Regina Rush

Owner, Artistic Director, Makeup Artist

Regina is a 38-year-old mom, wife, and licensed cosmetologist. She purchased the salon to follow her dream of making an impact in the lives of others. Her mission is to pay forward what our beautiful industry has given to her. She has focused her entire 17 years in the industry around education. She is originally from Metuchen, NJ and resides in Forked River, NJ.

In 2004, Regina started out in the industry as a Makeup Artist attending Dawn Til' Dusk makeup academy in Nutley, NJ. Her first job in beauty was with Estee Lauder as a makeup artist and beauty consultant in Menlo Park Mall.

In 2006, After graduating Cosmetology school in New Bern, North Carolina at Craven Community College, Regina met her mentor who hired her as her first employee at a small salon and taught her everything she knew. When the time came to move back to her home State of New Jersey, she made a home at a few different salons throughout the years from 2008 to 2015. While working at her last salon, The Art of Hair in Old Bridge, she became a Brand Educator for the world's #1 hair color company, Wella Professionals. This role opened many new doors and as she moved up the ranks, she left her career behind the chair and become a full time regional manager for Wella. 

Regina spent 5 years with Wella working on many projects and moved on to work for Joico for a short time, and finally to L'Oreal. Her last role was the head of education for the global marketing team on the brand Redken. In July 2021, after completing years of rewarding work for the top beauty companies in the world (Estee Lauder, Procter and Gamble, Coty, Henkel and L'Oreal) she followed a long-term dream of owning her own salon to help educate, elevate and enrich other stylists and purchased Bella Salon.

Her passion is educating her clients and stylists on what is best for caring for the integrity of their hair. Hair is so much more than just a beauty service, it is a personal relationship with your favorite stylist. It is a time where our stylists get to listen to your needs and make you feel good in your own skin. Our profession as cosmetologists has long been misconceived with many stereotypes and Regina has always been on a mission to bring awareness to how much goes into our education and profession. She is a complete science nerd, so expect a lot of coaching on product use, treatments and caring for your hair.

Her hair specialties are color correction, balayage, blonding, foiling, dimensional gray coverage, bobs and long hair, curly hair, and blowouts. She has a strong knowledge of coarse, curly/coily patterned textures. She prides herself in helping her clients achieve healthy and beautiful but also wearable looks that are tailored to the client's desired maintenance level and budget. You can expect long customized appointments that are heavy in consultation and reaching your hair dream goals. 

Jill Rizzo

Artistic Director

We are so excited to welcome Jill back to the Bella Salon team. Jill left for a family leave last year and is finally ready to come back to work. She makes a great addition to our group and is one of only two stylists at Artistic Director pricing.

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Jill graduated Beauty Culture Vocational School in Keyport, and also Paul Mitchell Haircutting School in NYC.  She worked in the Eatontown and Shrewsbury are for 49 years and recently joined Bella Salon because she moved to the area and needed to start working closer to home. 

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She has enjoyed the beauty business because of the long- lasting relationships she has built with her clients and loves making them look and feel beautiful.  Her favorite services are long layered haircuts, highlights, dimensional gray coverage, short haircuts and men's scissor cuts and she specializes in updos and formal styling. She loves a happy and colorful work environment.

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Jill is a cat lover, an interior decorator, loves to laugh at a really funny story, and also lives for a good traditional Italian family meal.

Noelle Metz

Stylist

Bella Salon born and raised, Noelle has been with us for 7 years.  She learned her craft by first learning the in's and out's of the salon, becoming an assistant, then junior stylist, and now is growing her career as a Stylist.  

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She graduated from Ocean County Vocational School in Toms River, NJ.  Her specialties are dimensional gray coverage, blonding, Brazilian Blowout, blowouts and is certified in 4 different methods of Bellami Hair Extensions. She is constantly continuing her education and loves being able to offer new services and trends to her clientele.

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In 2022, Noelle got hitched and spent her honeymoon in Hawaii.  She loves her Husky, Nala and her Romanian community.  Her favorite place to be is at the beach and she enjoys going out for great food, fun and being surrounded by her family and friends.

Tina Pellicano

Head Nail Tecnician

We cant say enough about our one-of-a-kind nail expert and waxing specialist, Tina. She has been a cosmetologist for 30 years. She takes pride in caring for your natural nails while specializing in nail extensions.  

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She offers a variety of nail services from a classic manicure to full gel sets, gel manicures, and spa pedicures.  Her signature is the nail stamping art she creates. Don't have any idea what color or design you'd like? She is skilled at coming up with custom designs for you, always staying on the latest trends but also respecting the classics. You can expect her to be busy, as she books up very quickly, but you can also expect her to run on time and efficiently without feeling rushed.

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Tina's #1 is her family.  Recently becoming a grandmother to her second grandchild, she enjoys taking adventures with her family and getting to the beach as often as she can.  

