April 24, 2012 (Raleigh, NC) – Samuel Cole Salon stylists, Tiffanie Spellenberg, Robyn Murphy, Cara Harrison, and Alley Biehl readied models for NC State University’s Art 2 Wear fashion show. The show is held each spring semester and showcases student designers displaying original collections with a common theme. Spellenberg, Murphy, Harrison, and Biehl let their editorial creativity flow as they styled the models’ hair for the event.
“We are always willing to lend our talent to local events. The young designers are so talented. We were thrilled to be a part of their big night,” said Joelle Ray, co-owner of Samuel Cole Salon with her husband, Jack Ray.
For more information visit www.samuelcole.com
Sara Beard & Joelle Ray with models Joelle with Ramona Eschbach Joelle's model
April 16, 2012 (NEW YORK CITY) – Joelle Ray, owner of Samuel Cole Salon and Master Stylist, Sara Beard recently attended a Fashion Runway Workshop taught by ORIBE editorial genius, Ramona Eschbach in New York City. The intensive, hands-on class was by invitation only. Ray and Beard added to their knowledge of the ins and outs of working backstage at fashion week with demonstrations from Eschbach on looks from recent catwalk shows. They, then, recreated these looks with coaching from Eschbach.
“I’ve worked with Ramona before for Paris Fashion week on the Damir Doma show. She is amazing, talented, and a great source of inspiration. I feel so lucky to have great mentors and friends,” said Ray.
Born and raised in California, Eschbach moved to New York in 1998 and spent the next 10 years working and living in NYC. She started out training at Bumble & bumble as a stylist and instructor, then moved on to freelancing in 2002, assisting Eugene Soulieman in Europe and New York. She has since worked with magazines, such as Dazed and Confused, i-D, MIXTE, V, VMan, 10 Men, Lula, MUSE, Numero Tokyo, and German, Portuguese, and Turkish Vogue. She has collaborated with a strong roster of photographers on both editorial and commercial projects, including Serge Leblon, Peter Lindbergh, Jason Nocito, Josh Olins, Sophie Delaporte, David Roemer, and Carlotta Manaigo among others.
Eschbach has also keyed shows during fashion week for the last 4 years, including Tim Hamilton, Rachel Comey, Matthew Ames, and Rad Hourani in NY, and Damir Doma and Christophe Lemaire in Paris. Occasionally, she works with celebrities who include Demi Moore, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Mary-Kate Olsen, Luduvine Sagnier, and Elletra Rosellini.
In 2008 Eschbach relocated to Paris to expand herself creatively and professionally, but continues to work in NY and LA. Most recently, she has partnered with ORIBE Hair Care as a brand ambassador for the company. She is currently represented at Artlist in Paris and NY.
For more information visit www.samuelcole.com
Sara Beard with her Bb U Instructor Beard practices on her model Beard's Double French Twist
April 9-11, 2012 (New York City) – Samuel Cole Salon Master Stylist & Network Educator, Sara Beard attended Styling II at Bumble and bumble University (Bb U) in NYC. This intense 3 day advanced styling course is designed to increase technical skills, product knowledge & client education, and further develop the eye. She was challenged to understand the fundamentals of a perfect blow dry and to learn techniques needed to create three popular classic updos: Ponytail, Chignon, and Double French Twist. Through daily hands-on sessions with multiple models and detailed feedback, she enhanced her technical styling skills and gained creative inspiration from some of the most talented educators that this exciting industry has to offer.
“Styling II was by far the most challenging class that I have ever attended. My instructor brought me back to the basics while incorporating all my current knowledge and pushing me to styling perfection through classic techniques,” said Beard.
"Sara is such an asset to Samuel Cole Salon. She is dedicated to continually improving her skills in all aspects of hair design. Her passion is inspiring. She takes such a lead in our salon as a Master Stylist and mentor, as well as serving as our Advanced Education Coordinator," said Jack Ray, owner of Samuel Cole Salon with his wife, Joelle Ray.
For more information visit www.samuelcole.com
Carolyn Nord and Cara Harrison
April 9-12, 2012 (New York City) – The award-winning Samuel Cole Salon recently sent two of their top stylists to Bumble & bumble University located in New York City’s historic meat packing district. Cara Harrison and Carolyn Nord enhanced their skill set by studying with master hairdressers at Bumble in a rigorous 4 day course entitle Design Studio. These Samuel Cole Salon stylists honed their skills, found inspiration and discovered different and unique ways to focus their ideas, expand their repertoire, and learn to view hairdressing in new contexts.
“Design Studio really pushed me outside of my box with the straight razor. I am so inspired and can’t wait to bring my new advanced skills back to the salon,” said Harrison.
“Bumble inspires each stylist to think creatively about their client and teaches tools to help the stylist create the desired effect, even better than they have before. I feel so privileged to train with such masters. The House of Bumble truly stands alone in the industry,” said Nord.
“Design Studio is a tough four day class. Attending this class really shows the commitment that these two stylists have to continually advance their skills. I am so proud of Carolyn and Cara. They really represent our salon’s goal of excellence,” said Jack Ray, co-owner of Samuel Cole Salon with his wife, Joelle Ray.
