“There are no limits to me, no limits to my company, no limits for those on my team.”
Michelle graduated from Northern Michigan University in 2005 for Cosmetology & attended Finlandia University in 2009 for Business and Communications courses. Throughout her career, she has played a variety of roles (stylist/manager/mentor/master colorist) in both local boutique salons & spa businesses across 3 states & corporations as well as a self-employed renter as a successful independent stylist, for 10 years behind the chair. Although she is no longer behind the chair, making the transition to managing her own employee-based salons as CEO/CFO 8 years ago, Michelle remains a growth centered strategist who strives to remain innovative in her approach to the industry & the needs of her team.
She works to fill a need to improve, expand & elevate the commission employee based business model in our industry, providing career minded stylists opportunities to grow far past the “max” of this model without the “toxic” salon culture. Meraki’s culture, that unspoken but felt “air” is equally if not more important to her than the amazing hair walking out the door, & she creates & cultivates this support on the daily. She values a holistic, low toxic environment for her salons, striving to ensure sustainability for stylists & the best haircare for guests, showing you can achieve luxury hair without the toxins!
After concluding her schooling in 2008, Summer went on to work in a salon and complete her…
apprenticeship on the lovely 0BX (outer banks) of North Carolina.She has gone on to craft her passion with enhanced education from Aveda and Kevin Murphy to truly re-create all shades of blondes with classic and advanced custom techniques. She also enjoys textured cutting of all lengths and everyday styling. She has been trained in hand tied & tape in custom extensions. Summer has a unique ability to ensure her clients are truly heard & feel comfortable. She provides an honest upfront dialogue her clients can trust & rely on, to deliver the total package for them!
Kerry is an Aveda Institute in Chapel Hill 2019 alum. She is a 2019 Professional Beauty Association…
Beacon winner where she attended specialized classes among other top students from across the country at the International Salon and Spa Expo. She enjoys vivid colors, custom cuts and all things balayage. She specializes in total transformations helping each guest achieve their perfect look! A life-long lover of art and fashion, Kerry graduated from NC State in 2017 with a degree in Fashion and Textile Management. She is excited to join the Meraki team where she can grow and learn alongside her fellow stylists & mentors! Besides her love of hair, she loves quality time with her loved ones and cat Luna. She enjoys listening to podcasts, drinking coffee and seeing live music.
Katie is a master stylist who has 15 years experience around the Durham/southpoint area. She specializes…
in precision cuts and textured cuts of all lengths. She loves to create custom colors and blonding using different techniques. Katie enjoys using her knowledge to create exactly what her clients are envisioning when they sit in her chair. “I love working with my clients to create unique looks that they feel great in.” When Katie is not in the salon she enjoys being outdoors with her husband and two kids.
Growing up in rural Idaho, Shelby did not have access to high quality organic products like what we have…
here at Meraki. She have always been passionate about transforming hair through colors and cuts, as well as improving health and integrity of the hair at the same time. She started cosmetology school immediately after high school graduation, and have chased this passion until she found my dream job here at Meraki. “I truly love empowering people through their hair and makeup. There is nothing more rewarding than the smile on a client’s face at the end of a service.” Shelby loves all things blonding, as well as formal hair styling and makeup. I can’t wait to have you in my chair!
Rhiannon graduated from Aveda Institute in Chapel Hill in February of 2020. Her favorite things behind…
the chair are vivid/fashion colors, balayage, and anything to do with curly hair! “I became passionate about hair when I was a teenager and wanted to learn more about my natural texture, and now I love to share everything I know with my clients and continue to learn everything I can about hair.” A few fun facts about her; “I am a cat lady and general animal lover, I enjoy reading, drawing, and playing video games in my spare time.”
Aaron joins us with experience in gender affirming haircuts as well as custom vivids and balayage.
A passion for education, he is excited for the opportunities that Meraki has to offer.
When he isn’t behind the chair, Aaron is a talented Cosplayer, sewing his own looks together. He also enjoys exploring all over North Carolina, crafting, and baking. Aaron is an animal lover and loves chatting with his guests on all things animals!
EmmaJean’s goal as a hair stylist is to create a safe and comfortable space and give her clients the confidence to express themselves. She specializes…
in Extensions & all things bridal styling and makeup. She is certified in 5 different extension methods to accommodate hair/scalp health needs. EJ has a passion for continuous education to provide the best possible experience. She is “masters of balayage” certified making blonding services a strength. Her signature cut is bouncy layers, curtain bangs, and an educational blowout. Emmajean is passionate healing client concerns including postpartum hair loss, scalp issues & more. When it comes to client care her motive is always helping you to reach your hair goals. She has an interest in health and nutrition which she incorporates into her services through the organic product knowledge she‘s accumulated. When you sit in her chair it’s more than just a service, it’s a personalized experience and she loves focusing on & forming a relationship with each client.
