Meet our salon team
Our founding salon artists.
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Elizabeth "Liz" McMahan
Level 6 + Owner
Certified Extension Specialist / Master Colorist / Stylist / Educator
Elizabeth is a North Carolina native whose passion for hair began at an early age, and has evolved into a distinguished 19-year career in the beauty industry. She has transformed that lifelong passion into a thriving, client-focused experience rooted in artistry, precision, and excellence.
Known for her expertise in luxury hand-tied extensions, Elizabeth is a certified specialist in both the Invisible Bead Extensions (IBE) and Habit Method. Her work is defined by seamless, undetectable blends that prioritize not only beauty, but also comfort and hair integrity. Clients seeking the highest level of extension artistry trust Elizabeth for her meticulous technique, and ability to create effortlessly natural, transformative results.
In addition, she has received advanced education from some of the most respected institutions in the industry. She trained in precision cutting and styling at Vidal Sassoon in Miami, and has completed extensive balayage and color education with Wella International platform artist, along with foundational training through Paul Mitchell.
Elizabeth spent over 12 years in Charlotte’s prestigious SouthPark area, where she built loyal clientele and served as both a sought-after stylist, and salon educator within an award-winning salon environment.
If you’re seeking expertise in extensions combined with elevated color and cutting, Elizabeth delivers a truly refined, luxury salon experience.
Liz's Specialties:
-Custom Hand-tied Extensions (IBE & Habit Method Certified)
-Seamless, Natural Extension Blending
-Hand-Painted Balayage
-Natural Dimensional Blondes & Brunettes
-Precision Cutting
-Long Hair Design
-Blonde Specialization
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Laura Miller
Level 5 + Owner
Stylist/ Colorist/ Extension Specialist/ Educator
Laura is the “L” in ELM SALON. She genuinely cares about her clients, wanting them to leave feeling beautiful on the outside as well as within. She strives to make all her clients experience in the studio FUN and AMAZING!
Laura has 13 years of experience in the industry and brings forth many talents. After working in Charlotte North Carolina for a short period of time, she realized she missed the mountains and relocated to Asheville, NC.
Her amazing work has been featured in North Carolina Bridal Magazine, Sophie Magazine and Commercials.
She is a graduate of the Aveda Institute of Charlotte. She has training in cutting and styling from Vidal Sassoon in Miami, and NAHA LA Stylist of The Year Nominee and NAHA Judge. She has also trained with the Creator of Head Shape Matters and creator of Aveda Hair Color Magic and Color Space.
As the leading colorist at previous salon, she was the Aveda color educator, and Color Space in salon expert.
She trained all new stylist on color placement, formulating, cutting and styling. She loves learning and continues to stay updated in her education.
Laura is certified in Bombshell Hand-Tied Extensions & Vomor tape in extensions.
Specialties:
-Hand-Tied extensions
-Keratin treatments
-Foilayage/ Balayage
-Dimensional color
-Baby lights
-Long hair
-Short hair
-Men's cuts
-Texturizing
-Updos
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Megan Smith
Level 4 + Owner
Stylist / Colorist / Extension Specialist
Megans “happy place” goes as far back as recreating hair styles she had seen on tv as a small child. As soon as she could, she turned her love and passion for hair into a successful career.
She has been doing hair since age 18, following owning her own salon at age 24. Hair has always been her dream!
Megan is quick to make sure every client in the studio feels amazing and confident with their new hair.
She loves to learn about new products and styles to bring back the latest trends to her clients.
Megan has 7 years of hands-on experience, she graduated high school as well as cosmetology in the same year. She has been trained through Paul Mitchell and Aveda.
She has attended training classes in Orlando FL from Global Artist, Robert Cromeans. Along with that many extensive one on one Aveda trainings in hair color magic, dry cutting, and the latest updo wedding trends.
Megan specializes in:
-Lived in color
-balayage/baby lights
-blondes
-Rich Brunettes
-Keratin treatments
-Bombshell hand tied extensions
-Tape in extensions
-Weddings/updos
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Alison Whisnant
Level 3
Stylist/ Colorist/ Educator
Alison’s start into cosmetology began as a hobby. Her love of cosmetology then turned into a passion for hair styling and education. Alison is a licensed cosmetologist and a cosmetology instructor. She has 8 years of experience behind the chair, and 3 years of experience as an educator. Alison especially enjoys working with dimensional color, and customized cuts to enhance her client’s unique, natural beauty. Approaching each service with sincerity and integrity, Alison is committed to ensuring that every client leaves feeling more beautiful than when they walked in. Client satisfaction is something she puts an emphasis on and takes great pride in. When she is not in the salon, you can catch Alison spending time with her family and friends or getting lost in a good book!
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Emma Sams
Level 2
Stylist
Meet Emma! Emma is a passionate hair artist specializing in gray blending and lived-in color. Although, she’s been working professionally in the hair industry for a year and a half, her love for the craft began long before- from styling dolls as a child to experimenting with friends hair growing up.
Drawn to the creativity and confidence that hairstyling brings, Emma has always known that her place was behind the chair. She’s dedicated to continued education and growth, and she is excited to keep evolving as an artist while building a loyal community of clients who value authenticity, comfort, and beautiful, effortless hair.
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Lacey layne
Level 1
Stylist
Meet Lacey! With four years of experience in the industry, Lacey Layne is a talented stylist specializing in men’s cuts, pixie styles, and short hair, as well as creating effortless, lived-in colors for everyday beauty. Her passion lies in helping clients discover and embrace their unique looks, crafting styles that exude both authenticity and confidence.
Lacey is dedicated to her craft, always striving for excellence. She ensures every client leaves her chair feeling comfortable, revitalized, and empowered by their new style. Whether you’re seeking a bold transformation or subtle refresh, Lacey is here to bring your vision to life with artistry and care. Come in and experience the difference!
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Casey Rabon
Front Desk Manager
Meet Casey, our front desk manager! With a welcoming smile, and a passion for exceptional customer service, Casey is the heartbeat of our salon. She is dedicated to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, greeting clients, handling appointments, and addressing any inquiries with efficiency and enthusiasm.
Outside of managing schedules and coordinating services, Casey takes pride in building lasting relationships with clients, ensuring they feel valued and heard. Whether its welcoming familiar faces, or meeting new ones, she is committed to making every visit at our salon a delightful experience. She can’t wait to assist you on your journey to beauty!

