The Artists
We’re so proud of the team of talented stylists assembled under Abstra(kt) Studio’s roof, we can’t wait to come to work with them every day. Each stylist brings their own special something to the game, and we love bragging on them. Why? Because we don’t think you will find a better team of people in town. Creative. Professional. Passionate. Unique. Expert. There’s a common thread among each and every one of us—we don’t rest on our laurels. Not for a hot second. This team continues to push the envelope, and when they aren’t training others across the country they are going to training themselves. Because they know that to have this kind of street cred you have to keep it fresh, span the country to learn from the best, and bring it. Every day. So, let us introduce you to these rock stars. Click below to meet each and every special one.
Ansley King
Tier 3
She/Her
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Have you ever had your hair done and thought, “Why didn’t my stylist tell me this was a bad idea?” You’ll never get up from Ansley’s chair with that issue! Ansley knows how much those inspiration pictures mean. We Pinterest and screenshot for weeks or months thinking about this new ‘do. But this is where her honesty and expertise will be your new best friend. She takes into account the shape of your face, the texture of your hair, and most important your lifestyle! In her terrific Ansley way, she’ll find the best way to get you your dream hair that you can live in.
Now for her technical skills. Ansley has that great Aveda training that we love, and she’s been a stylist on the Frisco scene for a few years now, so she knows just what the north Texas clientele likes. To our blondes, we say, “Have no fear, you are in good hands.” But her real rock star skills are in cutting–especially when it comes to those gamine-inspired pixie cuts. There’s no greater magnifying glass for a stylist’s skills than a short haircut, and we love the confidence she has when the scissors come out.
So, if you are unsure of the direction to take with YOUR hair (not that model on Pinterest that has been worked on for 3 hours) or you need color and a great cut (because that’s your quickest path to a manageable style that you can love AND live with) meet Ansley. Your hair just met its match.
Anthony Barnhill
Tier 4
He/Him
An important thing to know about Anthony is he’s not afraid of big leaps. He recalls being told "nothing changes if nothing changes” – and that advice has been in his veins ever since. Originally from Oklahoma City and Indianapolis, Anthony has invested the last 12 years into “everything salon.” His education within the industry turned the student into the teacher – and now Anthony is the one confidently showing others how to shine in their own fabulous way.
In his role as an educator, Anthony came to Abstra(kt) Studio to teach our stylists not once, but twice! Both times, he left with an overall sense he had to be here, and we agreed! After a few conversations with owner Katie Tellor, he was ready to call Abstra(kt) his new salon home. So, with a change of address and a move to the Big D, he is now in our same vicinity – and we are thrilled!
Anthony loves sharing his hard-earned knowledge with others. He relishes watching that fanned guidance flame into success. Collaboration with others fuels his best creative work. This affinity for teaching reaches into his chair, too. While his passion for natural balayage and blonding brings the clientele to his chair, they always leave feeling uplifted and inspired. We think it’s because Anthony dedicates time to learning every client’s hair goals. In the space of those conversations, Anthony focuses on how to achieve their expectations without sacrificing the integrity and health of their hair. And when his clients leave our studio, they feel seen, heard, and – of course – absolutely beautiful!
Brian Lewis
Tier 4
He/Him
From his days working as a make-up artist for MAC Cosmetics to marrying the love of his life and having a family of three little women, Brian knows for certain beauty is so much more than what we see. He loves reminding his clients they were beautiful before they walked through our studio doors – and if that doesn’t generate a mile-wide smile, this karaoke crooner might just break into a Neil Diamond song for you.
Our Long Beach transplant attended hair school at Fullerton College and spent a decade sharpening his scissors and expertise at Sassoon, Aveda, L'Oréal, and Bumble and Bumble. After 10+ years behind the chair, Brian's unwavering priority is the health of his clients’ hair and he will not compromise structure for color. When Brian and his family pulled their California roots and headed for Texas, Brian was particular choosing a studio for this new chapter in his life. Turns out, it was the love-of-his-life wife who recommended Abstra(kt), and the rest is history!
Camille Tinsman
Tier 1
She/Her
We love when twists and turns and winding roads in life lead someone to our doorstep. From California to Florida and several stops in between, Camille will settle for nothing less than happiness in this life, even if it meant radical career changes until she found her tribe. Note the past tense, because she has arrived.
