Years in the hair business: 12
A native of close-in Portland, Zelinka graduated from Nationally acclaimed Mt. Hood School of hair design. Zelinka immediately went to apprentice with renowned colorist, and NAHA award winner DeAnnaLynn Teal, studying the intense theory of hair color, using Goldwell color. Under her watchful eye Zelinka was able to learn a multitude of coloring techniques, many of which she still uses today.
Her cutting training lies in having been a Rusk Designer, studying under National Artist Tatjanna Cypionka. Zelinka has found Rusk techniques to be incredibly adaptable to all ranges of clients, providing a haircut that grows out extraordinarily, far surpassing any other technique. Rusk also allowed for travel working backstage at hair shows, flying out for training, and teaching on location classes.
In 2004 Zelinka was given the incredible opportunity to start 77 with business partner Jessica Hedges. Together they grew it from an empty salon to be voted by citysearch as Portland’s top salon in 2007. Boasting 2,400 square feet, 
77 is and was one of Portland’s largest and most prestigious salons.
2010 has brought a career defining choice. Zelinka decided to retire from salon ownership. While making the right decisions for the salon, Zelinka felt her own personality and creativity had been stifled. Feeling that her creativity, personality, and drive is what makes her an incredible stylist, she decided to focus solely on working behind the chair, finding solace in a smaller, more intimate space.
Located in the Activespace building on 17th and Lovejoy sits a quaint 2 chair salon on the second floor, Ginger Salon. Ironically, owner Deanna Everson attended Concordia University at the same time as Zelinka, and they share many associates, common interests, and a wicked sense of humor.
PERSONAL BIO:
The Mandy story
Her grandfather would bet her twenty bucks for home runs at her softball games, while her mother would not let her go play with the boys until she finished practicing the piano. Inside the house was full of discipline, hard work, and religion. It was when she was let outside that she was able to express herself.
Mandy graduated from Trinity Lutheran grade school and went on to the big world of public schooling at Benson High School. There she graduated with honors, being voted ‘most unique’ of her class, and was a three sport letter in volleyball, basketball, and softball. She spread her time between being editor of the newspaper and DJing for the school radio station.
Upon graduation it was off to college to play softball, but she never made it to softball season. Mandy found out the freedom and socializing opportunities college life awarded you, especially when living away from home. After fall semester it was back home and time to regroup, where her strict but wise mother decided beauty school may be the answer. A reluctant Mandy signed up for school, as it was a good alternative to paying her mother rent. She never thought all the hair she cut off her barbies or the haircuts she did on all of her friends since the age of 15 would have led to this.
