As Founder, Co-Owner, and Styling Director of Zoku Salon, Christine combines her creativity, through years of high editorial fashion, with her inventive “wet-to-dry” cutting approach to create form and texture.

“What the eyes can’t see, the hands can feel”. A spiral slice here, a pyramid notch there. Christine carves movement into every design.

“The ultimate hair design is not just about the cut. I look at the positive and negative space, and in each movement of the hair, to create a natural flow, enhancing the style, creating an edge, and leaving my clients with a sexy feel”.

Christine Ku is a global artist; this industry has taken her around the world and back. With a career spanning 20+ years in New York, Toronto, Europe, and Hong Kong, Christine has worked with leading photographers including David LaChappelle, Albert Watson, Ellen Von Unwerth, Michael Thompson, Claus Wickrath. Some of the hottest names in music, fashion, and film can be seen on her roster of clients. Kylie Minogue, The Spice Girls, Gweneth Paltrow, Robert Plant, Kid Rock, Kings of Leon, Paris and Nicole Hilton, Nathan Lane, Takeshi Kaneshiro…the list goes on and on.

Christine’s work has appeared on the fashion week stages of Catherine Malandrino, Bagley Mischka, Ellen Tracy, Anna Sui, Richard Tyler, Vera Wang, Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Baby Phat, Alex Roi, Randolph Duke, and Cynthia Rowley, as well as on the covers and inside the pages of BAZAAR, Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Elle, Nylon, Black Book, Rolling Stone, InStyle, and Esquire, in addition to TV shows, music videos, internet & TV ads, press releases and live concerts.

Jackie Cardona hails from Los Angeles, California; where she found her calling in styling hair, later bringing her to New York City.

With over 10 years experience, Jackie worked with some of the most elite salons in New York City, including Pierre Michel, Prive Salon and Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon. Jackie is known for her technique in cutting hair dry and creating exceptional updos. Having extensive product knowledge, in areas such as Restructuring Hair Treatments, Straightening Systems and Perms, allows Jackie to broaden and grow clientele. Jackie is constantly aware of what styles are current, adding her own touch.

Whether your style is casual, chic or edgy, Jackie can manage it, all while bringing a unique sense of style and ultimate satisfaction to each client, women, men or children. For Jackie, styling hair is “all about bringing out that sense of style in each client, and which works only for them”.

Irene's journey in the beauty industry started in New York City over 8 years ago, where she sought out great opportunities to train as a stylist, by first apprenticing for Master Stylist Laurent D of Prive Salons, Master Stylist Christine Ku and several others. Her artistic vision and impeccable attention to detail has allowed her to work with many celebrity clients and such venues as the CBS Early Show, Fashion Shows,  and editorial photo shoots but also enjoys tremendously,  styling for weddings and other special occasions.

Although she is well-versed in all types of hair-cuts and styling she enjoys contemporary cuts and funky avant-garde styles. If you sit in her chair you will find Irene is down to earth, a great listener, and refreshingly candid. She believes in "educating myself and sharing that knowledge with others while respecting, acknowledging and servicing different hair types from men, women and children of all ethnic backgrounds."

Visit Irene and not only will you receive a great cut and style but also the ins and outs on how to care and maintain your hair.

Gil has now been with Zoku for three years. He began his styling career at the Aveda Institute in NYC. He apprenticed for two years with the Antonio Prieto Salon before graduating to the floor as a senior stylist. Gil has taken advanced training classes with The Toni and Guy advanced education institute as well as The Wella Studio.

Gil approaches his work based on the density and texture of his clients hair taking into account head and facial structure. Working systematically, with great technique and precision he creates a beautiful balance. He is a great listener and will arrive at a harmonious outcome incorporating the clients wishes and needs. His styles can vary from classic to edgy modern cuts.

When not busy behind the chair Gil trains the new up and coming talent as Co-Director of Education.

Manny's love affair with hair started at the early age of 12, when he and his younger sister started charging clients for braids and haircuts out of their parents house. The evolution of his career led him to start working behind the chair as a professional at 17 years old. Throughout that time Manny came to work at some of the top barber shops and salons in New York and New Jersey as a senior stylist. His work as a global educator has brought him to travel throughout the U.S., South America and Asia. Achievements aside Manny still views himself as a humble student of the craft and continues to seek ways to improve his own abilities. The story doesn't end there, so stay tuned to see what else is to come of Manny...

When not busy behind the chair Manny trains the new up and coming talent as Co-Director of Education.

Jennifer is an LA native that recently hit a decade of styling in top NYC salons. Mentored by Zoku founder Christine Ku, she returns to the Zoku team with her expertise in modern and bridal styling.

Her fun loving demeanor creates a relaxed atmosphere. Extensive international travel, living in multiple US cities, and her own cultural heritage have inspired Jennifer’s global approach to fashion and style. She is excited to share this unique view with her clients!

Professionally trained under the Yosh technique in the San Francisco area, Pat joined the Zoku styling team in 2007. Working closely under Christine Ku, she perfected precision wet cuts with dry cut detailing and sleek, effortless blowdrys. Her forte is creating texture and life in limp, fine hair and reducing weight in thick, heavy hair with a unique razor/shear technique.

Pat believes that “the hair design should match the level of maintenance and lifestyle the client can support,” so a personalized consultation takes precedence when you sit in her chair. She also actively collaborates with other Zoku stylists, colorists and makeup artists to ensure a polished look from beginning to end.

After joining our team in 2009, Mackenzie worked directly with Master Stylist Christine Ku. Under close study and examination, Mackenzie developed an eye for detail and carefully created a system of cutting in which she fused practicality and uniqueness. Mackenzie believes that listening to her clients comes first, resulting in polished, manageable looks that can be easily replicated at home.

Starting at a young age, Jessica's passion for the arts has been nurtured through a strong impact from her family and the encouragement of the environment she works in. Starting in a small town salon at a young age, she immediately recognized her natural ability to mold and shape hair visually. Furthering her education at Kean University, and eventually graduating from Robert Fience, she joined Zoku at the beginning of 2010.

After assisting her mentor Jackie Cardona, Jessica had the opportunity to work under Christine Ku at Chris Chase and Sally Hershberger in NYC. She has had the privilege of working on editorial pieces, and makes it a lifetime goal to have her talents bring her around the world.

"When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomesbetter too." -Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

Tanya is a native of Costa Rica and brings the warmth and passion of her birthplace to her work. She’s been in the hair industry since 2002, and has been polishing her craft at Zoku Salon since 2013.

Tanya has worked closely with Christine Ku and other top stylists, being heavily influenced by their creative nature, and is using that inspiration to find her own unique vision and style. She is certified in various cutting techniques and continues to educate herself in order to provide the highest level of service to her clients.