STAFF

The Staff at FrancesRay Jules Salon

Stylists

Ben Mitrano / Owner & Creative Director and Master Colorist

As owner of FrancesRay Jules, Ben’s 15+ years of experience include being a stylist at Judy Jetson Inc. in Cambridge, director of the Elizabeth Arden Salon at Saks Fifth Avenue, and a stylist at Man in the Moon Salon at Fanueil Hall. Growing up with 5 sisters, Ben was persistently exposed to the world of hair and makeup. Following his love for art, theatre, and fashion, a career in the ever-changing hair industry would be the perfect fit. While at Saks, he worked at most, if not all the runway fashion shows for the Fifth Avenue Club and many other fashion events, benefiting local and national charities. After opening the Boston Salon in 2001 and noticing its success, Ben decided to broaden his horizons and expand his Boston location, going from 4 styling stations to 6, with the addition of a color bar, larger nail area, full skin care and waxing, massage and body treatments, as well as backing the launch of our Jules Makeup line. Ben enjoys using his talents to help others, and plans to sponsor annual cut–a-thons, host silent auctions and support local charities. Past charity events he has helped support include: Blessed Sacrament Youth Organization, the Gillette Foundation for Women’s Health, the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, American Heart Association, The Ellie Fund and our ongoing relationship with Dress For Success. As owner and salon director, he takes pride in providing in-salon and outside education for his staff, having all stylists and assistants train with him before stylists have the opportunity to participate in innovative classes and outside training, including workshops at Wella International, Bio Ionic Straightening, Sebastian International, Sexy Hair Concepts, Aquage, American Crew and many more. As an owner Ben specializes in all aspects of the styling industry including precision cutting, color correction, and everything in between. Not to mention the credit to his unmatched eye for detail, creating exquisite bridal up styles and exceptional formalwear hair.He constantly educates to keep up with current trends and techniques, providing an ideal example for his salon staff and recently joined the team of P& G/Wella National Educators.  His work has been featured in the pages of the Boston Globes Go Red Insert, Shut up Magazine, and recognized as a hidden gem in Modern Salon Magazine.


            
Jessie H. / Manager, Senior Stylist & Colorist
           
Not long after graduating high school, Jessie started her training at the Empire Beauty School in New Hampshire. She graduated top in her class with several awards in cutting and updos.  She got her foot in the door by working as a receptionist at the JC Penny Salon while in school full time, they offered her a stylist position when she graduated.  Jessie stayed for a year but was eager for more knowledge and knew a Boston salon would give her that.  She made the jump from New Hampshire and moved to the Boston area, after visiting several salons felt she still hadn’t found what she was looking for.  Jessie noticed FrancesRay Jules and took a chance; she went in chatted to the receptionist, handed over her resume and the rest is history.  She continues to educate herself with recent certification in Bio Ionic straightening, attending the Chicago Beauty Expo 2008, 2009 & 2010 as well as local workshops and events. Jessie with her 6 years experience specializes in custom/specialized cutting, razor cutting, updos and extensions.  She is also fluent in sign language.

Kathryn A. / Stylist & Colorist

Kathryn realized at a very young age that she really enjoyed changing a person’s look by styling their hair. She was the only girl amongst her friends that would cut and style every one of her Barbie doll’s hair to give them an appropriate look for day or evening. The passion that she had as a child is even stronger today and it can be seen in her determination to learn and explore the current trends in the beauty industry. Initially pursuing a career that utilized her bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Public Relations from University of Maine, Kathryn still felt a lack of fulfillment in her career, which led her to change professions. Kathryn loves making men and women look their best. She strives to customize each individual look to match their lifestyle and personality. She has gone through an extensive training program at Frances Ray Jules as well as completing advanced educational programs with Wella, Aquage, American Crew and attended Wella Trend 2010 and the 2010 Midwest Beauty Show in Chicago.  Kathryn comes to the salon with a background in Goldwell, Redken and Matrix, along with being certified in Bio Ionic’s retexturizing system.

 

Ellen L. / Stylist & Colorist

Growing up in the neighboring state of Rhode Island Ellen always had a passion for making people feel FABULOUS.  After graduating high school she attended Blaine in Framingham, MA graduating in 2004.  After working in a few places she called Lords and Ladies home for 3 years until she made the dramatic jump to the city and joined the FRJ Team in the spring of 2010.  Ellen specializes in precision cutting and enjoys transforming clients with her color techniques.

