Based at ZØKU™ Salon in Summit NJ, Zoë has earned a reputation for her innovative use of color. As owner and color director, Zoë creates illusions of depth and dimension through color, using balayage (a European technique) and foil in order to achieve optimum results. Zoë is known in the beauty industry for her ability to transform. Creating light and movement to any shape, or any style. Zoë’s color signature, so often seen gracing the beauty editorials in VOGUE, HARPERS BAZAAR and IN STYLE; a sexy sultry look with multiple levels of contrast. Zoë’s strong background in art and architectural design make up the foundation of her unique style.

Zoë has perfected a technique, which she calls “precision patterning”, a blueprint exclusive to each individual, according to the line and form of the hair. Every chromatic creation begins with the shape, so cut and color work closely together to achieve light and movement. Zoë, formerly of the Brad Johns Salon, teamed up with Laurent D of Prive L.A. in 1998, to open Prive New York in downtown Soho. Some of Prive’s impressive clientele list includes Madonna, Gyweneth Paltrow, Paris Hilton, Sharon Stone, and Uma Therman to name a few.

Catering to some of Hollywood’s hottest names, Zoe's philosophy reflects her desire to make each client feel as though they have celebrity status. “My role is to assist in achieving a look from start to finish. In order to do that, you have to be completely invested in the process.” From reshaping the brows, to a dramatic color change, Zoë advises clients on how to achieve their ultimate image. “Everyone has a certain potential and it’s my job to help them find their style,” says Zoë. “And just like in fashion, styles and colors change. Personal style is about finding your own evolution.” As a freelance design specialist, Zoë has consulted on make-up and hair design for a roster of celebrity clients and socialites including, Gina Gershon, Marishka Hargitay, Heather Tom, Sharon Case, Tea Leoni, Natalie Merchant, Elisa Donovan, “Sex and the City’s” Chris Noth (Mr. Big), David Strathhorn, Foofighters, Marcia Kilgore, and Katie Brown.

Her work has appeared at events including fashion week for clients Catherine Malendrino, Victoria’s Secret, Scott French, and Richard Tyler. Zoë has made numerous television appearances to discuss the latest trends in hair and fashion and has designed for several on-air personalities, TV shows, and on the sets of major motion pictures.

From the production rooms of the fashion district to the makeup chair on a photo shoot – from the eyes of a seamstress to the vision of a colorist,

Maureen is a true renaissance woman.  She began her journey in the world of fashion and beauty as a production coordinator in the garment industry, responsible for an item of clothing from its inception down to the trim.  Fascinated by the possibilities in creating an entire look from start to finish, Maureen became a makeup artist for everything from beauty campaigns to weddings. 

She joined the creative team at Privé Salon New York as a makeup artist and eventually took her career one step further by becoming a colorist.  Over the course of her 5-year career at Privé, she cultivated a chic clientele, was featured in many popular magazines and consulted on makeup and hair for several television shows.  Part of her gift is in being an avid listener who is able to translate your desires into reality.  Sensitive to what is possible in terms of realistic parameters, Maureen has an innate sense of the best results for each client based upon skin tone, eye color and hair color.

Alyson began her career as a colorist at a prestigious salon in N.J. where she quickly built a loyal clientele.  

Seeking join the team at Minardi Salon in NYC and work under colorist Beth Minardi.  This experience enabled

Alyson to build a strong foundation in the art of hair color and correction. 

When the opportunity arose to work with Color director, Zoë Staricco and Master stylist Christine Ku, Alyson moved back to New Jersey to join the Zoku team. 

Alyson specializes in making her client’s final look, natural and healthy.  She gives a personalized consultation, taking careful consideration of the client’s lifestyle and maintenance preference, before transforming their look through color. Alyson excels in all phases of hair coloring, from dimensional red creations to creating dramatic shade-on-shade blonde statements.

Isak Muratov born in Moscow and raised in Uzbekistan, immigrated to America at an early age, but never lost his European eye for beauty and elegance.

Born of a Spanish-Israeli mother, Isak recalls “My first spark of interest in the hair industry was when I saw women basking on the beaches of Israel with a mud-like substance on their hair, later in which, I learned was Henna. I now use Henna to add more hues to my color repertoire ”.

After college, Isak chose to follow his passion and become a hair color specialist. Isak’s meticulous, artistic ability blossomed when he worked at Prive NYC where he started his career under celebrity stylist, Micki Loicano. Wanting to further his future in color, Isak began an apprenticeship under Zoë as her personal assistant. His reputation for excellence landed him a colorist position at

Zoku Salon where his popularity soared.

Isak’s method of expertise, is a very natural form of Balayage…(a painting technique that originated in France.)

This allows him to be extremely precise when highlighting, piece by piece, creating the perfect, personalized tresses. Subtle and natural or strong and vibrant, he will give you what you are looking for.

Bari began her journey into the beauty industry as a model, where she realized her desire to behind the scenes rather than in front of the camera.

After graduating from the Artistic Academy, she began specializing in color in New York City at the the Chris Chase Salon. Shortly there after, she began to train with master colorist Zoe Cortez-Staricco. Bari is always open to new techniques and becoming knowledgable in all aspects of color by continuously educating herself  on all the latest trends. Bari is artistic at heart and able to find inspiration wherever she goes- whether it be in her daily surroundings, being in NYC or traveling abroad. In a recent trip to Paris, she became very interested in a new technique, a from of Balayage which she can now replicate with astounding success.

Whether she is helping you create a new image or bringing you back to your roots, Bari skillfully brings out your natural beauty.

Danielle joined the Zoku team in 2008 and studied extensively under Master Colorist Zoe Cortez-Staricco. From her many years of experience, whether you are looking from a conservative or funky standpoint, Danielle is eager to capture the alluring hues that brighten your face. With a naturally fiery personality, Danielle's color has a stand out personality that pops with a zesty flare. Fun to the core, you can rest assured that your color will never be dull.