MEET THE TEAM
DALBE MARKMAN
OWNER, MASTER OF CRAFT, SALON EDUCATOR
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Dalbe Markman is a highly skilled master stylist and educator, with a background of over 15 years of excellence in the industry. Dalbe trained at the prestigious London-based Allilon Education, and has received over a decade of international training with global Davines educators. Specializing in precision cutting and transformative makeovers, she is beloved for her expertise in razor cuts, short styles, and lived-in haircuts. Her mastery extends to color corrections, cutting extensions for natural looks, and creating dramatic color changes. In addition to her extensive mentorship and education commitments, she is also an editorial stylist and colorist for local, regional, and national projects. She remains dedicated to advancing her craft as a Davines salon color and cutting educator for East Coast and North American salons, and is committed to training and mentoring a new generation of stylists through AOC Salon’s renowned apprenticeship program.
With a reputation for delivering exceptional results and an unforgettable experience, she continues to inspire and elevate the standards of styling and education at AOC Salon, saying that “her greatest success is having an amazing team of employees and moving forward with love and support of family, friends, and clients who encourage her to transcend all boundaries.”
BRIAN MARKMAN
OWNER | MANAGING MEMBER
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Brian Markman is dedicated to creating an exceptional experience at AOC Salon, for both clients and stylists. His focus on excellent customer service, combined with creating a warm and welcoming salon ambiance, always sets the tone for a relaxing visit. Brian believes that a strong and fulfilled team is the backbone of every successful business, and works with every team member to ensure that each guest at AOC Salon enjoys the highest quality of services. Outside of work, he can be found enjoying time with his daughters and family.
JULIA SORENSEN
MASTER ARTIST - GHENT
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Julia Sorensen's passion for hair has been evident since childhood, and led her down the path towards her impressive 13+ years of experience in the industry. At AOC Salon, she continuously enhances her skills through ongoing education, delivering beautiful, creative results and ensuring that her clients have a great time in her chair at every visit. Julia's dedication to her craft and love for what she does is as strong today as it was when she first discovered her love for hair.
LINDSAY CENTRIC
MASTER ARTIST - GHENT
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Lindsay Centric's love of all things hair started early and has only grown stronger over the years. She pursued her dream by studying cosmetology in high school and has since thrived in the industry. Lindsay's commitment to her clients and her craft is unwavering, making her a highly valued and sought-after member of the AOC Salon team.
SABRINA HAYES
MASTER ARTIST - GHENT & HILLTOP
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Sabrina Hayes is a North Carolina native that moved to Hampton Roads and joined AOC Salon in 2013, where she quickly transitioned from front desk coordinator to a talented stylist. Specializing in balayage and certified in multiple extension techniques, Sabrina's love for color shines through in every service she provides. Her journey from apprentice to stylist is a testament to her dedication and passion for the art of hair.
AUDREY LANE
MASTER ARTIST - HILLTOP
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Audrey Lane has been a licensed cosmetologist since 2006. Originally from the Chicagoland area, she traded in her snow shovel for a beach chair in Hampton Roads…and brought with her a wealth of invaluable experience to AOC Salon. Audrey loves being part of this ever-evolving industry and prioritizes staying current with the latest trends and techniques. Her commitment to education and excellence in all she does ensures that her clients receive the best care possible.
BRENDA MCGOVERN
MASTER ARTIST - HILLTOP
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With over 15 years of experience, Brenda McGovern joined AOC Salon in 2021, bringing her passion for color and unwavering commitment to helping her clients express their authentic style. Originally from the beach town of Tela, Honduras, she is bilingual in English and Spanish. Brenda’s goal is to always ensure her clients leave her chair and go back out into the world with confidence and joy. When she's not in the salon, Brenda enjoys family time with her husband and four children.
MEGAN AMBEAULT
MASTER ARTIST - GHENT & HILLTOP
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Megan began her career as a stylist at Rudy and Kelly Academy in 2017 where, after 1,200 hours of hard work, she graduated from cosmetology school. Right after, she received the opportunity to work as an assistant at AOC Salon to help further her education. Megan has now been behind the chair full-time since 2020 and continues to focus on growing her skills and helping everyone around her feel more beautiful.
KEELY DAY MAUER
MASTER ARTIST - HILLTOP
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Few things bring Keely more joy than witnessing her clients walk out of the salon with a smile and a big boost in their self-confidence! Specializing in beach-inspired balayage and lived-in natural color, Keely stays up-to-date with the latest trends in order to offer personalized, exclusive styles and always focuses on enhancing her clients’ natural beauty. Her passion for education and client satisfaction is at the heart of her work.
