STYLIST LEVELS
What Stylist is Best for You?
A STYLIST’S LEVEL IS DETERMINED BY EXPERIENCE AND CLIENT DEMAND. ALL OF OUR TEAM ATTEND EDUCATIONAL CLASSES AND SHOWS ALL OVER THE EAST COAST, 4-6+ TIMES PER YEAR.
LEVEL 1
At this level the stylist has already graduated Cosmetology School and has been our Apprentice for 9-12 months. They are available to do basic cuts and color. All color consultations will be a collaboration with your stylist and an elder stylist to ensure appropriate color formulation and technique. Following your appointment the owner may send the client a brief survey pertaining to their experience. Honest feedback is essential for the stylist’s growth.
LEVEL 2
A Junior Stylist has earned and gained another level of experience and confidence behind the chair. They are more experienced to manage consultations on their own as well as develop color formulations. They also have gained more knowledge on face and head shapes and hair textures to achieve more advanced cuts and styles.
LEVEL 3
A Lead stylist has acquired a great amount of experience with all aspects of hair and communication. They are problem solvers, well educated, educators, and experienced enough to achieve more advanced color techniques, color corrections, cuts and styles. They also have an extensive clientele.
LEVEL 4
A Master stylist has the largest demand for their time behind the chair. They have an advanced level of education and are phenomenal communicators. At this point of their career they are booked for several months in advance. They are exceptional professionals who inspire and educate their teammates and clients.
LEVEL 5
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OUR STYLISTS
THE SALON MERAKI TEAM
CHRISE'S SPECIALTIES
Color: Foils. Highlights/Balayage. Blondes. Natural Looks.
Styling: Women’s Long and Short Cuts. Razor Cuts, Blowouts. Curly Hair. Smoothing Treatments.
CHRISE ALLEN
Level 5
CHRISE’S WORK
Chrise’s journey in cosmetology began at Atlantic Technical School in Broward County, Florida, where she obtained a Full Specialty Cosmetology license in 1990. Her affinity for color led her to explore various color lines, finding her passion in the Matrix color line.
Between 2005 and 2007, Chrise underwent intensive training with Matrix, eventually becoming an Educational Artist. Her travels took her across states, educating hairstylists and sharing her expertise. Always searching for more knowledge, Chrise’s dedication to education never waned, leading her to attend classes, shows, and academies all along the East Coast, including the prestigious L’Oréal Academy in Soho NY for a 5-day Matrix Master Colorist Class.
Her talent in color creation earned recognition, with some of her works being featured by Matrix and shared worldwide on social media. Amidst her thriving career in cosmetology, Chrise pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience from Stockton University in 2011. Her academic excellence led to her induction into the International Honor Society of Psychology (Psi Chi) in 2010.
Chrise’s unwavering passion lies in making people feel and look their absolute best, a driving force behind her continued commitment to her craft and the art of hairdressing.
KELLY'S SPECIALTIES
Color: Natural Looks, Balayage, Foils, Blondes
Styling: Women and Men cuts, Styles, Blowouts, Curly Hair, Extensions, Smoothing Treatments and Special Occasion styles.
Waxing: Facial Wax
KELLY HAWES
Level 5
KELLY’S WORK
Kelly Ann Hawes graduated from Gordon Phillips Cosmetology School in July of 1989. She also did an apprenticeship with the prestigious David Michael Marks in Andalusa, PA. After taking time away from doing hair Kelly Ann returned in 2011. She returned to school at Cape May County Technical School’s Adult Cosmetology program to aquire her New Jersey Cosmetology License. She enjoys doing skin, nails and hair care. She worked at the Cape May Day Spa where she was a skin care specialist. She then joined Chrise and Sandra to do hair as well. You see the passion for her craft in the stunning creations she does for her clients. Kelly Ann especially enjoys designing beautiful styles for weddings and special occasions. She loves to help clients achieve a better knowledge and understanding of their hair and educate them to be able to do their hair at home to look like they just came from the Salon. With the industry always growing she continues to attend classes to improve her craft. Kelly Ann’s family is everything to her and tries to stay active in her children’s school and community activities. She is a member of several local Coalitions to help keep the children in her community healthy and safe.
SANDRA'S SPECIALTIES
Color: Natural Looks, Corrective color, Blondes, Foils
Styling: Women’s cuts, Styles, Smoothing Treatments and Blowouts
Waxing: Facial Wax
SANDRA BAIR
Level 4
SANDRA’S WORK
Sandra Prince, a Cape May local, has been in the beauty industry since 2006. Sandra is not only a licensed hairstylist, but she also continued her education for skincare and became a Certified Massage Therapist. Sandra knows it is important to be able to accommodate her clients needs and offer a variety of services. While foils, color, Brazilian Blowouts and Balayage are some of her favorite talents, Color Correction is a service that challenges the best in her. She truly enjoys the process of guiding a client and helping them achieve their desired results. For Sandra, continuing her education is key to her success and ensures that her clients are exposed to the best techniques and newest trends.
