MEET THE GEMS
CASSANDRA DEROSA
OWNER | FOUNDER | DIAMOND STYLIST@cassderosa
Cass, the brain and blonde behind White Opal Hair co. The White Opal name and idea originated about 6 years ago and with a ton of hard work and dedication, this little dreamland was brought to life. Cass, like most of the gems, grew up in the industry. Cass followed in the footsteps of her mother and went straight to cosmetology school. Which then lead her to an impressive 17 years within the business and she never looked back. Cass is constantly thinking of ways to expand and how to take White Opal to the next level to give her little gems the best of the best. Cass is a hair angel and all who know her or have had the luxury to sit in her chair know just how magical she is and just how much of herself she puts into her craft each and every time.
Crystal: Amethyst
Product: Brazilian Blowout Serum
Loves: Her son Stone and pets, Bali & Basil.
LINDSAY BOLDT
DIAMOND STYLIST | MANAGER | EDUCATION COORDINATOR@lindsayb_whiteopal
The one who has more patience than all of us combined. Lindsay has been behind the chair for 19 years. She has succeeded through the days of giving chunky highlights, the “Victoria Beckham” and the side bang. Her talent is next level and she will never have you leaving her chair with anything less than perfect. She prides herself in doing things the right way, never putting the integrity of your hair at risk. Her knowledge for hair and her passion for wanting to learn and grow is why she is one of the rarest gems. Lindsay is your diamond to make your hair dreams come true.
Crystal: Rose Quartz
Product: Manan Hydrating Serum
Loves: Her kids, her dog Sugar and relaxing.
LACEY DEROSA
INVENTORY GIRLIE | MAKE UP ARTIST | MERCH DESIGNER | BRIDAL COORDINATOR@lacederosa
The girl behind the make-up brush. Lace was naturally born into the beauty industry - growing up in a salon with her mom doing hair. Lace decided to take her passion for drawing, all things art related and perfectionism and embark on the journey of beauty and the colorful world of make-up. She can re-create a portrait with just a pen and some paper or she can re-create to a T, the make-up inspiration of your wildest dreams. Lace also takes great pride in her cleanliness and sanitation skills. If you’re getting married or just want to feel pretty for a night out, don’t hesitate to schedule a make-up session with her, her magic hands and magical soul to match!
Crystal: All of them!
Product: Brazilian Blowout Acai Conditioning Mask
Loves: Crystals, art, her fur babies and plants.
DEVAN FIELD
DIAMOND STYLIST | LEAD BRIDAL STYLIST | MAKEUP ARTIST | CONTENT CREATOR | SUBSCRIPTION ORGANIZER@devan_field
Devan started off slightly unsure of where she wanted to end up within her career. Until she chose to enroll in cosmetology school and realized that’s where her passion was. Devan was the “go-to” girl during her high school years to do everyone’s hair and make up, and of course left everyone she touched feeling more beautiful than they did before. Devan has exceeded all expectations in such a short time and is constantly seeking growth. She is naturally so talented and just simply “gets it”.
Crystal: Diamond
Product: IGK Good Behavior Blowout Balm
Loves: Working out, shopping, and reading.
JOELLE TARANTO
DIAMOND STYLIST | LEAD BRIDAL STYLIST | CONTENT CREATER | SUBSCRIPTION LEADER @joelle.francesca
Joelle dreamt of being in the beauty industry at an extremely young age. She grew up listening to her grandmother tell stories about her coming from Italy to America and raising her father and aunt all while being a very successful hairdresser. Joelle is a natural star, and she will give you the greatest shampoo and head massage you’ve ever had in your life. Her kind-hearted soul, passion for learning, and her determination at such a young age is inspiring. Joelle shines as bright as a diamond and is the glue that holds all of us gems together.
Crystal: Amethyst
Product: Unite Texturiza Spray
Loves: Warm weather, shopping and making memories with her friends and family.
DAMARA NOLAN
SALON DIRECTOR | RECEPTIONIST@damaraconiglione
A few years back when Damara got wind Cass was opening a salon she would jokingly (but very seriously) tell Cass she would be the receptionist. Cass knew that Damara had the ability to not just run the show in the front but be able to take her other strengths and implement them into the business. After working at White Opal for a short while, Damara was so inspired by the gems and industry she went and got certified to be an esthetician. She said a little goodbye to us as she went to pursue that part of her career, and now her journey has led us back together and we couldn’t be more grateful. Damara is your get shit done girlie, and at White Opal that’s the only type of energy we need.
Crystal: Celestite
Product: Amika The Wizard
Loves: Writing, candles, marvel and pasta.