Stephanie Micklos

Salon Coordinator

Stephanie has been an esthetician since 2011 graduating from The Hair Design School in Ocean Twp, NJ.  She has been working in salons and spas ever since.  She has experience in privately owned businesses and also Hand and Stone, and European Wax Center.  

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She coordinates the stylists' books, makes appointments and can help you with suggestions for the perfect haircare products to take home.  You can expect a cheery disposition when you walk in the door or speak to her on the phone.  If you are new to the salon, she will match you with the right service provider for your needs.

As a loving girl-mom she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach and a really good cup of coffee.

Bernadette White

Junior Stylist

Bernadette made a career change and decided to follow the passion she always had in cosmetology. After assisting at Bella Salon, she has moved up to Junior Stylist. She is building her clientele so you will find that you get high quality hair for junior prices.  She is building fast so make sure you get her at these prices while you can!  

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You can expect to have meticulous service with Bernadette.  She pays close attention to every detail and is a perfectionist when it comes to highlighting and formulation.  She has an eye for what is most flattering for you.  Our Junior Stylists are supported by our Master Stylists an Artistic Director so you will often see us all bouncing ideas off of each other while Bernadette is still building up her following. When she isn't taking clients, she is helping assist or you will often see her tucked away with a doll head practicing new coloring and cutting techniques. Her specialties are foil highlighting, babylights, styling and blowdrying.  

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Bernadette is a loving mother of 2 and a brand-new grandmother.  She is a pizza connoisseur, and she loves dogs too.

Linda Gallo

Stylist

Linda came to Bella Salon in October of 2022 after deciding to close her own salon, Salon 24 in Lakehurst, that she owned for 11 years. She has been a stylist for 54 years!  Her specialties are corrective color, blonding and texturizing services.  She has been serving her clientele in the area for 26 years and has found a place with us that she can let go of the responsibilities of owning a business and just do what she loves the most, which is making her client's hair beautiful.  

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Linda is a proud mom and grandmother and loves her family.  Her superpower is tap dancing!

Tina O'Connor

Stylist

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Give a warm welcome to our newest Master Stylist, Tina! She has an extensive resume she would like to share:

• Graduated Barbazon in Orlando in 1982 and signed a 2- year contract with John Casablanca modeling studio in Melbourne Beach, FL.

• Graduated BCC in Cosmetology in Cocoa Beach, FL.

• In the same year she became certified in Duboone Nails and also ear piercing.

• She came to us in NJ in 1988 where she earned her Advanced Hair Design certificate at Wilfred Beauty Academy in Newark.

• After taking time off to raise her family, she returned in 2003 and spent 11 years at Regis Salons with 5 of those years as salon manager.

• While spending time behind the chair she graduated World Harvest Bible School in Pennsauken. and in 2010 earned her Cosmetology Teaching License at Empire Beauty School in Laurel Springs.

• Recently she has become certified in Brazilian Blowout and worked in a few local salons when she moved to the area, AI Barbershop and Unique Image Salon in Lakehurst.

Tina comes to Bella to build her career in a larger salon family where she can be around like-minded people and have fun! She likes to make her clients look and feel good while also educating them along the way. In the summer you can find her in places where swimming is involved. She also enjoys all kinds of animals and spending time with them. On colder days she likes to walk and eats clean to stay fit. Tina is a minimalist at home, she loves to travel and is always looking for a new adventure. Welcome Tina!

Diana Conroy

Stylist, Salon Manager

Diana grew up in Ocean County and graduated cosmetology school in 1999 from Capri Institute.  She has worked most of her career locally. To her, performing services is like creating happiness and relationships.  Diana is passionate about her career and cherishes her coworkers like family. 

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Over the last 8+ years at Bella Salon she has built quite a loyal and large following. In addition to hairdressing, she manages and mentors the salon team. She is a leader! Making you laugh and love your hair is her top priority.  Her specialties are sassy and fun Pixies, gray coverage, dimensional hair color, men's haircuts and Brazilian Blowouts.  Listening to your needs and creating a look that works for you is her strength. Now taking clients on Mondays!

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Diana would like you to know that she loves to cook, clean and work.  She is a people person, dog lover, chatter box by her own definition, and she "cracks herself up all the time".  She enjoys food and you'll likely hear her most famous question while you visit: "what are we ordering for lunch?". She has two nephew's who she adores and is close with her very large Romanian Gypsy family. 

Amanda Couldron

Assistant Manager, Junior Stylist, Makeup Artist

Amanda is an exciting addition to Bella Salon. She came to us when the owner of the salon she worked in (Linda Gallo) decided to join our team.  She graduated from cosmetology at OCVTS and has been a stylist for 4 years. In the year she has been with us, Amanda has been promoted to Assistant manager and has come onto the team full-time. She is a client favorite with her bubbly personality and ability to connect with clients of any age and gender.

