our team
Robyn & Shawn Cole
Owner / Stylist & Owner
Robyn was born in Panama City, FL and has been in Niceville since 2015. Robyn graduated cosmetology school from The Technical College of the Low Country in Beaufort, SC in 1993. She has worked at Ritz Salon since 2016.
Robyn’s favorite thing about doing hair is being creative while helping people look and feel their best. She specializes in all types of multi-dimensional color techniques, natural reds, and natural gray transitioning.
In 2021 Robyn and her husband Shawn purchased Ritz Salon from the original owners Tom and Karen Ritz. In 2023 Shawn and Robyn decided to continue to put their own stamp on the salon by changing the name to CoCo Hair Designs. They continue to cultivate the Niceville tradition of the original Ritz Salon, with the updated look and feel of CoCo Hair Designs!
Outside of work Robyn enjoys family time with her children and grandchildren, dining at local restaurants with her husband Shawn, and interior design.
“Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world” -Marilyn MonroeShawn was born in Topeka, KS. He was raised in Destin FL and after a long career in the Navy, Shawn settled back in the area in 2008. In 2021 Shawn purchased Ritz Salon with his wife Robyn.
After some remodeling, rebranding, and changing the name of the salon to CoCo Hair Designs in 2023, Shawn is proud to continue the tradition of the Ritz Salon family with an updated look and new name. When he’s not working Shawn enjoys time with his children and grandchildren, date nights with Robyn, going to the gym and relaxing at home.
Amy Colon
Stylist
Amy was born in Indianapolis, IN. Amy attended Honors Beauty College in 2005. Amy moved to Niceville in 2012 and began working at Ritz Salon in 2013.
What Amy loves most about being a stylist is making people feel their best. Amy is certified in in Keratin Complex Smoothing Treatments, Bellami Hair Extensions and JZ styles hair extensions. Any also excels at foiliage for that “lived in blonde” look!
Outside of the salon Amy loves spending time with her family, relaxing by the pool, and baking.
“Make your hair a priority, you wear it every day” -Amy Colon
Christina Rolen
Stylist
Christina was born in Baltimore, Maryland. She moved to Niceville in 2009. Christina attended cosmetology school at Okaloosa Technical College and graduated in 2010. She began working at Ritz Salon in 2014. Some of Christina’s favorite things about being a stylist are enhancing her clients natural beauty, and helping her clients feel confident in themselves. Christina specializes in all types of color techniques including balayage, dimensional color and lived in blondes. She also excels at bridal and event styles and is part of our traveling beauty team “Truly by CoCo”. In her free time, Christina enjoys spending time outdoors with her two children and fur babies. She also loves cooking, being involved with her church and exploring her Hammock Bay neighborhood. “It all begins and ends with your mindset. What you give power to has power over you if you allow it. Choose wisely” -Christina Rolen
Dawn Woodhams
Stylist
Dawn was born in Coldwater, MI. She attended cosmetology school in St. Johns, MI and graduated in 1981. Dawn moved to Niceville in 1992. She has been with Ritz Salon since before the doors opened in 1995! What Dawn loves most about being a stylist is making all of her clients feel their best. Dawn is Matrix color specialist, and she is certified in Keratin Complex smoothing treatments, and Zotos perm techniques. Outside of work Dawn enjoys gardening, boating and reading. “No one ever injured their eyesight by looking on the bright side. Be positive, be your best!!” -Dawn Woodhams
Cherri Peeples
Stylist
Cherri was born in Fort Worth, TX. She has been in Niceville since 2008. Cherri graduated cosmetology school in Fort Worth TX in 1960. She began working at Ritz Salon in 2011. Some of Cherri’s favorite things about being a stylist are transforming someone’s whole look, and seeing happy her clients are with the way they look and feel. Cherri is a color specialist.When she’s not behind the chair, Cherri enjoys reading, gardening, church cooking, and family time. “Do onto others as you would have them do unto you” -Cherri Peeples
Jessica Pitman
Stylist
Jessica is from Fort Walton Beach, Florida - born and raised. She attended cosmetology school at Okaloosa Technical College and graduated in 2014. Jessica has been at Ritz Salon since 2022. What Jessica enjoys most about being a stylist is getting to know new people and their families. Jessica specializes in achieving multidimensional haircolors while preserving in the integrity of the hair. When shes not in the salon, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, going to the river, four wheeling, and dining out - a lot!“Come as you are” -Jessica Pitman
Joanne Tournear-Sills
Stylist
Joanne was born in Champaign, IL and moved to Florida in 1996. She attended cosmetology school in Mattoon, IL at Lakeland College and graduated in 1972. Joanne has been a stylist at Ritz Salon since 2004. Joanne specializes in all types of color techniques including everything from cap hilights to multidimensional fun colors. She also excels at beautiful shag haircuts. Outside of the salon Joanne enjoys DIY home projects, and working in her yard.
