THE TEAM
Growing up in Queens I was surrounded by culture. One thing that we all had in common was our self care rituals. I was always drawn to the atmosphere of the salon itself — the conversations, the sense of care, and the community that naturally formed within those spaces. It was one of the first times I understood how connected hair is to culture, identity, and self-expression.
I’ve always known I wanted to work with people, and hairstyling became the perfect way to combine creativity with connection. For the last 8 years behind the chair I've specialized in cutting and color while working with all hair types and textures.
Starting Mallard’s was deeply personal to me. Much of my inspiration comes from the salons and communities that shaped me growing up — spaces that felt welcoming, expressive, and rooted in connection. As a salon owner, my goal is to cultivate an environment where people feel seen, heard, and comfortable being themselves. I want Mallard’s to feel like more than just a salon — a space where people can come together, build community, and feel a sense of belonging.
Outside of the salon, I enjoy spending time in nature, birdwatching, and being with family. I value a calm, grounded lifestyle and try to bring that same energy into the experience I create for every client.
Hair has been a part of Drenusha’s life since she was a child. Born in the heart of Kosovo, the city of Prishtina, Drenusha was inspired by her older sister’s ability to blow out her long curly hair with steadfast determination. After the war, Drenusha and her family migrated to America, meeting their new identities in New York City, where Drenusha developed a deep love for a lively and entertaining life.
Drenusha finished cosmetology school in Nashville, Tennessee, where she quickly grew an eclectic clientele. During the pandemic, Drenusha moved back to New York City to pursue something deeper in the industry. Drenusha’s focus in hair is rooted in education. In her 11 years of experience, her career has been shaped around teaching, building curriculums, growing artists and creating beautiful hair. Drenusha is trained in Redken Principle Based Design and Principle Based Color, has worked with the best artists in the industry to bring to life any look that sits in her chair.
Your experience in Drenusha’s chair will bring you peace and understanding with your hair and identity. Her main goal for her guests is to have them leave with the knowledge on replicating and maintaining their hair at home, while also working with their schedule and capacity. Drenusha specializes in lived in highlights and balayage, razor cuts, shags and curly cuts - and just about anything in between!
Growing up in South Louisiana, the salon was a true third space. Going there with my mom and grandma was a special time to listen, learn, and watch women walk out with the biggest blowouts imaginable.
After years of working in bars and restaurants, I decided to follow that feeling and study haircutting at Arrojo Academy. I’m passionate about creating looks that feel individualistic, lived-in, and exactly how you want to feel.
Born in New York and raised in the U.S Virgin Islands, my love of hair came to me at an early age. My aunt would cornrow my hair and in a desperate attempt to learn, I found myself practicing on my friends.
After moving to New York at 17 and getting my hair license, my passion for creating beautiful hair has only grown. My goal as a hairdresser is to make anyone in my chair feel comfortable. I specialize in cutting, styling, natural hair styling and braiding. I love creating versatile, long lasting styles, that compliment your individual self expression.
Hair has been a part of my life since I was young — growing up around my family’s salon in New Jersey and learning the craft from my dad. After training at Arrojo Cosmetology School, I’ve spent the past four years building my client base in New York City, specializing in color design for short hair. I recently began traveling to South America, expanding my work internationally, with a long term goal of breaking into the editorial and fashion industry.