RACHEL REPHAN
CRAFT ARTIST
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With a deep-rooted passion for creativity, Rachel Rephan has always found joy in making art and experimenting with hair - both her own and her friends. This natural inclination led her to pursue a career in cosmetology. She completed her apprenticeship at AOC Salon, where she fell in love with Davines for its blend of hair care and environmental values. Under the mentorship of Dalbe Markman, Rachel refined her cutting expertise and developed a deep love for color. Her dedication to her craft has led her to work as a hair model for the Davines Worldwide Hair Tour and assist on high-profile shoots, including the prestigious Angelo Seminara for the British Hairdressing Awards. She has completed and assisted several courses through Allilon and continues to perfect her skills through ongoing education at AOC Salon, embracing every opportunity to blend her love of art with creating dream hair for her loyal clients.
DANIEL BACON
MASTER ARTIST - GHENT
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Daniel Bacon has found that a career in hair has led him to a truly beautiful place in life. He’s had the privilege of working under renowned hairstylists like Stephen Moody and Christopher Benson, even serving on Benson's NAHA team. As an educator for Paul Mitchell and Hattori Hanzo, Daniel is committed to continuous growth, always seeking to refine his craft. Outside of the salon, he enjoys thrifting, exploring new hiking trails, and staying active, all while creating a fulfilling life for himself and his daughter.
Advanced Training:
Sassoon 3-Week Master Boot Camp
Wendy and Oscar Bond Training/Apprenticeship
Marv Smith and Vivienne Mackinder Hair Retreat Course
Brazilian Certification
Hattori Hanzo Training
Christopher Benson NAHA Team Member/Avant Training
Featured in Modern Salon and Estetica Magazine for Humanitarianism in the Hair Industry
Eric Fisher: Mastery of Hairpieces Course/Mentorship
ELISE HENDERSON
SENIOR ARTIST - GHENT
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From a young age, Elise Henderson knew the beauty industry was where she belonged. Specializing in lived-in hair, balayage, textured hair, and bobs, Elise goes the extra mile to ensure her clients feel comfortable in her chair and leave feeling gorgeous, with their heads held high. Outside the salon, she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and their two kids, reading, gaming, and staying active at the gym.
BRINLEY RUSSELL
CRAFT ARTIST - HILLTOP
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Brinley Russell has a talent for creating glamorous, lived-in, low-maintenance styles that fit her clients' lifestyles. A North Carolina native, Brinley recently joined AOC Salon, inspired by the coastal beauty of Virginia Beach. When she’s not creating magic behind the chair, she enjoys spending beach days with her cute pup.
GABBY FRENCH
SENIOR ARTIST - GHENT & HILLTOP
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Gabby French brings a bit of Southern California sunshine to Virginia, where she’s been crafting beautiful looks since 2014. A versatile stylist, Gabby loves working with all hair colors—from blondes to brunettes, redheads to those embracing their greys. She takes pride in finding styles that fit her clients' lifestyles and always ensures her cuts are refined to perfection. Gabby’s journey in hair began in 2012, inspired by her love for art and creativity that started back in high school. When she’s not in the salon, you’ll find her enjoying time at home with her partner and animals, cherishing family moments, or planning her next travel adventure.
LIZZY MARKMAN
CRAFT ARTIST - GHENT
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Lizzy Markman is originally from Ukraine where she was adopted by salon founders Brian and Dalbe Markman, and has been part of the AOC Salon family since she was 15. Inspired by her early exposure to the salon environment and family business, Lizzy pursued her passion for hair and completed her cosmetology program, then began working as a stylist in 2022. Eager to continue her education, Lizzy looks forward to continuing to create beautiful hair and a fun experience for her clients.
RITA CHRAIBI
CRAFT ARTIST - GHENT & HILLTOP
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Rita Chraibi, born in Morocco and raised in Virginia, was a dedicated apprentice to Dalbe Markman for six years and is now on the floor making magic. Specializing in precision cutting, Davines color, and salon management Rita takes pride in understanding her clients' needs and delivering personalized results. Outside of the salon, she enjoys traveling to other countries and exploring new cultures.
MADELINE ALKIRE
CRAFT ARTIST - GHENT & HILLTOP
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Madeline Alkire has had a passion for hair since the young age of 12, starting her journey by assisting with bridal hair. Now a stylist, Madeline loves connecting with clients and creating bold, beautiful looks, whether through vivid color or lived-in styles. Her dream is to one day attend the Davines World Wide Hair Tour in Italy.
KATHLEEN SMITH
CRAFT ARTIST - GHENT & HILLTOP
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Meet Kathleen, a passionate and charismatic hair stylist dedicated to making her clients feel at ease. A graduate of Aspen Beauty Academy and certified in hair extensions, Kathleen is driven by her love for the industry and a desire to continuously improve her skills. Her warm and vibrant energy creates a welcoming atmosphere, putting even the most anxious clients at ease.