JULIANNA FLORIO
DIAMOND STYLIST@jflorio.hair
Julianna came to us like a breath of fresh air. As a teenager, Julianna was unsure of what career path she wanted to take but found herself drawn to the world of Cosmetology. After a few years of vocational schooling, she realized hair was in fact, for her. Going on 7 years of experience, Julianna has an extensive skillset, including several types of extensions, pixie cuts and of course, blonding. For the absolute best experience paired with the sweetest smile, Julianna does it all.
Crystal: Rose Quartz
Product: Smooth Again by Kevin Murphy
Loves: Cooking, the beach, and espresso martinis.
AMANDA BAILEY
CRYSTAL STYLIST@manda.melts
Amanda’s love for hair began with her mom. Her mom introduced her to the salon life early on, since she also has a passion for hair. After that, it was set in stone. Amanda knew she was destined to create beautiful hair and make all of those around her feel like the best version of themselves. Amanda specializes in lived in blonde and bridal hair. So whether you want perfectly brightened strands or maybe a cute updo, Amanda’s your girl.
Crystal: Sapphire
Product: Unite Texturiza Spray
Loves: Traveling, skiing, and couch snuggles.
HEATHER BUCKHOLZ
DIAMOND STYLIST | LEAD BRIDAL STYLIST | CONTENT CREATOR@heatherbuckholz
Heather attended a vocational school for two years where she decided she loved the industry of hair. From there, she worked in a salon to learn more in depth about the environment and what it had to offer. Heather has two sisters that are both stylists whom she felt inspired by. She loved getting dressed up and making all her friends feel their absolute prettiest. Heather is a natural born star and will take you to all of your wildest blonde dreams.
Crystal: Citrine
Product: Aiir Shine Spray
Loves: Makeup, traveling and shopping.
KENZIE ROCA
CRYSTAL STYLIST@manedandtamed
Kenzie went for it and attended vocational school during her high school years. She’s worked in a salon environment since she was 16 years old and picked up all the tips and tricks in the process to bring your dream hair to life. While Kenzie specializes in lived-in color, she loves our brunette girlies. If you’re looking a change, no matter how big or small, Kenzie can execute and she’ll leave you feeling brand new.
Crystal: Rose Quartz
Product: 7 Second Detangler by Unite
Loves: Espresso Martinis, the city, & her dog Bruno.
MIA BERARDI
LITTLE GEM STYLIST | MAKE UP ARTIST | PINTEREST ORGANIZER@hairbymiaberardi
Mia took the leap of faith and joined the cosmetology program through her high school to see if it were something she would enjoy doing. Turns out she was MEANT to make people feel beautiful. Mia grew up with family members all throughout the industry and quotes her aunt and father as her inspirations. Mia specializes in lived in blondes and brondes and will work her magic to give you your dreamiest hair.
Crystal: Carnelian
Product: Unite 7 Seconds Detangler
Loves: Spending time with her family and friends, the beach, shopping and her dogs.
LARA COSTA
LITTLE GEM IN TRAINING | CONTENT CREATOR@laracosta_.__
The beauty industry called to Lara almost immediately. When she was younger, she began doing her dolls hair and from there, her own. Starting with her bangs! She says the industry has always captured her heart and there is nothing she loves more than enhancing the already beautiful features on ones self, taking it to the next level. Her priority is making sure all those she works on, and with, feel absolutely confident, beautiful and 100% like THAT girl.
Crystal: Amethyst
Product: Texturiza Spray by Unite
Loves: Wine, getting dressed up and going out, traveling, shopping and of course, tequila.
TONI TRAVER
CRYSTAL STYLIST@toni_traver
Toni’s grandmother owned a beauty parlor. There, she would watch her and observe all she could. She knew from a young age that she was destined for the beauty industry and she wouldn’t change a thing. Toni has a wide range of specialties, including but not limited to all blonding services, brunettes, extensions and more recently, bridal hair and make-up. Toni is a woman of all trades in this industry and we’re so lucky she’s a gem.
Crystal: Citrine
Product: Blonda Oil by Unite
Loves: Traveling, going to the gym and her puppies!
ERIANNA NGUYEN
RECEPTIONIST | LITTLE GEM IN TRAINING@erianna_nguyen
Erianna was born into the beauty industry. Her parents owned a nail salon and from there, she knew beauty was something she wanted to be part of. Growing up, she had goals of one day opening her own business. Paired with her love for all things in the industry, she decided to go to cosmetology school and the rest was set in stone. Erianna plans to train and perfect her craft in all things hair but more specifically, blonding and extensions. She’s a go getter and you can bet, she’ll get you right.
