Our Colorists

Get to know our colorists

Who We Are

We believe good energy is a gift we can all bring to the people around us. We are a team of colorists specializing in blonding and custom hair color.  We are dedicated to refining our skills at all levels, offering both modern and classic options for our guests.

What We do

We prioritize guest experience by offering a relaxed atmosphere, thorough consultations at every appointment, customized color formulation, meticulous foil placement, a luxurious scalp massage, and solutions for nourishing and maintaining your hair.

when you arrive

When you arrive at Ray of Blonde Salon, make yourself at home. You are invited to make a cup of coffee, grab a snack & refreshment, lounge in our sitting area, or browse our selection of merchandise. 

career opportunities

Ray of Blonde Salon offers full-time chair rental opportunities for established / experienced colorists. If you are interested in learning more, check out our career page!

About Jamie Ray

Jamie Ray

Owner & Founder
Ray of Blonde Salon


blonding and dimensional color sPECIALIST

Jamie is a proud JFRD firefighter wife, and mother of two boys. She has been a Jax Beach local for 22 years and is honored to be a business owner in this community that values and supports local/small business.

After 16 years as a colorist, Jamie found the perfect space for a salon in North Jax Beach, and with the help of her husband Bobby, they created Ray of Blonde Salon. Her goal was to provide a space for guests that encompasses all things that she personally prioritizes in her guests’ salon experience; a positive and professional atmosphere, comfortable seating, refreshments & snacks, good music, and talented colorists.

In November of 2025, Jamie and her husband created Ray of Blonde’s 2nd location located on Beach blvd, just west of the Intracoastal.

Jamie’s mission as a salon leader is to provide a workspace where independent colorists can build a thriving business among a team of like-minded artists in a positive and supportive atmosphere.

@jamie_rayofblonde

Meet our stylist, Damel!

Damel smith

blonding & custom color specialist

DaMel is a talented master colorist with 20 years of experience in this industry and has enjoyed 7 years as a color technique educator for the Kevin Murphy color line.

During her time as an educator, she traveled to many different salons, teaching other hair colorists the current color trends and techniques. She continues to use the Kevin Murphy color line and styling products on her guests at Ray of Blonde Salon.

When she is not in the salon making your hair color dreams come true, DaMel enjoys days at the beach and watching her musician husband, Craig Smith, perform at local bars and restaurants.  

@lemadhair

Katherine ranucci

High impact blonding & Dimensional color specialist

Katherine is an expert-level colorist, specializing in the industry’s most sought-after blonding techniques. She is committed to ensuring her clients leave her chair feeling confident and beautiful.

She loves traveling, spending time with her family, and like any true Jacksonville native, being on or near the water! Katherine radiates kindness and positivity and brightens our salon with her optimism.

@_hairby_kat

ally wilbanks

blonding & CUSTOM COLOR SPECIALIST
Extension specialist

Ally specializes in blondes and brondes.  Ally recently relocated to Jacksonville with her husband who serves in the US Navy.

Styling hair has been a passion for Ally since high school, motivating her to join the beauty industry. A true creative spirit, when Ally is not working, she loves cooking and making art.


@hairbyallyyy

Meet our stylist, Emily

Emily Mastronicola

custom color specialist

Emily is a Florida native and has 17 years of experience in the industry. She is an expert level stylist, specializing in sun kissed, lived-in blonde. She has served as a styling educator for Kevin Murphy products (a Ray of Blonde favorite) for 8 years.


Emily has a passion for travel and fitness. Her precision in technique coupled with her confident and easy-going attitude makes her a perfect fit here at Ray of Blonde and promises that her clients leave the salon feeling uplifted and looking gorgeous!

Courtney Abernathy

custom color specialist
Extension Specialist

Courtney is a proud Navy wife and mom of three. When she’s not at the salon, she stays busy reading and hanging out at beach with her family. Courtney is a color specialist with an emphasis on in creating dimensional brunette looks and grey blending. She also offers clients hand-tied extensions. She is an Aries that brings a vibrant, dynamic and personalized approach to each client session.

@canvas_white

Ashtyn Eubanks

Blonding specialist

Ashtyn specializes in blonding – from high-impact transformations to soft, dimensional color, creating bright beautiful results. 

Originally from Amelia Island, Ashtyn brings a relaxed vibe. She’s a country music fan, a lover of good food, and always down for a beach day with the girls.

@hairbyashtyn_

Meet our Stylist, Nicole

Nicole Bokemeyer

custom color specialist

Nicole brings many years of experience as a color specialist. With extensive expertise in all types of color, her areas of specialization are dimensional blonding, lived-in blended color, and preserving and creating soft natural tones.


