Heading east, this Southern California native hit the road for Asheville 13 years back. Gilda can leave the freeways behind but she still keeps the L.A. edge in her hair stylin’. She styled the coifs of Beverly Hills and Westwood for the first five years of her career!
Argentinean by birth this mother of two gorgeous boys is an absolute family gal! Her hard work of over twenty years in the hair business has paid off. Gilda has worked as a Master Designer for Rusk, she has traveled extensively throughout the United States as a platform artist (even to Paducah, Kentucky Whoo Wee!) and Gilda is chiefly responsible for introducing Rusk into this small mountain town of Asheville. Mrs. Santiago shares an uncanny resemblance to Betty Boop. Se habla espanol!
Christine DiBenedetto (owner stylist)
Leo, Jersey Italian girl, comedienne, burlesque starlet, curly hair and cleavage advocate, sociologist, lover of all things: food, friends and family at the top, one helluva motivated gal! This one’s been voted “Best Hairdresser” by the Mountain Express Readers Poll 3x running. Christine had a brief stint as a platform artist on the Master Design Team for Rusk International. She loves cutting hair, cracking up with her clients, being a great boss (they really like me!) and Bollywood movies. Oh, and she makes the best meatballs you’ll eva have, don’t try to challenge them, you’ll lose.
Sarah Onanian (boutique manager)
An Armenian - Boston native, Sarah whips Wink into shape all the while slithering around here at a speed too fast to even chart. Her addiction has changed from the Hershey kisses that Wink stocks to the sweet treats of our neighboring cookie factory. When not at the shop, you might find Sarah shaking it to some WSP (yes, WSP) or sippin’ on a Limmone’s margarita…Jaimca is her fave! Sarah’s picture is listed in the dictionary under women who never stop. She is the method behind Wink’s wonderful order and the always necessary barrel of monkies behind the counter.
Ann Rangel - salon hostess
This Texas native, turned New Orleanian escaped the wrath of hurricane season once and for all in the Asheville north. Mom of one adorrrrable little guy, Ann is the newest addition to the mighty support team of Wink. Answering phones by day yet leaving enough time to throw back a bottle of vino by nite (with the help of her man of course), Ann is swift on her heels whether she’s making appointments or dinner…hhhmmm reservations! This Latina is a proud member of Wink’s own Cleavage Advocate Committee(…the hhmmm CAC), whilst proudly singing along to any Madonna melody!
Atia Triplett (stylist)
Asheville born and bread, Atia is a laidback, cool as a cucumber mother of two good-looking boys who occasionally swaps her scissors for a makeup brush… if the price is right. Don’t be fooled by her youthful visage though, this young woman is one tough cookie with a nice boo-tay and even smoother southern accent. Years behind the Clinque counter has prepared her well for many a photo shoot and for keeping those white cotton knits clean! Atia has coined the inverted bob as her signature cut and whips ‘em out to please!
Chloe White (stylist)
A dancer at heart, this bombshell is particularly fond of the Salsa. Chloe’s roots span across the continent from San Fran to upstate New York. She has worked on various films as both a hairstylists and makeup artist here in the states. But keep your eyes peeled for Chloe whilst vacationing in Central America. With her developing Spanish language skills, Chloe hopes to go global soon. This girl runs on time and slithers around here with such grace, we all look sloppy in comparison.
Beth Benischek (stylist)
Crossing the Mason Dixon once, twice , three times…well, you get the idea. An Asheville gal since ’94, this mama of one beautiful boy has got some kickn style! You may recognize Beth as your lovely server from The Usual Suspects or from her days in Girl Scout Troupe 255. Dependable and trustworthy as a Do Si Dos TM, this woman can whip up a great cut or a great skirt. Sewing since the age of 17, Beth’s aesthetic is fresh & fun! You can call on her for a fantastic updo, a gorgeous gown, or a perfectly arched brow!
Dana McCoy (stylist)
This sassy dame of Wink has called Asheville home for the last 5 years. In between busting out some killer old school curling iron techniques, she’s a preacher’s wife; but don’t think Dana is all old fashioned. This girl is funky fresh with a feisty style. After Winkin’ it, you might find Dana singing with “Rev. Zootie’s Saturday Night Sinners Choir”, or maybe you’ll catch her at the theatre backstage on make-up crew. Dana’s background in dance & theater serve her well when called upon for photo shoots & stage makeup. So whether you’re cutting the rug or cutting your locks, Dana is a groovy mama!
Chad Norris (stylist)
Bio coming soon!
JOB OPENINGS:
Wink is currently looking for an established hair
dresser with his or her own clientele to join our
team of fantastic stylists. If interested, please
email your resume to salon@ilovewink.com.