Camille can relate to many people in her chair. A Texas transplant. She was a teacher, and did a stint in corporate America before enrolling at the Aveda Institute in Brandon, FL. Y’all know how much we love an Aveda grad!
What you will find in Camille besides her easygoing, bubbly personality is a perfectionist whose biggest satisfaction comes from the end result. Whether it’s the satisfaction she gets in the finishing blowout, or the satisfaction in your eyes when you book your next appointment it’s the fuel to her creative fire.
Welcome to Texas Camille, we’re glad you’re calling Abstra(kt) Studio “home”.
Carmen Sanchez
Tier 3
She/Her
We are so proud that Carmen joined the Abstra(kt) team after training at the Regency Beauty Institute in Plano. Her professional approach and warm personality put you at ease from your initial consultation to the beautiful end results. It is easy to see how Carmen embodies the exceptional skills, talent and service you can always expect at Abstra(kt). A skilled and talented colorist, there is no challenge or color correction this go-getter isn't up for. You can expect great things as Carmen continues to hone her balayage game, and adds new skills to her tool belt. P.S. For all you Spanish speaking gals and guys, Carmen is bilingual.
Cheryl Malady
Tier 3
She/Her
Her newlywed status brought her to Frisco and we are so lucky she said, “I do!”. Cheryl’s career started in Uptown and then took her to Rockwall where she spent several years building her expertise. Rockwall’s loss is Frisco’s gain! Cheryl’s ability to deliver expert results and an experience for her clients that is based on collaboration, confidence and creating a safe space is exactly what Abstra(kt) clients have asked for.
Cheryl prides herself on being able to deliver in all services and is one of our rock star color correction experts. In order to be at that level, you have to be at the top of your game in every way. Some would call that a special form of sorcery, but we know she’s not pulling a rabbit out of her hat. Instead, she is creating magic based on 15+ years of experience and mastering her craft.
Not sure what road to go down in your hair journey? Put that head of hair into the hands of one of the best, with confidence that her creativity, experience, expertise, ability to listen and create a special magic of her own will make you a client for life.
Abracadabra! You will never love your hair more than coming out of Cheryl’s chair!
Contour Med Spa
Doctor Gina and Nurse Brian are in the Abstra(kt) house!
One thing we know about our North Texas clients is that they are serious about achieving their best appearance. That’s why we love having Contour Med Spa and all of the services they offer offering another trusted resource. With years of medical experience between them, the med spa services they offer are the complete package that go beyond the great head of hair you have come to expect at Abstra(kt).
Dr. Gina and Brian are like-minded with the Abstra(kt) team when it comes to letting their work speak for itself. They pride themselves on delivering natural, consistent results that speak volumes (pun intended) that make referring family and friends easy.
Convenience.
Trust.
Relationships and Results.
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These are important parts of the beauty equation, now all under one roof. To book your consultation or an appointment with Contour Med Spa visit their website or call (469) 492-3666.
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Denise Words
Tier 2
She/Her
When first joining our team as a Phresh Talent member or assistant, the path to your own chair at Abstra(kt) isn’t a given. It takes a special kind of someone, willing to put in the work, to take the coaching, assistance and mentorship from those around you (that would be the rock star Abstraktors) and committing to ongoing learning. When someone succeeds at going from an assistant at Abstra(kt) to their own chair, it carries a lot of weight.
Denise graduated from Paul Mitchell the School Dallas, and worked under fan favorite Michael Meireles honing her skills, and finding what she loves behind the chair. It’s not just the act of putting her skills to good use that keeps her coming back for more. She focuses on the uniqueness of each client, and their reaction when that cape comes off and they head out the door. Customer satisfaction is the name of her game.
Big transformations are her jam, and if her nickname caught your eye, know that curls don’t scare her. This one loves a challenge and she loves getting it right.
Gina Saueressig
Tier 2
She/Her
There’s only one person that can claim the title of OG on our team, and that’s Gina. She’s been part of Abstra(kt) Studio since the day we opened our doors. Literally. First as a client, then as our salon manager, where a little spark formed. She became so passionate about the hair industry she enrolled at Paul Mitchell Dallas. We love to inspire people here at Abstra(kt), and Gina is living proof of what inspiration, hard work and a whole lotta hustle can create.