Kelly Lewis
Stylist
Kelly was born in Kenosha, WI and has lived in Niceville since 2012. She attended cosmetology school at Beauty Career Training Center in Valparaiso, Florida and received her cosmetology license in 2015. Kelly began working as a stylist At Ritz Salon in 2016. Some of Kelly’s favorite things about being a stylist are helping clients feel their best, and the relationships she builds with them while they are in her chair. Kelly specializes in dimensional color techniques, and she is certified in Bellami Hair Extensions. When she’s not working behind the chair Kelly loves beach days with her husband and two children.
Megan Chiasson
Stylist/Make-Up Artist
Megan was born in Houston, Texas and has lived in the area since 2020. She attended cosmetology school at Beauty Careers Training center in Valparaiso, Florida and graduated in 2021. Megan came to work at Ritz Salon after graduating. Megan loves the rewarding experience of creating art on her clients while making them feel fresh and beautiful. Megan specializes in sew in and hand tied weft hair extensions as well as all types of color techniques such as balayage, foiliage and “platinum card”. Megan also excels at beautiful make-up application and is part of our traveling beauty team, “Truly by CoCo”. In her time off Megan loves to go fishing, go to the beach, paint and watch The Office. “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” -Pablo Picasso
Rhonda Storts
Stylist
Rhonda is from Springfeild, Ohio. She moved to the area in 1997. Rhonda graduated Ohio State Cosmetology school in 1981. She came to work at Ritz Salon in 2020. One of Rhonda’s favorite things as a stylist is making people feel good about themselves. Rhonda excels at fun, textured haircut. In her free time, Rhonda loves spending time with her adorable grand son every chance she gets.“Be Kind” - Rhonda Storts
Sue Ann Cannon
Stylist
Sue Ann comes from Orlando, Florida and moved to our area over 50 years ago. Sue Ann attended cosmetology school in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. She began working at Ritz Salon in 2016. Sue Ann loves the variety of experiences she has meeting different people on a daily basis as a stylist. Sue Ann is an entertainer at heart. If you want to be entertained while getting your hair done she’s your girl! When she’s not behind the chair Sue Ann loves gardening, walks in the woods and exploring.
Bonnie Rarick
Stylist
Bonnie was born and raised in Reading, Pennsylvania. She attended and graduated cosmetology school in 1971 at Bryland Institute of Beauty Culture in Reading. She then went on to obtain her certificate to teach cosmetology school in 1972. Bonnie moved to our area in 2001 and began working at Ritz Salon in early 2002. As a hair stylist Bonnie enjoys making her clients look better and feel good about themselves. She especially loves getting to know her clients on a personal level by listening to them and talking to them about themselves, their jobs, families, and travels. Bonnie excells at perms, textured cuts, men's cuts, kid's cuts, and all types of multi- dimensional color services. Over her long career Bonnie has continued her education and perfected her craft by attending many classes and recieving many certificates. When she's not behind the chair Bonnie enjoys spending time with family, working in her yard, exploring her neighborhood, and traveling."Oh,my" - Bonnie Rarick
Crystal Marie
Stylist
Crystal was born in Ithaca, New York. She attended cosmetology school at Triple Cities School of Beauty Culture in Binghamton, New York. She graduated and received her cosmetology license in 1998. Crystal moved to our area in 2022 and began working at CoCo Hair Designs in 2023. Crystal loves building relationships with her clients and seeing the joy on their faces when she gives them just the look they've been wanting! Crystal is certified in Goldwell, Essential Wax, and Deva Cuts. Crystal specializes in textured cutting, and multi-dimensional coloring techniques. She also excells at listening and understanding every client to ensure they receive the best possible outcome in all the services she offers. When she's not in the salon, Crystal enjoys walking in the beach collecting shells, crafting, and socializing with friends. "Don't be afraid of being different. Be afraid of being the same" -Crystal Marie
Jamie Hines
Stylist
Jamie comes to us all the way from the Chicago area of Illinois. Jamie attended cosmetology school at Paul Mitchell the School in Normal, Illinois where she graduated on 2014. Jamie moved to our area in 2021 and began working at CoCo Hair Designs in 2023. What Jamie loves most about her career is making her clients feel beautiful from the inside out. Jaime excells at building relationships with her clients, keeping up with current trends, and customizing services and products to suit each individual clients needs and lifestyle. In 2017 Jaime attended the world famous Redken Symposium where she recieved rigorous training in cutting, coloring, and product knowledge. Outside of work Jamie loves spoiling her fur baby Louie, gardening, and spending time with friends and family."Sometimes you don't get what you want because you deserve better!" - Jamie Hines
Sharayah Mills
Stylist
Sharayah was born in Minneapolis, MN. She attended Regency Cosmetology School in Minneapolis and graduated in 2011. Sharayah went on to continue her cosmetology education at Paul Mitchell School in Huntsville, AL. She moved to our area in the Summer of 2022. Sharayah began working at CoCo Hair Designs in July of 2023, and after a short time assisting while waiting to obtain her Florida Cosmetology license, she is now a full time stylist.