Alexandra'S SPECIALTIES
Color: Corrective Color. Foils, Highlights/Balayage. Blondes. Natural Looks.
Styling: Women Long Haircuts. Blowouts. Razor Cuts. Sew andTape Extensions. Smoothing Treatments.
ALEXANDRA BREAKELL
Level 4 COLORIST
Alexandra’s Work
Alexandra’s journey in the world of cosmetology commenced during her senior year at Cape May County Technical High School, culminating in her attainment of a Cosmetology license in June 2018. She wasted no time, joining the Salon Meraki team in May of the same year and immediately diving into her apprenticeship. Her rapid progress propelled her to achieve the status of a Level 4 Master Colorist by 2022.
An innate artist and painter at heart, Alexandra’s fascination with hair color stemmed from her natural creativity. Her exceptional talent and unwavering passion caught the eye of Matrix in January 2020, making her one of the youngest hairstylists and colorists to be selected to join the prestigious Matrix Team.
Amidst the challenges of the pandemic, Alexandra persisted with Matrix through online platforms. However, in June 2021, driven by her passion for diverse education, she explored alternative educational avenues while remaining fully dedicated to her clientele, specializing primarily in Color Corrections.
Beyond her prowess as a phenomenal colorist, Alexandra holds certifications in Halo Tape In Extensions, Aqua Hair Extensions, and Cezanne Keratin treatments. Her commitment to her craft, coupled with her artistic flair, positions her as a rising star, continuously pushing boundaries and perfecting her skills behind the chair.
SAMANTHA'S SPECIALTIES
Color: Foils, Highlights / Balayage, Blondes, Natural looks, Vivids
Styling: Women and Men’s Haircuts, Blowouts, Special Occasion Styles
SAMANTHA MCARTHY
Level 4
SAMANTHA’S WORK
Samantha, a proud local from Cape May County, embarked on her cosmetology journey after graduating from Middle Township High School in 2014. Her dedication and passion for the craft led her to obtain a Cosmetology License in 2015 from Cape May County Technical School, earning recognition on the Honor Roll for Academic Achievements in Theory of Cosmetology.
Eager to expand her expertise, Samantha actively pursued further education post-graduation. She immersed herself in various academic classes, honing her skills in Special Occasion Looks, Keratin certifications, Highlight Techniques, Balayage, and Hair Aqua Extension Certification.
Samantha’s innate talent, coupled with her relentless drive for learning, has enabled her to amass a substantial clientele. She’s had the privilege of working with diverse color lines and continues to evolve, staying abreast of the latest trends and techniques. Her ultimate goal remains unwavering – ensuring her clients feel not just satisfied but truly beautiful, a commitment that fuels her dedication to continuous growth and education within her craft.
BETTYANN'S SPECIALTIES
Color:
Styling:
BETTYANN GIBBS
Level 4
BIO COMING SOON
CARA'S SPECIALTIES
Color: Blondes. Natural look. Balayage. Corrective Color. Hair Extensions.
Styling: Women Long Haircuts.
Blow-outs. Smoothing Treatments.
CARA
Level 2
Cara, a passionate hairstylist, graduated from Cosmetology school in June 2021. With certifications in smoothing treatments and hair extensions, Cara’s dedication to her craft shines through her in salon training and attendance at numerous educational classes and workshops. Her expertise lies in color, specializing in corrections, single-process, natural looks and blowouts.
However, her ultimate joy comes from helping clients feel their absolute best!
JESS' SPECIALTIES
Speciality: Lashes and Brows. Facial Waxing. Make-up. Blondes. Foils/Balayage. Natural look. Hair Extensions.
Styling: Women Haircuts. Updos/Special Occasion Styles. Blow-outs. Smoothing Treatments.
JESS
Level 3
Passionate about hair transformations, Jess specializes in blonding, extensions, lashes, and brows. In 2013 Jess’s journey began in a salon, where she honed her skills in updos and makeup, catering to weddings and proms. She has been privileged to work with beauty pageants like Miss NJ, Miss Teen NJ, PA, DE, and NY, alongside contributing to a nonprofit calendar photo shoot, highlighting rescue animals. With certifications in all major hair extension methods and advanced cutting education from esteemed John Paul Systems educators, Jess is dedicated to perfecting her craft and creating stunning, personalized looks.”