About Mesh

A Serene, welcoming experience built around your comfort and confidence.

Mesh is a hair studio, nail salon, and head spa in Albuquerque rooted in intention, consistency, and care. Every detail, from our tailored services to the sophisticated yet warm atmosphere we create, is thoughtfully designed to help you feel relaxed, confident, and cared for.

What truly sets Mesh apart is our people. With a dedicated team that has remained together for years, we've built a culture of trust, connection, and expertise. Through ongoing education, elevated services, and a personalized approach, we create experiences that feel both refined and welcoming.

Meet Our Team

  • A young woman with long light brown hair, sitting cross-legged against a plain white background. She is smiling gently, with her arms crossed over her knees, wearing a beige strapless top and light blue jeans, with a delicate necklace and bracelets on her wrist.

    Juliann Upton

    OWNER & STYLIST

    The driving force behind Mesh, Juliann keeps the studio’s energy infectious and ensures that her team excels in their craft. Over more than twenty years, Juliann’s talent and leadership have earned her a long list of regulars, a loyal team, and an editorial resume. It’s no surprise, then, that this creative powerhouse places a great deal of value on building lasting connections. Aside from bonding with her team, Juliann loves spending time with her family and hiking with her dog Tyrone.

    Juliann graduated from the Arizona Academy of Beauty in 2002 and became a Redken color specialist in 2008.

  • Megan Oney

    OPERATIONS MANAGER + LEVEL 8 STYLIST

    With over 18 years of experience and being with Mesh since 2013, Megan has become a babylights and shadow root expert. She creates custom looks based on her client’s lifestyle, face shape, and aesthetic. Known for being meticulous and passionate, she’s helped transform hundreds of Mesh clients while supporting the evolution of the studio. After hours, this stylist can be found cooking up a storm while blasting Missy Elliot.

    Megan graduated from the Salon Professional Academy in Toledo, Ohio in 2008.

  • A smiling woman with wavy, shoulder-length hair, wearing a brown long-sleeve top and light blue jeans, accessorized with layered necklaces and bracelets, sitting against a plain light background.

    Kira Hickerson

    LEVEL 8 STYLIST

    With over 22 years in the industry and being Mesh's first employee of 16 years, Kira draws upon her experience and her foremost muse, the client, to create dimensional yet natural-looking hair. The greatest reward of the job is seeing her clients smile. Outside of work, you’ll find Kira camping, hiking, or biking and treating herself to a matcha latte or scoop of ice cream.

    Kira graduated from the Ogle School of Hair, Skin, and Nails in Arlington, Texas in 2004.

  • A woman with long dark hair, smiling, sitting with one arm resting on her knee, wearing a white tank top and blue jeans, against a white background.

    Elissa Mortensen

    LEVEL 7 STYLIST

    Having worked in the hair industry on and off since 2003, Elissa’s experience is unparalleled. From crafting dimensional blondes to precision haircuts, her technique knows no limits. Elissa is inspired by the endless creative options of the job. She is also a proponent of products that protect hair. Outside of work, this nature-loving stylist would be at her happiest in a snowstorm in the mountains or watching the early-morning spectacle of the Balloon Fiesta.

    Elissa graduated from De Bellas Artes in 2003.

  • Young woman with long blonde hair sitting on the floor against a plain white wall, wearing a white strapless top and blue jeans, smiling softly with her chin resting on her hand.

    Ken Whitehat

    LEVEL 5 STYLIST

    Ken, knows the value of the classics. She orders her coffee black, and her favorite drink is water. For alcoholic beverages? A nice glass of red wine. This taste for simplicity extends to her approach to hair styling, favoring no-frills (yet crucial) products like dry shampoo. Originally from Utah, this Navajo talent now shares her impressive skill set with the people of New Mexico. In addition to creating iconic hair looks, Ken also enjoys teaching, jogging, hiking, and sewing. 

    Ken graduated from Brillare Tony and Guy Hairdressing Academy in Scottsdale, Arizona in 2010. 

  • Smiling woman with dark brown hair and tattoos on her left arm, sitting on the floor with her knees bent, wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans, against a plain light-colored background.

    Dana Miller

    LEVEL 5 STYLIST

    A lover of vivids, Dana helps clients achieve the perfect color. With Mesh since 2020, she brings expertise in proper care and lifestyle-compatible products for long-lasting, vibrant looks. Clients leave with gorgeous hair and tips to maintain and improve hair health. Dana’s favorite part of the job is turning people’s day around with her skills and bubbly personality. Plus, this music-minded stylist is likely to share a favorite band or two with everyone who walks into the studio.

    Dana graduated from the Olympian Academy of Cosmetology in 2019.

  • A woman standing in a grassy field, smiling, wearing a sleeveless denim jumpsuit with wide-leg pants and accessories.

    Emma Dabling

    LEVEL 3 STYLIST

    A good haircut or color can work miracles when it comes to making us feel more like ourselves. For stylist Emma, this is the best part of the job. She’s passionate about creating long-lasting, easy-to-maintain looks so her clients can keep the good times rolling without sacrificing hair health. Outside of work, Emma recharges by cuddling up and watching cult classic movies like Legally Blonde and Grease. 

    Emma graduated from A Better U Barber Academy in May 2023. She has been training and working at Mesh since 2021.

  • A young woman with long dark hair, wearing a black long-sleeve dress, standing indoors with chairs and a potted plant in the background.

    Love Rodriguez

    LEVEL 1 STYLIST

    Love Leigh is our newest level 1 stylist. She has recently graduated from the last year of dedication in the Mesh Training program. She loves helping people feel like the best version of themselves while encouraging them to try something new and enjoy their look. When she's not behind the chair, she enjoys exploring local coffee shops, taking walks with family and friends, and planning her next mountain getaway. Keep an eye out for this rising star- she graduated from Hype Beauty school as a hair stylist in April 2025. 

