MEET THE TEAM

Melissa Maloney
Hi, I’m Melissa! I have been a stylist and the owner of Karma Salon since 2010, and I specialize in balayage, foilayage, and lived in color. As you can see on my Instagram page @live_love_dohair I love working with brunettes and redheads and dimensional looks are my “thing.” Outside of the salon I enjoy spending time with my husband and 2 kids, watching anything on Bravo, doing yoga, and listening to business and personal development podcasts. I am also an Educator and Coach in Balayage & Foilayage Techniques and Social Media Strategies for stylists all across the country. My passion lies in helping people reach their goals, and I am so excited to help you achieve your hair goals!
To book and appointment with me you can text me 315-975-4121. Please include a photo of your hair currently in natural light, as well as an inspiration photo or a few of what you are looking to achieve. I will also need a brief history of any color or treatments you have had done to your hair in the past 2 years. I will get back to you as soon as possible, but please allow 1-5 days for me to respond due to high volumes of messages and appointment requests. Thank you!

Chelsea Cook
Hi, I’m Chelsea! I have been practicing as a licensed cosmetologist since 2008, testing the waters in a few salons before finally finding my happy place here at Karma Salon. Being able to create unique cuts, and colors to bring out my guests personality is what fuels my passion for hair. I offer color, specializing in vivids, and blonding, as well as, balayage, dimensional color, and haircuts to define your image. I regularly engage in furthering my skills through online and in-person training to keep myself updated in the newest and most desired trends. In my spare time enjoy crafting, camping, and spending time with my 2 children and my fiancé. I am always looking forward to meeting new people and making all of my guests feel unique and beautiful.


Brianne Barnello
Professionally trained and licensed in cosmetology since 2015, I’m ready to change your glam game! With a love for all things beauty - I am so passionate about inner & outer beauty working together to help you live your best life. Your experience in my chair is my most important responsibility, and that means making you feel comfortable, heard and pampered. I’m all about: great hair, good vibes and ultimately creating meaningful connections. My specialties include custom color, balayage, blonding, and bridal hair and makeup. Working on-site with brides across the state (and in other states across the country) has enriched my life beyond belief. I am always striving to learn, grow, create, and keep up with the latest trends in the beauty industry, and on social media! When I’m not creating behind the chair, I have two crazy fur babies, Bug, my crazy kitty. And Juice, my pitbull pup! Crime shows, online shopping, and interior decorating are my biggest addictions. I look forward to meeting you, laughing, chatting, and ultimately creating your dream hair!

Lily Cominsky
Hi! My name is Lily and I’m Melissa’s assistant here at Karma. I graduated from Continental and got my cosmetology license in 2018, and discovered being behind the chair wasn’t for me. I still love the salon atmosphere and being at Karma allows me to still be involved in the hair industry. When I’m not at Karma you can find me shopping at Target, doing my nails, or spending time with my family.


Jess Klymkow
Hello everyone, my name is Jess! Let me start by telling you how I got my start! Upon completion of high school I attended and graduated from Continental School of Beauty in November of 2012. From Continental I went on to attend SUNY Oswego where I obtained my Bachelors in business administration in January of 2016. During my time at SUNY Oswego I attended classes during the day and worked in a salon, doing what I loved, at night and on weekends! In total I have been doing hair for the last eight years and loving every second of it! My passion is dimensional color and finishing it off with an amazing blow out!
Now, I would like to tell you about my why. My why for what I do is all about my clients! My joy stems from being able to meet and connect with so many different people on a daily basis! A client is not just simply a client to me, it is an opportunity to make a connection with a person and make them feel better than they did before their appointment began. The look of excitement, joy, and relaxation that comes at the end of a clients’ appointment is a high that I constantly chase with each and every client, no matter how many times they have come to see me! I look forward to meeting you, or seeing you again!

Vesna Stankovska-Flynn
Hi I’m Vesna. I have been a licensed cosmetologist since 2014, bringing with me a passion for beauty and style that you will see in my work. I am certified in advanced Balayage, L’anza colour, Redken and in special occasion hairstyles and updo’s. I have traveled throughout the country continuing my education to perfect my craft and to stay on top of current trends. My education includes studying at The Redken Exchange, a state of the art learning facility in New York City, with focus on cutting edge haircutting and color.

Christine Cook
Hi! I’m Christine and I’ve been a Hairstylist since 2015. I specialize in Balayage/Foilayage and Lived-In Color. I love to formulate a Custom Color to fit each individual person. I would love to help you find a color that enhances your features and goes along with your hair goals.
I’ve been obsessed with the hair industry for as long as I can remember and I’m so grateful I get to live out my dream every day behind the chair. Something that brings me so much joy is furthering my education to stay on top of trends, to help me perfect, and grow my craft while gaining priceless knowledge of the industry. I have invested so much into my education and skillset to give each guest my very best, every time. It’s important to me to make sure that everyone feels beautiful and confident with their hair after every appointment. When I’m not working, I love spending time with my two nieces, binge-watching Netflix, and listening to podcasts. Also, cuddling up with my dog.
To book with me you can send a DM on Instagram or you can text me. My Instagram and Tik Tok are @Christinepaintshair. Please send photos of your current hair in natural lighting, as well as any hair photos you find inspirational.
I can’t wait to meet you!

Riley Gannon
Hi, I’m Riley Gannon! I started my hair journey in 2017 working in Beverly Hills, California at a blow dry bar. This is where I discovered my passion for doing hair and assisting others in feeling as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. In 2018 I relocated back to Syracuse and became a NYS licensed cosmetologist. I am so grateful that I found my place at karma salon in 2022! I specialize in blondes and lived in color. I also enjoy cutting, styling, and working with natural curly hair. I strive to make my client’s hair dreams into reality! I am constantly furthering my education by taking a variety of online and in person classes. When I am not in the salon I enjoy spending time with my son, puppy, and boyfriend. I love shopping, getting spray tans, and of course, coffee! To book an appointment; DM me on Instagram @blondes_andbalayage, call or text (315) 802-1322, or use blondesandbalayage.glossgenius.com. Please send a picture of your current hair in natural lighting and your inspiration photo! I look forward to meeting with you!