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 14 years of experience, 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.

Kira Hickerson

Level 8 Stylist

With over 18 years in the industry, 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.

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.

ken Whitehat

level 5 Stylist

Ken, one of our newest team members, 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. 

Dana Miller

level 5 stylist

A lover of vivids, Dana helps clients achieve the perfect color. Her expertise in proper care and lifestyle-compatible products ensures 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.

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.

Level 3 Stylist

With over 14 years in the hair industry, Kris brings a thoughtful and creative approach to every guest who sits in her chair. Specializing in dimensional blonding, lived-in color, and hair additions, her work blends technical precision with an intuitive eye for what feels authentic to each individual.

Kris’s background spans both the salon and film worlds, where she has spent years refining her craft across real hair, wigs, and on-camera work. This diverse experience allows her to approach hair with both artistry and adaptability, always prioritizing hair health and longevity.

She believes that getting your hair done is more than a service—it’s a form of self-care. Creating a welcoming, inclusive space where every guest feels seen is at the heart of her work.

Outside of the salon, Kris is often working on film sets, exploring creative projects, or spending time with her dog and enjoying the beauty of New Mexico.

Love Rodriguez

Level 1A Stylist

We're thrilled to welcome Love to the Mesh team. 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, talking 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.