Melanie Amoss
Owner 

As an accomplished stylist with over nine years in the industry, Melanie Amoss opened Smitten in the fall of 2011 with the vision of creating an intimate boutique salon focused on making her clients feel good about themselves.

Melanie initially set out to pursue a career in fashion, studying and working in both Washington DC and London, England before receiving a BA in Fashion Merchandising from Marymount University. While completing her degree, she found her true calling as a stylist and received her Cosmetology license shortly thereafter through an apprenticeship at PR and Partners. She then continued her career at Salon Bleu in McLean, VA for the following seven years. It was here that she met fellow stylist Lisa Rittiner who ultimately became a close friend and partner in Smitten.

Specializing in color, cutting, and special events styling in the Washington DC area, Melanie’s mission is one she’s passionate about – to work closely with her clients to create a stylish look relevant to their everyday life, which they can achieve at home. While Melanie can be found at Smitten full time, she also lends her talents to editorial shoots, charity events, and weddings. Most recently she was tapped as a stylist for DC fashion week hosted by Project Runway’s Tim Gunn, and has appeared on local news outlets to share her expertise on hair trends. When she’s not styling, she can be found kickboxing, baking up a storm or trying out a new restaurant with her boyfriend and friends.

melanie@thesmittensalon.com

Lisa Rittiner
Owner 

Specializing in creative color and wedding services, Lisa Rittiner is a northern Virginia native whose clients have come to rely on her personal approach to creating modern hairstyles. With over eight years in the industry Lisa is a leader in her craft, appearing on local news outlets to share trends on modern event hair and receiving recognition by Northern Virginia Magazine as a top stylist in 2006 and again in 2008.

Lisa received her Cosmetology license at Graham Webb in 2004, before gaining experience at Eclipse Salon and Day Spa in Ashburn VA. Her career eventually led her to Salon Bleu where she met fellow stylist Melanie Amoss. They worked side by side for the next six years creating and implementing wedding and special event services for the salon while making many a bride’s dreams come true.

In 2010, Lisa launched her own venture as an independent stylist in the NOVA/DC area. Soon after, she reunited with Melanie to plan the opening of their joint venture Smitten. She looks forward to making her friends and clientele feel at home at Smitten and continuing to do what she does best – making women feel beautiful.

Outside of work, Lisa can usually be found surrounded by her friends and family. She enjoys traveling, nights out on the town with friends, working out and Sunday dinners with her big Italian family.

lisa@thesmittensalon.com

Michael Barrett
Stylist 

Michael G. Barrett has worked as an innovative stylist for over eight years, and is currently celebrating 13 years in the industry. An accomplished stylist, Michael prides himself in helping his clients find their personal panache for that special event, night on the town, or in a daily application.

Michael started off his professional career at Glow salon and day spa where he rose quickly through the ranks from assistant, to lead assistant, and finally apprentice. He then moved to Salon Bleu and finished his apprenticeship shortly after his arrival. He is continually furthering his career through national education seminars and training sessions in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City and has had the truly unique and exciting opportunity of training under celebrity stylists, Beth Minardi, and Sally Hershberger in keeping with current trends, colors, and styling techniques.

Michael currently resides in Shirlington with his partner of 7 years and his 3 dogs. In his free time he enjoys the company of his family and friends, reading, movies, and of course keeping up with celebrity gossip magazines.

Everyday that Michael goes into work he looks forward to being there, meeting with his clients, and helping them to fall in love with their hair all over again.

michael@thesmittensalon.com

Alisha Cooley
Stylist 

Known for her artistic vision and special attention to detail, Alisha Cooley's passion for hair began at a young age and continued to expand as she pursued her dream of becoming a hairstylist. Her love and philosophy are exemplified as she works with clients to create an individual style while helping them maintain beautiful, healthy hair that keeps up with the latest trends.

Approaching a decade of experience as a creative stylist, Alisha's career began at Elizabeth Arden where her incredible eye for perfection and outstanding finishing touches were born. She then transitioned to Salon Bleu where she continued to cultivate her craft and proved to be an essential component of one of the area's leading salons. In 2010 Alisha moved to New York City on a mission to grow as a person and determined to take her creative and artistic ability to another level. Her work with renowned Celebrity Stylist Rita Hazan allowed her to expand into advanced coloring techniques.

After joining Smitten Salon with her friends and former stylists, Alisha has become known for her warm, down to earth personality and dedication to the health and care of her client’s hair. As a stylist she tends to go for a more natural look, a reflection of her own personal style. Her clients can expect an experience that is tailored to complement their skin, eyes, lifestyle and personality. Her ability to listen and be on the same page as her client’s is one of her strongest suits. She is known for her killer blow outs and is Smitten’s own sought after eyebrow guru!

Outside of the salon you can find Alisha spending quality time with her family or living it up with friends. She's is always up for a challenge and has a passion for life.

alisha@thesmittensalon.com

Jana Klavina
Stylist 

Jana was born and raised in Latvia, Europe. With a passion for hair since she was a child, it came naturally to her, but not until well into adulthood did Jana realize that hair styling would be her ultimate career. In the early stages of her career, she assisted several star platform artists with their on stage performances. It was that experience that implanted the conviction that she would accept nothing less than excellence from herself in her artistry. In pursuit of that goal, Jana devotes much of her time to continuing education in her profession. Her most recent commitment is to complete the entire advanced education program at the esteemed, Bumble and Bumble University in New York city. She chooses to be a Bumble stylist because they represent the combination of culture and style that she believes in.

Jana’s background in communication design arms her with a strong sense of design and style which contributes to her amazing success in this profession. Jana loves to play with hair color, but her heart sings when she designs a custom style for her client. She is gifted with the shears and continuously works to further develop and perfect her talent.

Outside the salon, Jana is a very hip mom to her son, Emils and daughter, Agate. She believes in fresh air, therefore they spend most of their together time outdoors.

jana@thesmittensalon.com

Lynsey Parry
Stylist 

With a passion for all things beauty and over seven years in the industry, Lynsey Parry is known by her clients for her ability to understand their needs and provide a color and style unique to their lifestyle, while reflecting current trends.

Lynsey draws inspiration from multiple sources, including celebrity trends and Hollywood glamour - but as a mother of two boys, she understands the importance of having a realistic day-to day style. Taking into consideration each client’s individual hair type and schedule, she helps them to reach their full potential. For those seeking a bigger change, Lynsey is armed with the ability to create what is NOT there. As Smitten’s extensions expert, Lynsey is able to transform clients, giving them added length, thickness and a new found confidence. Nothing excites her more than the idea of a makeover!

A graduate of Graham Webb Academy, Lynsey has worked in both local salons as well as her own thriving home-based salon prior to joining the Smitten team. When she’s not behind the chair you can find her with her kids, at one of Arlington’s many parks, a little league game or volunteering at the elementary school. Lynsey believes in working hard to create happiness in all aspects of life.

With her personal approach and eye for beauty, Lynsey just might be what Arlington has been waiting for!