Crystal: Rose Quartz
Product: 7 Seconds Detangler by Unite
Loves: Surfing, all sea animals, hanging out with friends and naturally, Surfsides.
JEANMARIE VASSALLO
ESTHETICIAN@jeanmarieesthetics_
JeanMarie’s interest in skincare started from within. Her want and need for a natural routine grew from when she was young into her adult years. She took all of her knowledge and targeted it into getting her esthetician license. JeanMarie practices holistic services, as well as all brow services, waxing, lash lifts and of course, facials. Book JeanMarie for your most soothing appointment yet.
Crystal: Rose Quartz
Product: Vitamin Veil Facial Cleansing Oil
Loves: Traveling, getting ready and going, the beach, and yoga.
JILLIAN KNEHR
LITTLE GEM STYLIST | RECEPTIONIST@by.jilli
Jill knew right away that she was meant for this industry. Her passion for beauty began when she was just a little girl and continued through her teenage years. She did anyone’s hair that she could get her hands on. What kept her going was the feeling of seeing those whose hair she touched, smile and leave her space feeling brand new and improved. Jill specializes in all things blonde but of course, like most of us, enjoys the pretty little dimension so many brunettes possess. Jill is a people lover, a great “hairapist” and can talk to you all day about what your favorite crystal means.
Crystal: Red Carnelia
Product: Kevin Murphy Plumping Shampoo & Kevin Murphy Repair Conditioner
Loves: Coffee, dogs, the beach, her car (a cute lil’ beetle), clothes and jewelry.
DANIELA MACIAS
RECEPTIONIST@danielamaciasxo
Daniela’s interest in the beauty industry began in fashion. While she had love for both fashion and cosmetology, fashion came first and Daniela decided to pursue that genre of beauty. After realizing her love for hair never faulted, she continued down that path next. Yes, she’s a woman of many trades! Daniela was always the go-to, helping her friends and family get dolled up, no matter what the occasion. She loves styling and giving a killer blowout. To put it simply, she can transform ‘ya.
Crystal: Citrine
Product: Amika The Wizard & Amika The Kure
Loves: Reading romance novels, eating (don’t we all?), the beach and her kiddies!
ASHLEY MORALES
LITTLE GEM STYLIST | BRIDAL STYLIST | INVENTORY GIRLIE@ashmoraleshair
As a little girl, Ashley would have her younger cousins sit as her hair models. They’d leave her home with big, crazy updos and ever since then, she knew exactly what she wanted to do when she grew up. As a teenager Ashley attended vocational school and realized how much she enjoyed being in a salon environment. As expected, Ashley loves styling and creating the perfect updo or down do for all of your events, occasions & special moments.
Crystal: Rose Quartz
Product: Texturiza by Unite
Loves: Shopping, steak dinners, and spending time with her niece and nephew.
EMILY BENINTENTE
CRYSTAL STYLIST@ejaybeehair
Emily knew immediately that she wanted to be part of the beauty industry and was straight to the point. She instantly fell in love with the idea of doing hair. Emily completed cosmetology school and the rest was history. She has always had a deep passion for being able to transform people to make them feel their absolute best. Emily specializes in vivid color, extensions, and color corrections. She can also chat you up about all things astrology and all things crystals. She will make sure you leave her chair feeling your most beautiful self.
Crystal: Larimar
Product: Aiir Texture Spray
Loves: Crystals, being with her son, and her cats.
NICOLE SCOTTO
ESTHETICIAN@nicolenoel.esthetics
Doing a job that was meaningful was super important to Nicole. Esthetics has helped her incorporate her already-there healing nature into luxury services that make you feel brand new and beautiful in your own skin. Not only will she help you feel your best on the outside, her knowledge and ever expanding education makes her a perfect fit for those looking to learn more about their skin, what it needs and how to keep glowing, always.
Crystal: Citrine
Product: Green Envee Glow C+ Serum
Loves: Concerts, sunsets, astrology and the beach.
ALYSSA SABATINO
LITTLE GEM STYLIST | CONTENT CREATOR@alyssasabatino
Alyssa is our chameleon. She is ever-changing in all the best ways. Graduating college with a degree in education, Alyssa realized her passion was elsewhere and decided to attend cosmetology school. From there, she realized that is exactly where she was supposed to be. Her love for hair and making people feel their best is what keeps her wanting more.
Crystal: Citrine
Product: IGK First Class Charcoal Dry Shampoo
Loves: Movies, cooking and working out.