For more information visit www.samuelcole.com
The Redken Exchange in NYC
March 26-27, 2012 (New York City) – Samuel Cole Salon Master Designer, Carolyn Nord recently attended a two day workshop entitled Color Generations at The Redken Exchange in New York City. The workshop showcased innovative design and color techniques taught by Redken’s most sought-after artists. The workshop provided non-stop inspiration with the goal of sending the attendees back to their salon with a wealth of new service ideas for their clients.
“It was so inspiring to be taught by such a high caliber of international hairdressers. They are true artists. New York City is such an exciting setting to attend creative classes like this one,” remarked Nord.
For more information visit www.samuelcole.com
Michael Knight at Bb U
March 26-27, 2012 (New York City) – Samuel Cole Salon Master Designer, Michael Knight recently attended Bumble & bumble University located in New York City’s historic meat packing district. Knight enhanced his skill set by studying with master hairdressers at Bumble in a rigorous two day course entitled Design Workshop. He engaged in comprehensive theory and hands-on training covering advanced razor techniques, as well as consultation skills and product knowledge.
"My Bumble & bumble experience in New York City was amazing. Bumble has one of the most incredible training facilities in our industry. My time with the instructors was invaluable and I was able to learn some exciting new techniques with a razor, as well as improving the skills that I already possess. Spending time at Bumble definitely reignited my creative fire. I so look forward to a return visit. One of the best parts of the trip was traveling with my salon’s owners, Jack and Joelle Ray. We took advantage of our downtown location and made some great new discoveries in the city. I think one of my fondest memories was meeting Tim Tebow at a restaurant (Scarpetta). Thank you Jack and Joelle for giving me the opportunity to attend Bb U and for being such wonderful travel partners. You guys rock," said Knight.
Samuel Cole Salon is one of Raleigh’s top salons and is owned by the husband and wife team and veteran stylists, Jack and Joelle Ray. Continuing advanced education and inspiration are important to the Rays. “We only hire stylists who are passionate about the craft of hairdressing and whose continuing education goals align with ours,” explains Joelle.
For more information visit www.samuelcole.com
Samuel Cole Salon Stylist, Alley Biehl
March 26, 2012 (RALEIGH, NC) – Top stylist, Alley Biehl has joined the award-winning team of stylists at Samuel Cole Salon in North Raleigh. Biehl brings 6 years of experience and expertise in the beauty industry to Samuel Cole. Recently relocated from Michigan, Biehl comes to Samuel Cole Salon from Salon U in Chicago (a Bumble & bumble exclusive salon), where she spent the last 5 years as one of their top stylists.
Known for her creativity and expertise in cutting and coloring techniques, Biehl compliments the level of professionalism that has come to be expected at Samuel Cole Salon. “We look for stylists who are passionate about the craft of hairdressing, naturally talented, and who strive to continuously improve their skills,” said Joelle Ray, co-owner of Samuel Cole Salon with her husband, Jack Ray. “Alley is a perfect fit for our salon. We are thrilled to add her extensive knowledge to our team,” added Ray.
Biehl has attended advanced cutting and coloring classes taught by Bumble & bumble and Wella Studio in Chicago. In addition she participated in The Redken Symposium in Las Vegas and The Redken Midwest Forum in Grand Rapids.
“I am passionate about all aspects of hair design and Samuel Cole Salon is the perfect professional environment for me. I am so excited to be part of such a talented and customer service-oriented team,” said Biehl.
For more information visit www.samuelcole.com

March 19-22, 2012 (New York City) – The award-winning Samuel Cole Salon recently sent two of their Network Educators to Bumble & bumble University located in New York City’s historic meat packing district. Ashley Collins and Erin Shebaugh enhanced their skill set by studying with master hairdressers at Bumble in a rigorous 4 day course entitle Design Studio. These Samuel Cole Salon stylists honed their skills, found inspiration and discovered different and unique ways to focus their ideas, expand their repertoire, and learn to view hairdressing in new contexts.
“Going to NYC always gets me inspired, but Bb U takes that inspiration to another level. I always enjoy adding advanced skills to my tool belt and get excited to share new techniques with my team and my clients,” said Collins.
Samuel Cole Salon is one of Raleigh’s top salons and is owned by the husband and wife team and veteran stylists, Jack and Joelle Ray. “Ashley and Erin are amazing stylists and our top educators in the salon. I am so impressed with their dedication and commitment. These ladies are always striving to get better and better. They are exceptional,” said Joelle.
For more information please visit www.samuelcole.com
Reece Witherspoon Zooey Deschanel Kim Kardashian
MAC Instructor during class MAC Demo
March 19, 2012 (Raleigh, NC) – MAC Makeup experts, Krystal Lehman and Marissa Lamperi were on-site at Samuel Cole Salon to teach an advanced makeup workshop. The workshop focused on three celebrity looks and MAC trends. The looks included Reese Witherspoon (all natural, glowing skin and eye-focused), Zooey Deschanel (bright, dewey skin with neon lips), and Kim Kardashian (heavy, smoked eyes). Stylists came away with fresh ideas and techniques that they can translate and customize for each of their clients.
"What an amazing, in-depth class the artists from MAC put on! Mastering three totally different looks really catered to what is current in fashion and what our clients really want. This was the perfect class to have right before prom and wedding season. We have such a talented team and partnering with another company that mirrors our passion really pushed our stylists into further greatness," said Sara Beard, Samuel Cole Salon Master Designer, Network Educator, and Advanced Education Coordinator.
For more information visit www.samuelcole.com