Nicole is a mom of two and, like any true local, loves spending time in the sunshine and at the beach. Slow mornings and hot breve coffee are a few of her favorite things! She also enjoys organic foods and a holistic lifestyle that focuses on supporting local farmers and small business owners, one of which is her sister’s local Jax Beach business, Grass Fed Skin, offering organic, tallow based skincare!  @grassfedskin

@hairstylistnicolemarie

Meet our stylist, Taryn

Taryn Unger

blonding Specialist
CUSTOM COLOR SPECIALIST

Taryn started her career in the beauty world as a make-up artist in 2009. Wanting to expand her expertise in the beauty industry, she made the move into hairstyling 8 years ago.  She has been behind the chair and loving it ever since!  She is a color specialist and especially enjoys giving her clients a natural, lived-in look.

 

Born in Ohio, Taryn has been a part of the Jacksonville community for 35 years. She loves meeting and connecting with people. Her favorite part of the job is making guests feel great about themselves while forging friendships that sometimes feel more like family.

 

Taryn goes traveling and adventuring any chance she can and especially loves getting away to the mountains.

@tarynalexandriahair

megan Montgomery

Grey coverage and Grey blending specialist

Megan is a color specialist with 18 years of experience. She is a Goldwell Academy Master colorist and spent seven years as a salon educator. Megan takes a focused approach to her craft and keeps her clients hair looking vibrant and fresh through her depth of experience in coloring and styling techniques. Megan is a fitness enthusiast who enjoys running, yoga, and spending time outdoors.

@the_mane_megan

Kelly Calkins

lived-in and blended color specialist

Kelly grew up here in Jacksonville surrounded by a big loving family that taught her the importance of connection and care. She has always had a passion for helping others feel confident and beautiful.

Her warm personality and attention to detail make every appointment a comfortable and memorable experience. When she’s not in the salon, you’ll find her at the beach, listening to a band, or spending time with her pups.

@kellycalkins.hair

Jenna Wages

Blonding and lived-in blonding specialist

As a former military brat – I’ve lived all over, but now I’m proud to call sunny Florida my home!  Specializing in blonding, I’m all about creating dimensional lived-in looks that are fully customized to you.  Whether you’re dreaming of a bright transformation or subtle sun kissed tones, we’ll map out your hair journey together – starting with a thorough consultation, keeping you in the loop during every step, and planning your perfect maintenance routine.

Beyond the chair, I’m always down to chat about your latest coffee order, travel plans, or your fur babies.  When I’m not in the salon, you’ll find me exploring local thrift shops, chasing sunshine with my pups, or golfing with my husband – swings and misses included.

@jennamaehair

Britney Diaz

Co-Stylist

Britney, is currently refining her expertise in a range of blonding techniques, dimensional color, and cuts tailored to each guest.

We love Britney for her warm, welcoming personality. She is a true people person who loves connecting with clients and making everyone feel at home in her chair.

Britney is a Florida girl and loves all things sun and outdoors —from playing pickleball to exploring nature trails. At home, she enjoys cooking fresh, comforting meals and time with family and friends.

@hairbybritneymarie_

Tara Young

Dimensional color specialist

Tara is a versatile co-stylist who loves everything from blending to curly cuts and beyond.  Her goal is to highlight the natural beauty of her guests.  She is always learning new techniques and enjoys the creative process.  

As a native Floridan, Tara is most at home by the ocean.  She loves spending time with her kids and husband in nature.  This is where she draws the most inspiration from her practice.

@tarayounghair

Nessa reta

blonding and dimensional color specialist

Nessa brings a laid-back West Coast vibe to her chair.  She specializes in all things blonding from high impact blonde to soft, lived in blonde.

When she’s not in the salon, you’ll likely find Nessa soaking up the sun, at a concert, or enjoying a cocktail with her friends.  Her warm, easy going energy makes every appointment feel like catching up with a friend.

@hairbynessareta

kiersten dunlap

Co-stylist & event hairstylist

Kiersten is an expert event / wedding hairstylist.  She is currently refining her craft in blonding and cutting. 

Kiersten loves Jesus and country music!

@goldenhourhair.bykierst

Brooke beste

blonding and dimensional color specialist

@brookebestehair

Jacksonville Intracoastal West 

emalee

Blonding & Color specialist extension artist

@kokomanehair

Jacksonville Intracoastal West

Bella phillips

blonding and dimensional color specialist

Bella is an Atlantic Beach native specializing in effortless, beach inspired hair. She loves creating everything from dimensional brunettes to high impact blondes, paired with soft, layered cuts that grow out beautifully.

 Bella delivers a relaxed and elevated experience with every client.

When not behind the chair, Bella enjoys the beach, knitting, and spending quality time with family.

@bellagraehair

jentry

Color & cutting specialist

@jentrydoeshair

Jacksonville Beach