Sharayah loves to see her clients smiling faces at the end of their service. She finds it incredibly rewarding that she can help people realize their own beauty just by simple doing their hair. Sharayah excels at all types of multidimensional hair color, and she particularly enjoys vivid and fashion colors. She has also received training in textured hair cutting from Ruth Roche.
Outside of work Sharayah enjoys line dancing, and spending time with her husband and two children.
"Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself." -CoCo Chanel
Charlotte Martinez
Stylist
Charlotte was born in Warner Robbins, GA, and she moved to the Florida Panhandle in 2012. Charlotte attended the cosmetology program at Okaloosa Technical College and she graduated in 2021. Charlotte began her journey with us at CoCo Hair Designs in July of 2023.
What Charlotte loves most about doing hair is helping her clients feel beautiful in their own skin. Charlotte particularly excels at multidimensional hair color techniques, blonding, and hair extensions. She is certified in Babe hair extension system including tape in, fusion,K-tip, and sew in. Charlotte is also certified in Zenage plant powered hair growth system.
Outside of work Charlotte loves reading on the beach, spending time with family, and traveling.
True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. - Audrey Hepburn
Emily Novak
Stylist
Emily was born in Tocoma WA. She was raised in Eagle River, AK, and she moved to Niceville in 2022. Emily began cosmetology school at Okaloosa Technical Colege in August of 2022. She began working at CoCo Hair Designs in August of 2023, and in December of 2023 she was moved up to stylist./br> Emily loves to create customized looks for her clients that make them feel their best. Emily has already begun expanding her education by attending Premiere hair shows in Orlando, and Birmingham. She has taken classes on advanced color formulation, current trends, and advanced techniques. as well as a Redken Shades EQ color class. Emily is also certified in Keratin treatments. Emily excels at all types of hair coloring techniques, with focus on blonding. Outside of work Emily loves to travel, relax on the beach, and go to concerts.
Amber
Stylist
Amber was born in Paragould, Arkansas. She attended Hair Tech Beauty College in Arkansas in 1993.
Amber moved to our area in 1996 and began working at CoCo Hair Designs (known as Ritz Salon back then) in 2003. She stayed with Ritz Salon until 2016 when she moved back to Arkansas. After 8 years, Amber returned to the area and, fortunately for us, she came back to CoCo Hair Designs!
Amber has a wonderful, fun personality, and what she loves most about being a stylist is making her clients feel good about themselves. Amber is experienced in all hair services, but she particularly excels at color services and textured razor cuts. Outside of the salon, Amber enjoys pilates,reading, crocheting, and fun days at the beach enjoying music with friends and family.
"I wish to live a life that causes my soul to dance inside my body." -Dele Olanubi
Haley Gilbert
Stylist
Haley was born in Anchorage, Alaska. She moved to our area in 2008. Haley attended cosmetology school at Okaloosa Technical College, and she graduated in April of 2024. Haley began working as an assistant at CoCo hair Designs in November of 2023, and after 6 months she began her career as a full time stylist.
Haley loves all hair color, and she really excels at multi-dimensional looks, and natural looking reds. She also gives an AMAZING blow out! What she loves most about being a stylist is transforming her clients' look and making them feel beautiful.
In her free time Haley enjoys hanging out with friends and going to the beach.
Ali Case
Nail Tech
Ali comes from Guam, and has been in Niceville since 2013. Ali attended Soothing Arts Healing Therapies School of Massage in Miramar Beach, FL. She received her nail tech license in 2019. Ali has been working at Ritz Salon since 2021. Ali enjoys the artistic aspect of intricate nail design and considers each nail a tiny canvas. Ali specialize in nail artistry, gel sculpting, and full tip nail services. In her free time Ali enjoys being outdoors with family, pets and friends. “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see” -Edgar Degas
Sandi Braxton
Nail Tech
Sandi was born on Elgin Air Force Base and has been in the area her entire life! Sandi attended Okaloosa Technical College and received her manicure/pedicure/nail extension specialist license in 1995. Sandi has worked at the Ritz Salon since 2004. She considers every nail service an artistic escape that allows her to create something new. Outside of the salon, Sandi enjoys shopping, and especially loves finding a great deal on a fabulous handbag! “The Lord has a plan” -Sandi Broxton
Sandra Panelli
Receptionist
Sandra was born in Gateshead, Great Britain and she has lived in Niceville Florida since 1991. She began working at Ritz Salon in 1998. As a receptionist at Ritz Salon, Sandra loves that she has met and become friends with so many wonderful clients over the years. In her free time, Sandra loves being outdoors working in her yard. “No problem” - Sandra Panelli
Lisa Coleman
Receptionist
Lisa is from Indianapolis, Indiana. She moved to the area in 2020 and began working at Ritz Salon at that time. Lisa enjoys getting to know all of our clients while working as a receptionist. Outside of work, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family and loves going thrift store shopping with her twin sister Laura and her step-mom Rosemary.