Because she’s seen all facets of our business (client–manager–stylist) she brings a unique vantage point. She knows what a satisfied client looks like, and better yet, she knows how it feels to walk out of our salon looking your very best. She brings that perspective to every client that sits in her chair. Blonding and color services are her jam. When you blend (see what we did there?) that with her expert listener status, you can be assured she’s taking in every word you say, applying all of her knowledge and skills and treating you to a personal experience that will bring you back to her chair, time and time again.
We love Gina, and it’s not just because of her awesome accent. Or the fact that she’s probably one of the nicest humans on the planet. We love her because she embodies all the good things about Abstra(kt) and our industry. Commitment. Hard work. Creativity. Tenaciousness. And that lovely little thing called Talent.
Joel Torres
Renter
He/Him
We don’t know anyone in the industry who can bring the beautiful story of creating beautiful hair to life, whether it be with clients or capturing that story on social media. Joel captures what all of us – clients and colleagues alike – hope for when the scissors come out. So, when our paths crossed, we knew it was a match made in heaven.
First, let’s get those credentials out of the way. TIGI International creative team member for 2+ decades. Master educator. Social media master storyteller.
Next, let’s name drop. You’ll see his work in Italian Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, and L’Oficiel magazines. And, if that isn’t enough you can count Zac Efron, Victoria Justice, Daddy Yankee and Icona Pop as clients.
But really what matters most is where Joel comes from and what has contributed to his journey to being one of the most followed stylists in the industry. Born in Puerto Rico and brought up with a tenacious work ethic (he’s our people, y’all!), it’s his creativity that makes him extra special. Behind the chair, behind the camera, creating a story with your hair that you will fall in love with.
If you are like us, you have your faves on social media. You know, the ones you go down the rabbit hole with and all of a sudden two hours have passed. Be sure to check him out on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Clubhouse. Better yet, check him out for your next appointment at Abstra(kt) Studio. He’s the real deal. His work speaks for itself and comes to life within our four walls, and we couldn’t be happier about that.
Kailee Werkmeister
Renter
She/Her
Hair is the only thing Kailee ever wanted to do. And while she counts herself lucky to have recognized this life path at such an early age, it required dedicated effort and some elbow grease to make her childhood dream come true. After graduating from Simi Valley School of Cosmetology, Kailee continued chasing this dream and her effervescent attitude led her to Abstra(kt) Studio. Our creative crew and educational encouragement gave off all the right vibes, and Kailee jumped in with both wedges.
Growing up in L.A., our California girl certainly knows a thing or two about creating sun-kissed looks with a flick of her wrist and a little balayage. Wanting her clients to feel their absolute best is top priority, so Kailee takes time before every appointment to make sure she is aligned with their vision. We see her vitality unleash when she’s learning new ways to improve her craft – you’ll feel it in the consistency of gorgeous looks she creates. But this starlet isn’t just about the hair all day, every day – by night, she is a roller disco queen! We love that she feels her best in and out of the studio, and it translates in the conversations and smiles we see happening in her chair. Between the connections she makes with clients and her daily dedication to becoming better, one thing is certain: this one is the total package!
Katelyn Saueressig
Tier 2
She/Her
You know how you can come across people and feel l like just being around them is a shot of Vitamin D? Meet Katelyn our new up-and-comer. Endlessly optimistic, she has pep in her step from the moment her feet hit the floor. But, don’t be fooled by that sunny disposition, she was a bartender for several years, and that breeds a people savvy second only to hair stylists.
We take fostering young talent pretty seriously at Abstra(kt) Studio. As part of the program Katelyn became a certified Abstraktor by attending our core classes and assisting our team for one year. Our clients come to us because our Abstra(kt) team is the best in North Texas. When Katelyn graduated from the program and stepped behind the chair full time, she took a little bit of awesome from each Abstraktor with her. She’s developed color expertise (blondes or blonde wanna-be’s, you’re welcome) that takes your look from good to great.
Katelyn went to school at Paul Mitchell Dallas. She became poised for success at Abstrakt. She couldn’t do either without hard work, a love of working with clients, and the passion to reach the top of her game. You’re well on your way Katelyn, and every client that sits in your chair will walk away feeling like the sun shined a bit on them today.
