meet OUR TEAM
birch.
Laura Chan Helm
Co-Owner & Stylist
Laura is truly passionate about delivering superior hair and beauty services to each and every one of her clients. She has been a practitioner and continual student in the hair and beauty industry since her first day at the Capri Institute in 2008. Upon graduation, Laura started as a beauty assistant at an upscale salon where she continued to grow and develop her skills in hair styling, cutting and coloring. Since then, she has become an expert stylist and color specialist, with a resume that includes servicing over 10,000 clients and boasts a long list of repeat clientele.
April Salas
Stylist
April has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry. She has numerous certifications including Brazilian Blowout, Keratin Complex, and Donna Bella Extensions. April constantly works to further her education with both in-person and on-line training, so that she may keep up with the most current trends and newest techniques.
Karen Chan Phillips
Co-Owner & Business Manager
Karen has always admired her sister's talent and passion for the hair industry. Watching Laura grow from a beauty school student to a master stylist and color specialist, she knew that she wanted to be a part of it. When the opportunity to arose to invest in Laura's talent, she jumped on it! With a background in business administration and entrepreneurship, Karen worked closely with Laura to make their vision of a fresh, high end, unique hair salon a reality. Birch is close to her heart and she remains indefinitely grateful to our staff and clients.
John Mani
Stylist
John has been doing both men's and women's hair styling for over 15 years! He is certified in all smoothing treatments. He specializes in color, blonde trends and men's styling. John was nominated for Best Men's Hair Styling in 2020. Book your next appointment with John and you'll be our next #birchbabe!
Lucine Debany
Client Care Manager
Lucine has been been connecting clients with our stylists since Birch opened in June 2016. Prior to her position here at Birch, she was the Salon Coordinator at Salon 4X and Salon Niki. She has over 20 years of experience in the salon industry providing guests with the best service and salon experience. Lucine manages the front desk, answers phone calls, greets incoming guests, schedules (and reschedules) appointments, and coordinates major events for our clients like weddings and proms.
Eve Zaydenband
Stylist
Eve has been in the hair industry since 2005. After graduating cosmetology school along with high school in 2006. Eve worked in all areas from assisting to nail tech and receptionist all over Rockland county before joining the Birch family in 2016. Eve’s ever-growing passion for hair and strong work ethic has allowed her to gain success behind the chair. Her goal is to make sure every client leaves feeling her or his best. She specializes in all types of color services and smoothing treatments.
Christina Ayaz
Client Care Coordinator
Prior to coming to Birch, Christina has worked the front desk of several New Jersey beauty salons for over 15 years. She cares deeply about providing high end guest services to our clients. Christina answers phones, schedules appointments, greets guests and helps manage client relations.