SUNNY AMBER
LITTLE GEM STYLIST | BRIDAL STYLIST@by.sunnyamber
At a young age Sunny began to practice different hairstyles on herself, as well as her dolls. When she got a little older, her friends entrusted her to color their hair and she knew then, this was her passion. During the pandemic, Sunny took that time to realize that she wanted to continue creating pretty little hair and making everyone around her feel their absolute best. Sunny looks forward to bringing you all the blonding services, men’s cuts, as well as bridal styling.
Crystal: Black Tourmaline
Product: Kevin Murphy Young Again Oil
Loves: Yoga, coffee and traveling.
CHRISTINA RENZI
CRYSTAL STYLIST@__hairbychristina
Christina began her stylist journey by braiding anyone and everyone’s hair that she could get her hands on. When she was old enough, her mom encouraged her to attend cosmetology school to enhance her already-there gifts when it came to doing hair, and turns out.. she loved it. While Christina enjoys all areas of the beauty industry, she excels in lived-in color, and she loves giving her clients those long layered haircuts we all know and dream about. Christina is here for all of your hair needs and she will not disappoint.
Crystal: Citrine
Product: Texturiza Spray by Unite
Loves: Penne vodka, espresso martinis, tequila, traveling, and summertime.
HALEY CHAMP
CRYSTAL STYLIST@haley.hairstudio
Haley grew up being the go-to girl, doing all of her friends’ hair and makeup for school and sporting events. She possessed the natural talent to make others feel their best, and fell hard for the beauty industry. Knowing college wasn’t in her cards, she immediately attended cosmetology school and thrived. Haley specializes in lived in color and install for several types of extensions.. in fact, Haley is such an extension QUEEN, she recently created her own luxury hand-tied extension line, Lush extensions. Haley is available for consultations, color & of course, perfected, luxurious extensions.
Crystal: Amethyst
Product: LUSH Hair Extensions!
Loves: Latte’s, Target, shopping, hanging out with her puppy Coconut & laughing with friends & family.
DANIELLE GIBBONS
BRIDAL STYLIST@thatnewcurlintown
Danielle always loved doing hair. Styling, curling, braiding, you name it. It wasn’t until Cass encouraged her to enhance her talent that she decided to attend beauty school. From there, Danielle became a licensed cosmetologist, esthetician and nail artist. Danielle is on the White Opal bridal team & will do all she can to make sure you feel like an absolute dream on your special day.
Crystal: Larimar
Product: Texturiza Spray by Unite
Loves: Her cat, Birdie, cotton candy ice cream, and long dinners to relax and unwind.
NICOLETTE AQUITATO
CRYSTAL STYLIST@hairby_nicc
As a young girl, Nicolette was inspired by her mother, a fellow hairdresser. She shadowed her and absorbed everything she could. She attended cosmetology school and couldn’t have loved it more. Nicolette specializes in all blonding services, lived-in color, bridal hair and extensions. If you’re looking for your dream hair and a breath of fresh air, Nicolette is the one!
Crystal: Aquamarine
Product: LePlay Hairspray by Unite
Loves: The beach, working out, cooking & baking.
NICOLE ARCIERI
CRYSTAL STYLIST@lovelylocs.bynic
Nicole loves the therapy in doing hair. When working on a canvas, she zones in and forgets about all else to ensure you get the best possible outcome on your pretty little hair. Like most stylists, Nicole thrives on making people feel their best. Specializing in lived-in color and the bounciest of blowouts, Nicole will do all she can to make you feel your most beautiful self.
Crystal: Amethyst
Product: Texturiza by Unite
Loves: Spending time with her friends and family, shopping and cuddling with her pup.
CRIS GIGANTE
LITTLE GEM STYLIST
JOEY DAVINO
CO-FOUNDER | BUSINESS STRATEGISTJoey grew up working on his father’s farm watching his mom and dad build a plant nursery from nothing to a multi million dollar business. He spent 8 years in the US military leading and protecting a team of 8 soldiers. Shortly after leaving the military he met Cassandra. While she was hustling behind the chair he went to school and earned a degree in finance and a masters in business. It was during this time that the White Opal idea originated and Cass & Joey would do anything to make their dream come to life. Joey is passionate about a lot of things but truly helping, protecting, and having an impact on people’s lives and their careers is at the top of the list. He spends a lot of time evaluating the world around us and the economy. He’s constantly paying attention to the industry on a broader scale to strategize how we can make White Opal better. His biggest flex of all is he’s as handy as they come, and you better believe us gems keep him very very very busy. You’ll catch Joey around the salon helping wherever he can!
Crystal: Black Opal
Product: Jolie Filtered Showerhead
Loves: Golfing, protein, Stone and Cassandra, duh!