Kathy Moore
Renter
She/Her
She might be itty bitty, but this bombshell packs a mighty punch when it comes to sending you out of the salon looking your absolute best. If Beyoncé was a hair stylist, she'd be Kathy Moore!
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Kathy trained with Toni&Guy and while building her career also focused on continuous education, becoming a Master Trainer for Toni&Guy at the Academy. In addition to being an expert at cuts and color, Kathy loves making her clients look their most glamorous through extensions, beautiful blowouts (Brazilian too!) or sophisticated up-dos for proms, weddings or a girl's night out downtown. To schedule appointment with Kathy, please call or text (469) 682-1765.
Kyra Harris
Lash Extensionist
She/Her
When Abstra(kt) Studio expanded to offering suites to beauty experts in North Dallas, we knew we wanted the best of the best. We also wanted people that would reinforce our commitment to the Abstra(kt) clientele–who know a thing or two about putting their best face forward. Lots of places do lashes and do them well, but when we met Kyra we found someone whose work was Abstrakt-level.
So, what makes her the best at her game? Crazy-reliable. More particular about Every. Single. Lash. than you could ever be. Hard worker (and hard wired that way). An artist who, when we’ve given you the best Abstra(kt) hair possible, brings in the lash factor and makes it even better.
Natalie Chauffe
Tier 3
She/Her
The artistry is in her blood–she comes from a family of passionate artists–but the savviness is all hers. She’s built her career at Abstra(kt) after graduating from Paul Mitchell the School Dallas. She gets inspiration anywhere she can find it, from magazines and Instagram, to her colleagues and collaborators on photo shoots. She knows that when she’s encountering creativity in the world around her, it sparks the creativity inside her.
The savviness kicks in the moment you sit in her chair. It starts with her listening. Actually, it starts with her really hearing what you have to say about your hair. While transformations and vivids are music to her ears, she loves the subtlety in your conversations when it sounds like you need a boost, or you have something going on in life that requires you gain a new superpower (like a great update to your hair). She knows she can take what you want, apply her creativity and give you a little extra. That little extra is her secret formula and it’s what makes her clients feel brand new every time they walk out our door. You and I know that a stylist that can deliver that every time–and her name is Natalie–will see us again in 6 weeks.
Sarah Mendoza
Renter
She/Her
One bio page isn’t sufficient to describe everything we want you to know about Sarah, our resident photographer. When she’s lightening, brightening, fading or giving you that lived-in hair you’re after, she’s seeing you through the lens of the camera. Every angle, dimension and movement. It’s just one more way she finds to express her creativity and her eagle eye is always at work.
Sarah’s road to becoming a stylist began when she herself began experimenting with her own style, and her interests actually had her considering barber school. As fate would have it, she decided to take a wider career path that led her to our doorstep. At Abstra(kt) she can get the best of all worlds – specializing in lived-in color and barber cuts, too.
A graduate of Abstra(kt)’s Phresh Talent program, Sarah’s hustle, hard work and creativity didn’t end with her completion of the program–she continues to show up that way every day.
When Sarah was starting her career, she sought a place where everyone is and feels welcomed, can be comfortable sitting in our chairs, and a place she could be proud to call her work home. Well, Sarah, PRIDE goes both ways. We’re proud of all that you have accomplished and we’re especially proud to call you an Abstraktor.
Shay Hughes
Tier 3
She/Her
Growing up in Arkansas, Shay was intrigued early on with the transformational power of hair. Whether it be color or cuts, nothing can change a person’s appearance more than new hair.
Shay sought out a salon home that met her stringent requirements. First, a great, diverse clientele (come on, there’s no better client base than Abstra(kt)’s! Check! Next, a salon that not just talks about diversity but embraces it and walks the talk. As the first salon in North Texas to be a member of Dresscode Project, Abstra(kt) was a home made for Shay. Check! And last, she wanted a salon where she could bring her ability to work with all hair types to life every day. Check!
Shay has come a long way from coloring her Barbie’s hair with markers–she’s now grounded in the fundamentals of color theory that elude so many stylists. It’s the basic building block for a successful career– and especially one in the North Dallas area where the ladies know the importance of great color!
We love Shay for everything she brings to our team, and the fact that she is passionate about the same things we are. Diversity. Excellence. Being authentic. Oh, and she loves music. That isn’t in the job description, but it is a common thread amongst the most successful of Abstra(kt)ors!
