keen fashion sense, high energy, color know-how and ability to address clients’ needs.

Darren Gelbuda
SENIOR COLORIST
  
Roque Salon welcomes Darren Gelbuda, a Vidal Sassoon Santa Monica Academy Graduate and celebrated hair stylist and beauty expert. With close to 20 years of experience across various East Coast salons and an innate ability to identify with each client, Darren has attracted a following with unparalleled devotion. His fresh looks and innovative techniques have generated accolades from several media outlets, including Fitness Magazine, Vogue, Allure, Elle and Lucky. Celebrity clients have included Elizabeth Hurley, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Kevin Kline, Stockard Channing, Reese Witherspoon and Carmen Electra. Darren's interests also include theatre, travel and culinary arts.

Cassidy
COLORIST

While working as a professional dancer for a tap company just under a few years ago, Cassidy found herself as its sole hair and makeup artist. Not long after, she graduated with high honors from Pivot Point International Academy to pursue these talents she had become to love. Cassidy joined the Roque family in the fall of '06 as a color assistant, training under highly accredited colorists, and even extended her education by working at the Vidal Sassoon Academy in Santa Monica this past spring. Cassidy can now say she is happily considered one of Roque's top colorists. With highly-recognized people skills and a knack for color and style, Cassidy cannot wait to pursue her career as one of Chicago's top colorists in this amazing salon!

Charlie Mazur
SENIOR COLORIST
 
With more than 15 years of experience with Vidal Sassoon and other highly acclaimed training programs and salons, Charlie Mazur joins the Roque team as its top tinter with a loyal audience and unparalleled reputation. In fact, you might recognize Charlie from Ambush Makeover or the Jenny Jones Show where he’s shown off his precise and innovative color techniques, as well as celebrity experience, for the world to see. At the same time, Charlie maintains a down-to-earth mentality and gets his inspiration from friends, clients and family, as well as nature.

Claudia
EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR
 
Claudia has built a reputation over the past several years as a top esthetician and is often, admiringly, referred to as the brow expert. She has solidified a unique ability to design perfectly-arched eyebrows for each client that comes in the door; no one shapes and grooms in quite the same way. In addition to Claudia’s expertise in brows, she is also recognized for her impressive facials, which incorporate ayurvedic-inspired luxury skin care products that match the distinctive needs of contemporary women.
 

Andrew Derderian
MAKE-UP ARTIST / LASH TECHNICIAN
 
Boasting more 13 years of experience and extensive training at Vidal Sassoon, Giella, Shu Uemura, M.A.C. and Joe Blasco, Andrew Derderian serves as Roque's senior make-up and top eyelash artist and has developed a high-demand specialty in custom-fit applications, body make-up contouring, lash tabbing and lash extensions, the hottest new beauty trend among women looking for a glamorous beauty boost.

Whether it’s your wedding day, a night out with friends or a television, runway or stage appearance, Andrew is guaranteed to impress. Celebrity clients include Donna Summer, Elizabeth Berkley, Jessica and Ashley Simpson, Nicole Richie, Lisa Marie Presley and Esther Cañadas. Evening appointments available.

Ellen
MAKE-UP ARTIST / LASH TECHNICIAN
 
Ellen has been a make-up artist for 12 years. She was with MAC Cosmetics for 10 years and has done numerous fashion shows and wedding make-up.  Ellen gets her inspiration from  the diversity of Chicago and fashion publications.

Rachel
MAKE-UP ARTIST
 
With 10-years of experience in the professional make-up field, Freelance Artist Rachel Reiman brings an unprecedented knowledge across print, film, runway and commercial projects to Roque’s clients. From make-up applications for special events to make-up lessons, which include color recommendations, application techniques and general tips, she does it all, and with style.

Before going out on her own, Rachel worked for 10 years as a make-up stylist for MAC cosmetics and FORD models, collectively, and continues to serve on FORD’s Elite Model Management staff.

Rachel obtained her certificate in make-up artistry from Columbia College , where her classes ran the gamut, from bridal and theatrical to print, film and television. She then studied in London for 3 months to sharpen her fashion, runway and airbrushing skills.

Since then, she’s worked on several celebrities, now clients, including Alicia Keys, Backstreet Boys, Jane Seymour, Danica Patrick and Vidal Sasoon, among others.

Rates are available upon request.

Michelle Szczesny
GREAT LENGTHS SPECIALIST
 
Michelle been a renowned image designer in the Chicago Land area for the past 22 years, catering to high profile professional women. With an expertise in Great Lengths extensions and creative styling, Michelle will transform your hair into the length or thickness you desire, allowing you to have the hair of your dreams. Her passion and knowledge of exploded when she became a national educator for Great Lengths International from 2001-2007. She is currently the owner of Salon MMM at "The Shops of The Providence" in Palatine, IL; will be featuring her work here at Roque Salon to enhance her creative talent and also to provide top quality service for savvy city clientele.