Amanda graduated from Eric Fisher Academy in Wichita, Kansas in 2016, and she have a passion for…
all things hair and learning. Her current specialty is precision cutting and barbering but she wants to learn it all! “I’m also a history nerd (and I love the history of hair), and enjoy antiquing in my spare time. I also cross stitch, bullet journal, and I’m definitely a cat lady!”
She’s originally from Lexington, NC! She has been behind the chair for 2 years now after receiving…
my diploma from Leon’s Beauty School. She specializes in lived in color and blonding! “I have always had a passion for the beauty industry and using my creativity to help others. My goal as a stylist is to help people feel like the best versions of themselves while maintaining healthy hair. In my spare time, I like to binge horror movies, travel, and read.”
Marcella joins us with experience in precision cuts, bespoke color, and special occasion styling.
A steadfast passion for excellence, Marcella has advanced color, cut, and styling education from Oribe Atelier, Tony and Guy, Wella, Redken, Sarah Necia, Tony Medina and more.Behind the chair, she enjoys being able to provide services such as curly cuts, creative color, and educating clients on their hair, maintenance, products, and easy everyday styling. When out of the salon, Marcella enjoys directing editorial projects as well as working with local creatives to invigorate her life force. An artist at heart, Marcella enjoys bringing her love of editorial work to her clients; “The best part of having a clientele is, when they can authentically be themselves, and embrace my motto, which is ‘hair is fun!
My name is Cat. I’ve been a stylist for almost 7 years…
I am a blonding and fashion color specialist. Fashion colors are my true passion I love everything to be bright and full of color. I also love old school and new school shaggy cuts and mullets. My favorite thing about being a stylist is making people feel beautiful and good about themselves!
My name is Becky and I’m originally from the Topsail beach area. I’ve been in the Raleigh area for close to…
10 years now and I have two beautiful children. My passion for the beauty industry doesn’t stop at hair, as I have a love for doing nails as well as Individual lash extensions! In my spare time, I love watching a good horror movie and spending time with my family.
Graphic Color/Blonding Specialist
Both Locations
Alexis is a graduate of Mitchell’s Academy. She’s killing it in our co-artist program and …
she looks forward to learning and growing in her skills in the co artist program. “I have a huge passion for this industry and can’t wait to start my career with Meraki.”
Lived In Color/Vivids/Blonding/MUA/Bridal
Raleigh
I specialize in blonding, lived in color, vivids & wedding/formal makeup and hair!…
I have a passion for a safe and comfortable environment as well as helping each client that sits in my chair to achieve their individual hair goals.
Cutting/Multi-Dimensional Color Specialist
Raleigh
Madison is a North Carolina native.
She escaped small town life to grow her business. She has been in the hair industry for 8 years and specializes in cutting and multi-dimensional hair color. She enjoys giving her clients an “above and beyond” experience in and out of her chair; the ultimate people pleaser!
Co-Artist/Apprentice
Meet Kylie, she graduated from Alexander Paul Institute in Greenville, NC…
“I’m very excited to begin my career at Meraki Salon. In my spare time I like to crochet, play video games and spend time with my loved ones and with my cats.”
Co-Artist/Apprentice
Taylor has just moved to the Raleigh area and she is very excited…
She apprenticed at a salon in Richmond, VA and found a passion for hair. She plans to be a licensed cosmetologist by June.
Co-Artist/Apprentice
Born and raised from Marion, VA! Maggie is a passionate person when it comes to her family. Her goal as a hair stylist…
is to create a space where clients feel comfortable in expressing themselves. She has always been passionate about people. “I truly love encourage others to try new cuts, colors, and to take life one day at a time. What makes my job so rewarding is the people I’m surrounded by.” Maggie loves deep reds and all things blonding. She hopes to specialize in bridal hair and makeup. When you sit in her chair it’s more than just a service, it is a personalized experience.
Co-Artist/Apprentice
Al is our future Hairstylist at her chosen Salon, Meraki!…
Born in Clarkesville Tennessee, 4th child of 6. We moved around, a lot. Travel has become apart of my identity bringing me to Raleigh-Durham, NC at the end of my 20’s to finally pursue a career in Cosmetology. Aveda Chapel Hill Institute 2023 Graduate, and Beacon Class of 2023. My free time is spent with my 9 year old pup Maple, hiking, swimming, photography, yoga and meditation, time with friends and family, gardening with my cat Weezer and stargazing planning the days ahead
Salon Coordinator
I’m was born and raised in Garner North Carolina. I love spending time
with family and friends and taking trips to the beach and lake! I have 2 fur baby’s Ricky and Biskuit! I have plans on getting my esthetics license in the fall of this year! I’m so excited to be joining the Meraki team, fostering new relationships with everyone here, finding ways to add to the team, and of course getting to greet everyone’s beautiful face in the salon!