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.
Abby Diaz
Tier 2
She/Her
​Abby began her career in hair after graduating cosmetology school in April of 2022. While attending LaGrone Academy in Denton during high school, she built a strong foundation that she continued to refine through advanced training at Ulta Beauty and Elevate Salon in Prosper, Texas.
Drawn to the industry by her love of creativity and genuine connection, Abby believes great hair starts with understanding the person in the chair. Her inspiration comes from collaborative consultations—blending client goals, personal style, and her own creative eye into a customized vision. She’s especially known for her versatility, excelling in both natural hair and non-conventional creative colors and cuts.
Abby was drawn to Abstrakt for its sense of togetherness and its commitment to letting both stylists and clients show up authentically. She values the trust and understanding of the North Dallas clientele and appreciates working with guests who are patient and invested in the long-term health of their hair.
Energetic, honest, and deeply driven, Abby aims to be known as the kind of stylist who feels like a friend—while still delivering results. Outside of the salon, you’ll find her painting, sewing, gaming, and curating a living space inspired by dark academia with a touch of boho flair.
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
Renter
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!
Camille Tinsman
Tier 3
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
Renter
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Renter
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!
Victor Martinez
Renter
He/Him
Vic is not only a master at styling the heads of Dallas’s most discerning women—he’s also our resident expert in men’s cuts, having perfected even the most challenging fade. Since graduating from Toni & Guy in 2002 (ask him about his runway work), Vic has remained deeply committed to ongoing education, ensuring his clients are always ahead of the curve—often wearing trends before they become trends.
When you sit in Vic’s chair, there are a few things to know. First, he’s a man of few words—but he is bilingual, so technically his vocabulary doubles most of ours. Second, if you want to get him talking, ask about his kids or soccer. Both are guaranteed to break his intense focus on the task at hand: sending you back into the world looking and feeling your absolute best. To schedule an appointment with Victor, please call or text (469)363-9663.