Desirea has been playing with hair since her teens. Finally following her heart, she loves her career behind the chair; there is nowhere else she would rather be. Staying inspired and informed, she loves taking classes. Color excites her from naturals to unique fashion colors. She loves anything artsy, weird, and eccentric. Both of her grandfathers were barbers, so it is in her blood.
Working at Alchemy since its inception, Gwen is one of the original four who were present the morning the doors opened. Gwen specializes in constructing a style uniquely individualized for each consult. Though she is known for above the shoulder-length styles, she is certified in Japanese straightening, Wella color, Vidal Sassoon creative cut and color and more. With more than fifteen years experience, she keeps things simple with naked core beliefs. In hair, Gwen is an advocate for classic styles with an updated urban flavor to keep things fresh. In life, she is an advocate for an honest approach with a passion which drives her towards progression of evolution. “Change begins where one’s comfort ends” An affinity for all things art, she spends time outside of Alchemy seeking inspiration in places like nature, live performance art, the Hirshorn, the Freer and Sackler galleries, and at her own desk working art of her own. She maintains balance in life through practice of yoga and volunteer work. As one of the few senior cosmetologists at Alchemy, Gwen makes it her mission to lead by example in and outside of the salon.
Jeremiah joined our team in 2011. His grandmother was a hairdresser so he grew up surrounded by hair and was greatly influenced by her. After attending college for a little while, Jeremiah decided he wanted to pursue something that would allow him to express himself creatively. He went to beauty school for a year and then apprenticed for a year. He worked in Georgetown for several years, where he got the opportunity to work for Wella. He is now a part of Wella's Design and education team and gets to travel to salons all over the world to teach and attend classes. His favorite projects are makeovers and he loves the instant gratification he experiences when his clients love their hair. Outside of the salon, Jeremiah enjoys art in all forms, including music, fashion, museums, and architecture. He believes in enjoying life and looking good doing it!
Julie joined the Alchemy team in 2010. She attended beauty school right after high school and comes from five generations of hairdressers! Some of her favorite hair projects to tackle are blondes and short haircuts. One of the most rewarding part of her job is getting to brighten people's day by making them feel great about themselves. Outside of the salon, Julie loves spending time with her four boys, exercising, and watching scary movies.
Shereen has been with Alchemy since 2011. She started her career in hair in 2001 when she attended Graham Webb Academy. Extensions, highlights, and special event hair are her specialties. Her favorite part of doing hair is that she gets to come to work everyday and be creative and express herself while making people happy. When she isn't in the salon, she loves to travel and explore new places. One of her favorite charities is helping underprivileged kids by donating back-to-school supplies and Christmas presents. Shereen's positive, caring, and outgoing personality are a great contribution to the energy of the salon.
Madinah joined our team in 2014. She originally wanted to do makeup for movies, but after attending the Paul Mitchell School in Rockville, she decided to switch to hair. She has always had a passion for making people feel beautiful, and loves that she can help change the way that people view themselves in a positive way. She loves makeovers, and has a knack for knowing what changes, even if they are simple, will make her client feel like the best version of themself. When shes not at the salon, Madinah spends a lot of time in her basement art studio, working with acrylic paints on a canvas. She also loves trips to the beach and hiking. She believes that "The best revenge is good hair....and good eyebrows!"
Nikki has been at Alchemy since 2007 when she started at the front desk. She was inspired by the creative energy of the salon and decided to start her apprenticeship. She apprenticed for four years before becoming a stylist. She has a knack for styling and finishing, as well as catering to curly textured hair. Her problem solving skills give her the unique ability to figure out exactly what issues clients are experiencing with their hair so that they can come up with a solution. She pulls a lot of inspiration from the drive and energy of coworkers and other hairdressers. Her free time is spent with her 2 1/2 year old son, Niko having outdoor adventures together. Nikki was born and raised in Silver Spring, MD. She also loves to help people in her spare time, dedicating a lot of down time to teaching or helping the apprentices and junior stylists with any questions or projects.