She brings an artistic energy and vibe to our culture. Not only is she amazing at formulating beautiful dimensional color that is wearable every day, she is also very strong in creating vivid looks (can you tell by her hair?). 

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Amanda will make sure you are taken care of from the minute you have a consultation with her.  She aims to create the best cut and color suited for your lifestyle. Her specialties are coloring and perming. She loves to give creative perms that are trending like the "K Perm" or what we like to call the "Boy Perm". She also has a talent for makeup and is great at giving tips and tricks for your own makeup routine. 

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Her Junior Stylist pricing will not last long, as her book is building quickly. You can catch Amanda every day except Thursdays and Sundays. Now open on Monday!

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Dogs (well, all animals really) are her favorite! She has adorable Beagles and wants to see your pets' pictures. She also loves coffee and sleep, has a great sense of humor and has bartender super powers. Who's a better listener than your hairstylist and bartender? Someone who is both!

Hailey Espinoza Romero

Head Apprentice/Nail Tech/ Receptionist

Hailey is our youngest team member at Bella Salon!  She is a very talented cosmetologist in training.  Currently attending vocational and technical school locally, Hailey chose Bella Salon to be the place she grows into a nail technician and stylist. Not only is this her first salon, but it is her first job.  Her dream is to one day open her own salon and we are so here to help her achieve her goals.

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Currently under her permit, she is taking nail clients at apprentice pricing but don't be fooled by the price tag. Hailey has just as much talent as technicians with years of experience. Her expertise in Gel-X applications sets her apart from other nail tech's in ocean county. Using Apres Gel-X products, she can create highly specialized nail art and uber-trendy 3D looks. Her prices will not last long, as her book is building very fast. 

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As a member of the Bella Salon "Pretty Committee", in her first season she is creating beautiful updo's and formal styles for Proms, Sweet 16s, Quinceañeras, Bat Mitzvas and events. She can even create dance recital and cheerleading hair so moms don't have to. Inquire about our 2024 Prom packages!

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Hailey is very close with her family.  She is an outstanding member of the community and her church. Her talents include dancing, singing and she is active in her school and community through coaching and various clubs. She has an eye for art and design.

Nancy Lalicata

Stylist

Nancy has been beautifying her clients at Bella Salon for almost 11 years.  Prior to being on our team, she owned her own salon for 30!  She has been in the industry for many years and specializes in hair of all lengths.  She loves doing long hair and highlights but also does a killer short haircut and men's hair as well. She also enjoys all types of waxing.  Her clients would tell you that she is one of a kind.  She has a warm personality and will always have you laughing with her very witty humor.  

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Family is her center, with 2 children, 6 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.  Nancy loves to make people feel great about themselves and consistently does so when you sit in her chair. Her longevity in this industry speaks for itself!

Jesica Navarrete 

Apprentice, Makeup Artist 

Jesica is a future rockstar in training at a local cosmetology school and member of our Bella Salon "Pretty Committee". She is a certified makeup artist, building her portfolio. Her focus is on Prom, Sweet 16, Quinceañera, Bat Mitzvah and formal events. Ask us about this 2024 Prom season packages! 

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In addition, she hopes to specialize in hair color and cutting on all types and textures of hair. 

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Jesica loves all things cats! She enjoys music, concerts, her friends and has a super cheery personality. You can't miss that smile when she is in the room. Ask her to give you one of her famous relaxing shampoos!

Camille Spinella

Stylist

Camille has been in the beauty industry for 54 years and with Bella Salon for 5.  She is our ray of sunshine with an always positive attitude and smiling face!  Camille decided to move "down the shore" after living in Vernon Township for 45 years. After being retired for about 6 weeks she missed what she calls "making her dolls pretty" and decided to join the salon team. She comes from a family of beauticians, barbers and Morticians and wound up following the trade.  

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She specializes in gray coverage, color services, blow dry sets, as well as perms and specialty perms/texture services. She will make you feel like you have known her forever, and always makes sure to pay attention to what your needs are.

Maria Ritchie

Stylist, Aesthetician

Maria loves to make you feel the best about yourself. You can tell right away with her warm personality that she is going to be attentive to your needs and make you feel beautiful. She has been at Bella Salon for 5 years and specializes in dimensional color, color transformations, haircutting all lengths including men and children and she gives a wonderful facial.  Because of her expertise in skincare, her approach to hair is very consultative and prescriptive.  She will always recommend a routine and help you to achieve a look that is practical and easy for you to do at home. She loves to perform customized hair treatments that will transform your hair.

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Maria's superpower is how she works with children. She is particularly skilled with haircuts for autistic children. Her pride and joy is her 22 year old son.

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