Karina Mauro
Founder & Lead Stylist, Mineola, NY
Karina Mauro is the founder and creative force behind Willow's Cove Salon, a luxury hair destination in Mineola, Long Island, where beauty, wellness, and community converge.
With over 27 years of experience, Karina has built a reputation as a highly respected professional specializing in extensions, balayage, curly hair, and precision cutting. Her work is defined by intention, artistry, and a deep understanding that great hair starts with trust.
From Boutique to Salon
Before opening Willow's Cove Salon, Karina founded Willow's Cove Boutique, a children's clothing brand rooted in care, quality, and community. While the focus evolved from fashion to beauty, the heart remained the same: creating a welcoming space where people feel valued, seen, and supported.
The name Willow's Cove reflects Karina's belief in strength, flexibility, and growth, qualities embodied by the willow tree. A cove represents safety, calm, and refuge. Together, they represent what Karina has built: a place where clients can ground themselves, feel confident, and leave transformed.
Karina's commitment to excellence extends far beyond the chair. She has trained under some of the industry's most influential leaders, including:
Michealla Blissett Williams — mentor, Bloomberg Goldman Sachs alumni, and CEO of Salon 718
Richard Calcasola — legendary creative visionary of Maximus Spa and Salon
She continues to travel throughout the United States and Europe to stay ahead of trends, techniques, and innovation, bringing a global perspective back to her clients and team at Willow's Cove.
Specialties:
Hair Extensions (hand-tied, beaded, weaves, K-Tip)
Balayage & Dimensional Color
Curly Hair Cutting & Styling
Smoothing Treatments (Keratin, Magic Sleek)
Precision Cutting
"Lead with intention."
Karina's philosophy is simple: create hair that looks beautiful in the salon and works in real life. Every decision she makes is rooted in balance, health, and personalization.
"I want clients to feel relaxed, confident, and cared for," Karina says. "More than anything, I want them to feel heard — because great hair starts with trust."
Her approach prioritizes:
Longevity — Results that last and grow out beautifully
Education — Teaching clients how to care for and style their hair at home
Intentionality — Every cut, color, and treatment is customized to fit your texture, lifestyle, and goals
Beyond the salon, Karina is deeply committed to community, connection, and empowerment.
She is a proud member of:
KIWANIS of Mineola
Mineola Chamber of Commerce
Latinas in Business Advisory Board — where she advocates for women-led businesses and inclusive leadership
Karina also spearheads women-focused networking and empowerment events, creating meaningful opportunities for connection, education, and collaboration across industries.
"Community is everything," she says. "Willow's Cove is built on connection — with our clients, our team, and the people around us. Success is better when it's shared."
When she's not at the salon, Karina loves spending time with family, traveling, and attending events that inspire growth and connection. She's passionate about wellness, personal development, and creating spaces where beauty and empowerment meet.
Her dream client experience in three words?
Intentional. Elevated. Empowering.
Speaking & Media Resources
Karina is available for speaking engagements, panels, and workshops on topics including:
Curly hair cutting & care
Building a boutique salon business
Women's entrepreneurship & leadership