Jennie A. / Manager, Stylist & Nail Technician

Before she can remember Jennie always had a passion for making people look beautiful.  Prior to attending cosmetology school Jennie had starting experimenting her raw cutting techniques on family and friends.  After attending Blaine in Malden Jennie decided she also had a flare for nails as well.  She is currently the only employee at FrancesRay Jules that offers both hair & nail services, making her a double threat in the salon.  Jennie says her favorite aspect of the industry is the gratification of making someone feel great about the way they look. Jennie is constantly continuing her education in both hair & nails by attending creative cutting classes as well as learning the art of acrylic & gel nails. 

Alex K. / Stylist & Nail Technician

Alex started her education at Shawsheen Tech where she received her Cosmetology License in her junior year of high school.  She immediately stepped into an internship at Supercuts her senior year.  After graduating in 2007 she remained at Supercuts until 2009.  Even though she enjoyed her current job she wanted to venture out into the industry a little more.  After talking with her cousin Rich, FRJ Owner, she decided to take the leap and jump headfirst into a Boston Salon not only for the experience but also for the education.  Alex is not only taking on a career in the city but she is also attending Middlesex Community College, majoring in Business as well as taking some classes in Fashion Design.  Her goal is to finish school and take on a full time position at the Salon. 

Nail Technician

Michelle R. / Senior Nail Technician

Michelle is a veteran employee to the salon with 5+ years here at FRJ. She came to us fresh out of school and continues to learn and attend classes under high profile nail companies, such as Creative Nail, OPI, and EZ Flow. She has been working hard to master the latest nail trends and specializes in the classic manicure. She also offers acrylics, gels and spa manicures and pedicures. In addition, Michelle has amazing sugar whip treatments and a big comfy recliner, for the perfect after-work treat. So whether you’re a student, homemaker, or businesswoman, Michelle’s upbeat personality and soothing technique will give you the most relaxing treatment around.

Esthetician / Massage Therapist

Christina M. / Esthetician

Growing up in Scituate, MA Christina always knew she wanted to pursue a career in the beauty industry.  She started her education with the 600 hour program at the Elizabeth Grady School of Esthetics and quench her thirst for knowledge by completing the 900 hour program at the Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics and several courses through Dermalogica.  Christina loves educating her clients on there skin analysis and home care maintenance and generally enjoys making people feel beautiful.  She specializes in facials, waxing and soothing sessions.

Makeup Artist

Richard Burgess / Owner, Stylist & Artistic Director

With his years experience in the make up industry working with many different artist has made him diverse in yesterday classics and the latest trends. Working in many fast pace retail environment makes him the perfect style stepper to help you achieve your custom day or evening look. Highlighting, contouring and accenting that facial structure so you are always putting your best face forward. As artistic director of FrancesRay Jules Salon and co-owner he wanted to give his clients a full beauty experience. And what’s a better way of doing that than coming out with your own make-up. Introducing Jules make-up. So you not only can get that fabulous new cut and color you can get a customized professional make-up application all under one roof. Richard specializes in wedding photos, new licenses photos, passport photos as well as black and white photos, or any other time you want to just look fabulous. He recently had the opportunity to work with the national anthem performers Paula Cole, James Taylor, Keith Lockheart and several members of the Boston Pops at the NBA Finals. Along with his work for the American Heart Association, The Ellie Fund, and Dress for Success, Rich and his staff enjoy donating time and services for a good cause.

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Danielle D. / Salon Supervisor & Senior Makeup Artist

As part of the original staff, Danielle is not only a full time mother of three, part time Salon Supervisor but also one of our top Makeup Artist. Before jumping into the industry Danielle was an Office Manager for three Elizabeth Grady Skin Care Salons, where she learned everything necessary to organize and maintain a smooth running salon. Danielle took interest in the art of makeup after sitting in on an in house makeup class. Since then she has studied under our Artistic Director Richard Burgess and receiving extensive training from him, as well as attending classes and seminars with Movie & Trucco both locally and at the Chicago Midwest Beauty Show and at IBS New York. She has had the opportunity to work courtside with Ahmad Rashard, a sportscaster for NBA TV at the NBA Finals and had the pleasure of working with the lead singer of Era For A Moment.  Her work has been featured in the pages of the Boston Globes Go Red Insert, and Shut up Magazine.  She is our in house bridal coordinator, working with brides daily to help make there wedding day a relaxing, stress free day.  Although Danielle enjoys being a makeup artist she enjoys donating her time and service to local charities such as The American Heart Associations Go Red Campaign, The Ellie Fund, Melanoma Foundation of New England and giving educational applications to the Dress for Success program.  Danielle specializes in bridal application as well as editorial and print work.