Leonie Johnston
Leonie Johnston is a lifelong resident of Biloxi. She spent years in marketing, public relations and media sales before following her dream to become a stylist. Leonie’s leadership, energy and enthusiasm have been a valuable resource for many community organizations. She has served as president of the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce and Biloxi Main Street Association, and a member of the executive committee for the Greater Biloxi Economic Foundation. She is a former chairman of the board for CASA of South Mississippi and served on Biloxi Mayor A.J. Holloway’s Rebuilding and Renaissance committee for small business after Katrina. Lavish Salon received the Tapestry Award for small business and most recently Leonie received the “4 Ever Young Award” for her commitment to community presented by Coast Young Professionals. Leonie second love is community theater where she is quite active.
Leonie often says that she has “done hair” since she was 10 years old. Styling has always been her passion, and she pursued that dream after a successful career in marketing and sales. She became a professional stylist in April 2000 and since that time has learned that the most significant thing she can do for her clients — her friends — is to connect with them, to understand and respond to their needs. Leonie recognizes the importance of every friend who enters her salon. Whether someone stops by for a quick trim during lunch or stays for an afternoon of pampering, they’ll leave Lavish looking better, and consequently, feeling better. Leonie knows that being a stylist encompasses more than providing the standard services. Leonie specializes in cuts, color, styling, human hair temporary extensions and airbrush makeup application. She feels it is her privilege to care for her clients, whom she considers friends. She knows that people live life in a hurry, and when they visit Lavish salon, Leonie will ensure that time spent there is peaceful, relaxing and meaningful. From experiencing the Lavish signature shampoo massage, to taking time to enjoy the latest magazine and fresh spring water, friends at Lavish will escape the day’s hustle and enter a haven of beauty and peace. It’s time for your Lavish experience.
David Gibbons
David began his exciting career in cosmetology in Mobile, Alabama, where he graduated from the Mobile Academy of Hair Design. In 1981 he moved to the coast, displaying his unique talents in salons including Regis, Gayfers and the Hairitage Salons. Continually striving to improve his expertise ultimately paid off when he opened the salon Scissor Society. One of many memorable occasions in his illustrious career was providing hair and make-up backstage at the Miss Teen USA Pageant for celebrity hostess Leeza Gibbons. David met Lavish Salon Owner, Leonie Johnston after he lost his salon in Katrina, and he has shared his expertise and knowledge to assist in the concept and opening of Lavish Salon. “I relied quite a bit on David’s input. He has been a blessing and an awesome addition to Team Lavish.” – Leonie Johnston, Lavish Salon Owner
Stephanie Demoran
Stephanie is a native of New Orleans and now resides in Ocean Springs. She has met and worked with some of the finest and most talented hairdressers in this area and feels privileged to be associated with Lavish Salon. She is a graduate of John Jay School of Cosmetology and Aesthetics and has over fifteen years experience. After taking her State Board Stephanie preceded to perfect her talents through advanced training and have worked with the very best hair dressers in the New Orleans and Gulf Coast area. Stephanie specializes in precision cutting, creative color, corrective color, hair extensions Keratin smoothing systems and Microdermabrasion.
Billie Jo Eckhart
Billie Jo Eckhart has been on the Coast since the early ’90s and has been a licensed hairdresser since 1995. A graduate of Chris’ Beauty College in Gulfport, Billie specializes in cuts, color, men’s haircutting and Keratin and Thermal hair straightening. Billie joined the Lavish team in late 2010 and is thrilled to advance her career in her new environment. Other than Billie’s love for hairstyling, she is enjoying her newest love, Karcher, her grandson.
Ronda Quayhagen Jones
Ronda moved to the Gulf Coast in September, 2010, to be closer to family and enjoy the beaches. She found Lavish Salon and now considers it home. Ronda has been creating smiles for over 23 years and still loves it!! Ronda is certified in Keratin Brazilian straightening treatments and So.Cap USA hair extensions. She also specializes in color, foil highlights, special event styles and waxing.
Gena Lea
Gena Lea is a Biloxi native; she is also a graduate of Blue Cliff College. Gena recently joined the Lavish team and is looking forward to an exciting career. Gena is continuously striving to improve her expertise. She has an extensive background in customer service and always strives to make her client feel special. Gena says to her doing hair is a passion, something she has always enjoyed; she loves to make people feel and look their best.
Beth Boswell
Beth is a Michigan native, who fell in love with the Coast and became a resident of Biloxi in October 2010. Beth has been certified in reflexology since December of 2006. Beth uses her intuition and experience to help the body relax and balance itself.
Cindy Gillespie
Cindy is a life long resident of the Gulf Coast. She graduated from Chris’ Beauty College in 1996. She worked actively as a Cosmetologist on and off since graduation while pursuing a career in law enforcement. “My passion is making people feel good about themselves, Cosmetology is where my heart is.” Cindy specializes in modern haircuts as well as creating new styles and looks for each individual. She is also an experienced and educated make-up artist. Now as a full time member of the Lavish Team She is striving to make each client a part of “our family” Come see Cindy for not only great hair, make up, waxing, pedicures and other services but to experience a salon like no other, where “our new family” comes first! She looks forward to meeting new people and tohelpmake Lavish the place everyone wants to be! Cindy’s motto is: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”
Brian Dozier
Brian is a Coast native who has spent the last 6 years in New York studying hair. Brian specializes in the fun, funky, and cutting edge styles and colors.
Brandee Moshenrose
Brandee was born and raised in Ocean Springs. She graduated from Day Spa Career College in 2009. Brandee is an accomplished makeup artist who also specializes in hair color. She also does cuts, nails, and waxing. She is very excited to be a part of Team Lavish and would like to say, “Even though I’m pretty new I’m looking forward to growing and learning at Lavish.” Brandee’s motto is: Live hard, die pretty.
In Memoriam Jerry Williams
During his 20 plus year career Jerry Williams worked with the Regis Corporation, Express Yourself Salon, and Alexander’s, acquiring exceptional skills as a hairdresser. However, Jerry’s educational pursuits have not been limited to cosmetology. In 2002 he received an associate of arts degree from the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College at Jeff Davis, and in May 2007 he received his degree in business administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. ”I knew Jerry by his reputation in the industry and have seen his work over the years. It was a thrill for me when he accepted the invitation to join the Lavish Team!” – Leonie Johnston, Lavish Salon Owner. Jerry was part of the original Lavish Team, but his life came to an end all too soon. Jerry left our world on October 5th, 2010. His talent behind the chair as well as on the stage will be greatly missed. He created beauty every day.
We will miss his gorgeous smile, his infectious laugh and the light he brought to all of us. “Jerry will always be a member of the Lavish Team, and it will never be quite the same without him” – Leonie Johnston