  • A woman with short, platinum blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing a black dress, gold jewelry, and standing in a room with black chairs, a mirror, and pink flowers.

    Payton Selimovic

    LEVEL 1A STYLIST

    Payton is our newest addition to the salon floor as a licensed Barber and Level 1A Stylist. She has a strong foundation in men's cuts and fades. She has grown a passion for color and all things beauty, and loves expanding her skills behind the chair.

    Payton is detail-oriented, thoughtful, and committed to creating a great experience for every guest. When she's not in the salon, you'll find her spending time with her puppy or getting outdoors on local hikes.

  • A young woman with long dark hair, wearing a brown long-sleeve top and striped white pants, standing in front of a wall with organized shelves of nail polish bottles. She is smiling, wearing jewelry including earrings, a necklace, bracelet, and rings.

    Verneet Kailey

    LEVEL 1A STYLIST + HEAD SPA TECH + JR NAIL TECH

    Verneet graduated from Paul Mitchell The School in February and is continuing her advanced training at MESH Hair Studio, Nail Bar & Head Spa in Albuquerque.

    Already familiar with the MESH culture and guest experience, Verneet brings a calm, grounded energy to the spa environment, along with strong attention to detail and a genuine passion for growth. As a licensed cosmetologist, she is currently part of the MESH Training Program as a Level 1A Associate Stylist while also serving as a HeadSpa Tech and Jr. Nail Tech.

    She is actively building her skills in cutting, color fundamentals, and guest communication under the mentorship of our senior team, with a focus on creating elevated, confidence-boosting experiences for every guest.

    We’re excited to support her continued growth at MESH.

  • A woman with shoulder-length dark brown hair wearing a red lace long-sleeve blouse and a black leather skirt, standing indoors next to a table with white fluffy material.

    Beth Kellom

    BRAND MANAGER

    A vital part of the Mesh team, Beth is a studio multi-hyphenate who helps manage first impressions, client appointments, and the daily operations of the salon. With a love for her team and the Mesh client, Beth maintains the flow of the salon and helps keep the stylists booked. As an Aquarius, the important traits of innovation and compassion come naturally to Beth. After hours, you’ll find her hiking the trails of Tijeras or kicking back with a Paloma.

  • A young woman with long brown hair, wearing a white blouse and black skirt, standing in a modern, well-lit room with a smile.

    Deyja Sehlmeyer

    FIRST IMPRESSIONS + ASSISTANT FRONT DESK COORDINATOR

    The perfect addition to our front desk team, Deyja has quickly become an integral part of our day-to-day operations. A serious product lover, she will happily share her favorites while booking your next appointment. Deyja is also a wealth of knowledge on local businesses, like the hidden gem restaurant/gift shop Duran Central Pharmacy. Besides chatting with clients, Deyja’s favorite part of the job is watching everyone react to their new ‘dos. 

  • Multiple bottles of pastel-colored nail polish with white caps on a shelf.

    NAOMI DIAZ

    LEVEL 1A STYLIST

    Having begun her journey with Mesh as a cosmetology student, externing with our team over the past year while completing her education. After graduating from the CNM Cosmetology program in May, she officially joined the Mesh team and is now advancing her skills through our in-house training program.

    We’re excited to have Naomi continue growing with us and can’t wait for our guests to get to know her!

  • A row of pink and clear nail polish bottles with white caps on a black surface.

    Michelle Flores

    ADVANCED NAIL TECH

    Michelle is passionate about creating beautiful, healthy nails with an emphasis on precision and long-lasting results. A graduate of Diamond Nail Tech Academy, she specializes in Russian-style manicures and enjoys working with Bio Sculpture Gel, hard gel enhancements, gel polish, and detailed natural nail care. She also offers relaxing, thorough pedicure services designed to leave you feeling refreshed. 

  • Multiple bottles of light pink and nude nail polish lined up on a shelf.

    Lindsey Fisher

    MASTER NAIL TECH

    With over 16 years of experience, Lindsey specializes in healthy natural nails, luxury manicures, pedicures, Dazzle Dry and BIAB (Double gel overlay). As our Nail Bar's Master Tech, She believes beautiful nails begin with healthy nail care and is passionate about creating a relaxing experience while delivering meticulous, long-lasting results. Lindsey has advanced training in nail restoration, IBX treatments, and specialty pedicures, allowing her to customize services for each guest’s unique needs. Her warm personality, attention to detail, and dedication to continuing education make her a wonderful addition to the Mesh Nail Bar team.

A woman receiving a facial steam treatment at a spa or skincare clinic, with her eyes covered by mask pads and a steam machine directed at her face.
A woman sitting in a salon chair getting her hair styled, with her reflection visible in a mirror in front of her. A hairstylist is standing behind her, working on her hair.

Beauty with Intention

At Mesh, we believe beautiful results begin with thoughtful artistry, genuine relationships, and a commitment to doing things well. Rather than chasing trends, we focus on creating timeless looks that complement your lifestyle, enhance your natural beauty, and leave you feeling confident long after your appointment.

That philosophy extends beyond the chair. Through continued education, collaboration, and an unwavering attention to detail, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional hair and nail services with consistency, care, and craftsmanship in everything we do.

Find Your Place at Mesh

Treat yourself to the hair and nail experience you've been hoping for with the stylists you've been looking for.

A hairstylist cutting an elderly woman's hair in a salon.
Interior view of a salon with shelves holding hair products, a neon sign on the wall, and a haircutting station near the front door.