Fluent in Spanish, Kathleen is happy to cater to Spanish-speaking clients, making her services accessible to a broader range of people. Originally from Maryland, Kathleen relocated to Virginia Beach with her husband due to his Navy career.
When not working her magic behind the chair, Kathleen enjoys soaking up the sun at the beach, exploring new destinations, and spending quality time with her husband and cat. She looks forward to getting to know you and creating a personalized look that leaves you beaming with confidence.
NOEMI PIMENTEL
JR. CRAFT ARTIST
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Noemi Pimentel, a native New Yorker, brought her passion for all things beauty to the 757 in 2022. With a keen eye for curls, highlights, and fashion colors, Noemi thrives on staying ahead of the latest hair trends. Her dedication to ongoing education ensures her clients always leave with a look they love. When she’s not perfecting styles in the salon, Noemi enjoys practicing yoga and spending quality time with friends and family.
JENNA HUMMEL
APPRENTICE
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Bio coming soon.
MINNIE MAJORS
FRONT DESK COORDINATOR
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Bio coming soon.
IZZY KURIGER
APPRENTICE
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Bio coming soon.
CHLOE SHIPMAN
APPRENTICE
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Chloe Shipman, born and raised in Norfolk, VA, has always been passionate about making others feel good about themselves. For her, the joy of hairstyling lies in the creative challenges it presents, especially the final blow dry and styling that brings every look together. When she’s not at the salon, Chloe loves spending time at Lake Gaston, taking her dog Lyla on adventures, shopping, and exploring new restaurants with friends. She chose AOC Salon for its supportive, non-judgmental environment, where everyone is dedicated to helping each other grow. Chloe is excited to begin her journey through the apprenticeship program as she starts school soon.
ANA PTAK
APPRENTICE
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Bio coming soon.
CHRISTINA WEST
APPRENTICE
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Bio coming soon.
AOC STYLIST LEVELS
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2+ YEARS EXPERIENCE & CONTINUED TRAINING
STANDARD TIMING
SUPPORTED BY SENIOR AND MASTER ARTIST
SERVICE ORIENTED
PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE STRONG
BOOKS ARE STILL GROWING
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5+ YEARS EXPERIENCE & (OR) EXPEDITED SKILLED TRAINING
SPECIALTY SERVICES & SKILLS
ATTENTION TO DETAILS
GOOD TIME MANAGEMENT
CONTINUED TRAINING TO PERFECT SKILLS
PERSONAL FINANCIAL INVESTMENT IN CLASSES AND TOOLS
GROWING BOOKS APT RECOMMENDED IN ADVANCE
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10+ YEARS & (OR) TRAINING IN ADVANCED SKILLS
ADVANCED TRAINERS
CORRECTIVE COLOR EXPERTS
SALON MANAGING SKILLS/PROBLEM SOLVERS
CONTINUED ADVANCEMENT AND REFINEMENT OF THEIR SKILLS
HIGH STANDARDS IN PERSONAL INVESTMENTS IN TRAINING & TOOLS
BOOKS ARE BOOKED OUT 4-6+ WEEKS IN ADVANCE MUST PREBOOK
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CO-OWNER OF AOC SALON IN GHENT & HILLTOP FOR 15 +YEARS
INTERNATIONAL TRAINING FOR 10 + YEARS WITH GLOBAL DAVINES EDUCATORS
APPRENTICESHIP SUPPORTER & TRAINER FOR 15+ YEARS IN HAMPTON ROADS
SALON COLOR AND CUTTING EDUCATOR FOR EAST COAST AND NORTH AMERICAN SALONS
DAVINES NORTH AMERICAN CUTTING TEAM EDUCATOR
DAVINES REGIONAL COLOR EDUCATOR-TWINSTATE BEAUTY SUPPLY
AOC SALON MENTOR AND EDUCATOR OF GROWNG STYLIST
SPECIALIZING IN MAKE OVERS/EXTREME CHANGES IN COLORS OR CUTS
DETAIL ORIENTED AND HIGH STANDARDS FOR SERVICES & RESULTS
PRECISION CUTTING SPECIALIST
SKILLED IN RAZOR CUTS, SHORT CUTS AND LIVED IN HAIRCUTS WITH NATURAL WAVES
SKILLED AT CORRECTIONS OF HAIRCUTS & COLORS
SKILLED IN CUTTING EXTENSIONS FOR NATURAL LOOKS
EDITORIAL STYLISTS AND COLORIST FOR LOCAL, REGIONAL,AND NATIONAL PROJECTS
DAVINES’ FIRST TALENT GREENHOUSE TOP 100 YEAR 2020
“CONTINUED PERSONAL EDUCATION & INVESTMENT FOR GROWTH ALWAYS & FOREVER”
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