Lori Hefner
Owner/Artist

Lori is the co-owner and lead artist here at Meraki Salon. She has over 27 years of experience in the industry and started her passion for hair as a colorist. While working in the industry among stylists and colorists she quickly grew her ability and desire to perfect her techniques. Lori was the owner and Master Stylist/Colorist at a Salon in Dallas Texas.

She managed a high-end salon in the Caribbean for 10 years and has become a Master Stylist, Master Colorist, and Educator! Her precision haircut techniques and formulation of color creates a multi-dimensional look that women love! She is certified in Brazilian Blowout and was a featured guest platform artist at Paul Mitchell The School.

Caroline Cabana
Owner/Artist

Caroline brings forth a wealth of expertise, boasting an impressive career spanning over two decades. Her affinity for hairstyling manifested early in life, influenced by a familial lineage steeped in artistic endeavors. With an artist father, a great-grandfather who founded Simplicity Pattern Design in NYC, and a great-grandmother who served as a fashion buyer in the same city, Caroline’s path to becoming an artist herself was inevitable.

Embarking on her professional journey in the vibrant town of New Bern, NC, at a then prestigious high-end hair spa, Caroline later established her presence in the trendy Short North district of Columbus, OH. Here, she successfully managed her own small salon for numerous years. Relocating to Charlotte in 2011, she continued to refine her craft, earning a reputation as one of the city’s most sought-after stylists and colorists.

Caroline’s distinctive expertise lies in “lived-in color” techniques and creating effortlessly elegant looks. Passionate about both her craft and fostering genuine connections, she prioritizes making her clients feel their absolute best. Building enduring relationships is a cornerstone of Caroline’s approach to hairstyling.

Outside the salon, Caroline finds joy in spending quality time with her husband and three dachshunds.

Ashley Thompson

Ashley began her journey as a hair stylist in 2005 as a student at the Aveda Institute here in the Queen City. Her career began by training further and working for 11 plus years at a nationally renowned, top salon here in Charlotte.  Now having gained 15 years of experience, she has dedicated herself to her skill right here in her hometown.

With a passion for learning and creativity, she continues to expand her knowledge and artistry in techniques such as balayage and free-hand painting highlighting, also personalized color, women's hair cutting with a speciality in mens cuts and short styles. Ashley is a good listener and has extreme attention to detail while still creating soft, natural and dimensional looks in color cutting and styling.  She is greatly inspired by nature and everything natural.  In her free time you can find her on a hike, doing yoga, or working in her garden.  We are thrilled to have Ashley as part of our Meraki family and continue to enjoy her creative, positive nature that truly shines in her craft.

Winnie Shane

Winnie is from Northern California and has been in Charlotte now since 2020.

Winnie is our extension specialist! She has a passion for creating beautiful, natural looking hair using several different methods of hair extension applications. She has a keen eye for detail and she is someone we would call an absolute perfectionist. She is passionate about the health of your hair while wearing extensions and also educating her clients on maintenance and the right care for them.

From tape-ins to sew-ins and everything in between, Winnie has the skills and expertise to create a beautiful, customized look that compliments each clients unique features. Whether you’re looking for a dramatic change or just a subtle update, Winnie will work with you to create your most perfect look-and she is an absolute blast to hang out with!

When she’s not at the salon, you can find Winnie at the latest workout classes, playing with her dog and exploring all Charlotte has to offer.

Ashley Ardoin

Ashley grew up in a small beach town in Florida. She graduated from FSU with the intention of going to Law School, however doing hair had always been a passion she wanted to explore. After college she decided to attend the Aveda Institute to to pursue her dreams in everything cosmetology. Now 15 plus years later she is loving being a top stylist who prides herself on her impeccable eye for color and precision cuts.

In 2020 Ashley moved to Charlotte to become an educator at The Aveda Institute. she realized quickly how much she missed being behind the chair which is how she came to be here at Meraki. In addition to her specializing in color (specifically blondes), she is also certified in Keratin treatments and Brazilian Blowouts.

When Ashley isn’t busy behind the chair, you can catch her reading, hiking or hanging out with her dog. She also loves checking out the hottest new spots in Charlotte.

Lyndsay Simmons

Lyndsay hails from a quaint town in Vermont and has resided in Charlotte for the past few years. With a professional foundation established at a prestigious salon in Hanover, NH, where she commenced her career and honed her current skill set, Lyndsay successfully graduated from hair school in 2018. Specializing in color transformations, she is deeply passionate about her craft and continually enriches her expertise through extensive travel for classes and the assimilation of new techniques.

Devoted to providing exceptional service, Lyndsay takes pride in educating her clients on the tools and products essential for effective at-home hair styling. Beyond her professional endeavors, she cherishes quality time spent with family and friends, exploring the vibrant landscapes of Charlotte and hanging out with her dog. Lyndsay is super funny and just as sweet!

Catherine Harris

Catherine boasts a distinguished career in hairstyling since 2012, originally hailing from Long Island, NY. The majority of her professional journey has been dedicated to renowned salons in Manhattan, commencing at The Plaza Hotel’s Warren Tricomi. Here, she meticulously trained and acquired a comprehensive skill set from esteemed colorists and educators, laying the foundation for her current expertise. Continuing her success at Fox and Jane and Shampoo Avenue B in New York’s East Village, Catherine built a devoted following.

Relocating to Charlotte in 2020, Catherine has seamlessly integrated into the Meraki team, delighting in the opportunity to meet and cultivate a remarkable clientele. Balancing her innate creativity with a people-centric approach, she treasures the art of building enduring relationships with clients, ensuring they feel their absolute best. Specializing in lived-in color and balayage, Catherine’s skills are a testament to her dedication to excellence.

Outside the salon, she enjoys quality time with her daughter, husband, and beloved dog Benny, exploring the vibrant landscape of Charlotte and discovering new places!