Talent
Get to know our Philadelphia team of expert stylists!
Dena Epstein
@denamiranda | Stylist Level 5
Dena is a co-founder of Lather, a professional educator, and has spent more than 20 years behind the chair. She believes beautiful hair should feel effortless and personalized, creating dimensional color and customized styles that work with your natural texture and everyday life. Dena's thoughtful approach helps clients feel confident not just when they leave the salon, but every day afterward. Her goal is simple: healthy, beautiful hair you'll love long after your visit.
Abbey Dernoga
@abbey_dernoga | Stylist Level 5
Abbey is a founder, educator, and curator, and she's proud of all three. She co-founded Lather in 2014 and has spent more than 15 years behind the chair, believing the best hair starts with listening and creating a style that fits your everyday life. Community and craftsmanship shape everything she does, from mentoring stylists to curating more than 50 exhibitions featuring Philadelphia artists. Above all, Abbey wants everyone who walks through Lather's doors to feel welcome, supported, and free to keep evolving.
Ashley Vega
@ashleyvegahair | Stylist Level 4
Ashley has a passion for people; she is inspired by diversity and creativity. Her favorite styles include creative vivid colors and participating in special event hair and makeup. She has been working in the beauty industry for over 5 years and is eager to continue education and master every part of her craft. Ashley’s goal is to help each of her clients feel good about themselves while staying true to who they are.
Please call or email admin@latherphilly.com to book.
Kristin Jewell
@jewello_ | Stylist Level 4
Kristin has been behind the chair for over 10 years and has been part of the Lather Hair Studio team since 2016. She loves creating lived-in dimensional color that grows out naturally and fits seamlessly into each client's lifestyle, along with curly and wavy haircuts that enhance natural movement and shape. With a genuine love for both hair and people, Kristin creates a comfortable, easygoing experience where clients can relax and feel like themselves. When she's not at Lather, you'll probably find her spending time with her pup, Batman—the shop dog you may recognize as the salon's unofficial greeter and bodyguard.
Cynthia Varano
@cynthiadoesmyhair | Stylist Level 3
Cynthia believes that changing your hair is about more than a new color—it's a chance to express yourself. They love creating everything from vivid fashion colors to bright blondes, always tailoring each look to the person wearing it. Curious by nature, Cynthia enjoys talking through ideas and helping clients explore possibilities they may not have considered before. Their chair is friendly, collaborative, and a place where creativity is always welcome. The goal isn't to follow trends—it's to create hair that feels exciting, personal, and unmistakably yours.
Fern Wnek
@hairofthecentury | Stylist Level 2
Fern knows that hair can be deeply personal, and he loves helping clients find styles that feel true to who they are. Whether you're looking for creative color, a fresh layered cut, or a gender-affirming service, he approaches every appointment with openness, curiosity, and care. He enjoys creating a relaxed environment where clients can unwind, laugh, or simply enjoy a quiet moment. Fern enjoys working with all hair types and believes there's always room to grow, experiment, and evolve.
Jesse Luterman
@chops4dayz | Stylist Level 2
Please call or email admin@latherphilly.com to book.
Malika Holder
@malikafar.out | Stylist Level 2
Malika has always been drawn to art and aesthetics—she was the friend everyone turned to for hair and makeup. In 2021, she made the leap from corporate retail management to pursue one of her oldest passions: the beauty industry. She believes helping people feel confident while creating something beautiful is her life's purpose, and she approaches every appointment with intention, humor, and honesty. In Malika's chair, you can expect not only the hair of your dreams, but an experience where you feel seen, supported, and part of the process.
Sage Larsen
@slaysbysage | Stylist Level 2
Sage understands the value of feeling taken care of. If you are looking for a fun, supportive, self care oriented experience, Sage is the stylist for you. She loves dimensional color service- blonding and balayage have always been her passion in the industry. With trust and communication held highly in her chair, Sage works to ensure each client feels heard, capable, and confident leaving the salon. She also enjoys helping clients on their curly hair journeys, recommending products, and empowering clients so they can maintain their hair at home.
Shayla Smith
@shayla.k.r.s | Stylist Level 1
Shayla brings curiosity, creativity, and a playful energy to everything she does behind the chair. She loves experimenting with bold color placement, textured cuts, and soft color melts that let each client's personality shine through. For Shayla, hair should be fun, and she enjoys working with people who are excited to try something new or simply want a style that feels more like them. Nothing makes her happier than seeing someone light up when they see the finished result.
Lu Quinn
@lu.snips | Stylist Level 1
Please call or email admin@latherphilly.com to book.