Paul Kenyon
Master Stylist
Aveda Ambassador

With over 30 years of experience behind the chair, Paul Kenyon is known for his refined technique, thoughtful approach, and genuine passion for helping people feel their best. A longtime educator for industry-leading cut and color companies, Paul has spent much of his career training stylists nationwide—sharing his expertise in precision, creativity, and modern hair design.

Sassoon-trained and highly detail-oriented, Paul brings a meticulous eye to every service. His strength lies in truly seeing each guest: understanding their features, lifestyle, and personal style to craft a look that feels authentic, flattering, and easy to wear.

For Paul, great hair isn’t just about appearance—it’s about confidence. He loves making people look good, but even more, he loves helping them feel great inside and out.

Alankara Team since 2025

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Manomi de Silva

Founder

Stylist

With international fashion industry hair-stylist roots, London training, and successful salons in Los Angeles and SE Asia, Manomi established her local salons and the Aveda brand in the desert over 35 years ago. With a passion for hair, business, and people Manomi's  Aveda Lifestyle Salons have won awards locally and internationally growing and evolving the Aveda Brand to new heights and dimensions. Manomi is Aveda's largest individual partner, affording her and her salons access to Aveda resources and support unlike any other salon. 

Manomi's number one passion is the well-being and experience of her loyal guests. She takes great pride in providing unparalleled service.  Also close to her heart is the development and growth of her Alankara Stylist and Esthetician Family. Manomi is committed to innovation, growth, and the highest level of service.

Manny Polina 

Master Stylist

Manny is a master trained Aveda stylist at Alankara. He has received training from some of the biggest names known across our industry and prides himself in his diversity of knowledge. Whether it be painted balayage, a fresh layered cut or a seamless men's fade, Manny loves to provide whatever his guests need to feel their best, both inside and out. 

​Alankara Stylist since 2020

​GROW YOUR PROFESSIONAL CAREER TO NEW HEIGHTS - JOIN THE AWARD WINNING ALANKARA AVEDA FAMILY

$100k+ Annual Employee Earnings

Retirement Program and Benefits​

Aveda Training and Education

Internal Training and Professional Development

Establishing and growing the Aveda brand in the desert since 1984, Alankara Aveda Lifestyle Salons are amongst the top performing Aveda Salons in the world with a track record of success built around Aveda and in-house training, business development, and year-after-year growth of our team members. 

Interested in joining our Aveda Family and growing your career? Email your resume to Alankara@AlankaraSalon.com, or drop off a resume at any of our locations.

All Alankara Team members have been able to stay home safely with full pay and benefits  throughout the state-wide covid-19 related shutdowns a result of Alankara Salon practices and benefits. Join a salon that protects you, your livelihood, and career. All team members have retirement benefits, one-on-one professional development, and the ability to earn over $100,000+ annually.

Karissa Bolton
Stylist

Assistant 

Karissa is a graduate of The Coachella Valley Beauty College and has been working in the beauty industry for over 4 years. She is currently an assistant in Alankara’s apprenticeship program and aspires to become a Master Stylist.

Karissa has a passion for all things beauty and takes pride in helping her guests feel refreshed, recentered, and renewed; both inside and out.

Alankara Team since 2025

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Dylan Cooray
Director of Internal Operations and Education

Dylan, the son of Alankara's founder, focuses on the internal operations of each location to ensure it meets its full potential each and every day. Dylan takes pride in high-level guest engagement and experience.

With a degree from Arizona State University and completion of Aveda's business school, Dylan leads the team in product education and training. Working with each team member on Aveda products, ingredients, and potential for results.

Kara Miller 

Esthetician

Makeup Artist

Manicurist 

Kara is a Master Esthetician with over 7 years of experience in the beauty industry. Kara has received training from industry leaders across multiple leading skin care lines. Kara specializes in waxing, dermaplaning, and Aveda customized facials.

Kara believes skin-care is one of the most important components of self care and loves to help her guest see their inner beaty reflected outward.

Alankara Esthetician since 2019

Sharya de Silva
Director of Design and Brand

Sharya, the daughter of Alankara's founder, focuses on the design and construction each location to ensure an innovative, high functioning salon space. Sharya also designs and develops Alankara branding.

With a degree from UCLA, and a Masters from Brooklyn College, Sharya oversees the evolution of the locations, and their design, providing Alankara Aveda with creative and modern spaces to support its guests and high-level services. (Picture coming soon!)

Dimitri de Silva
Director of Legal Affairs/ Business Development

Dimitri, the son of Alankara's founder, focuses on the business development and Estée Lauder/Aveda corporate relations.

A graduate of UCLA, and Arizona State University's College of Law, Dimitri handles all legal and business elements.  Dimitri provides business training and development to ensure each member and location continues to grow and flourish. Dimitri works hard to ensure Alankara Aveda continues to develop, while adhering to the highest level of guest experience.

Thalia Vega
Front Desk Advisor
Aveda Product Expert

Thalia is a desert local with a talent for kindhearted and exemplary customer service. Thalia has a passion for all things beauty and has been extensively trained in the Aveda product line. Thalia has a recommendation for any hair, skin, or body care concern you may have.

Thalia also manages our booking system and is skilled at matching each guest with the best possible stylist. Thalia takes pride in her roll at the front of house and providing her guests with the best possible experience.

Alankara Team since 2024

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Kristen McLeod

Master Stylist 

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Kristen is an Aveda trained master colorist and has received training from Aveda global directors David Adams and Lupe Voss. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Kristen has mastered all areas of cut, color and specialized styling. She is dedicated to Aveda and to giving her guests the best experience possible. Kristen is sincerely dedicated to the vision of every guest she has. In her free time, Kristen loves hiking, camping and exploring our beautiful desert!  

Alankara Stylist since 2018

Aveda Artists - international award wining hair, skin, and nail professionals with a passion providing great guest experience.

Jackie Ramirez

Master Stylist

Skin Care Specialist

Esthetician

Makeup Artist

Manicurist  

Jackie is one of our multi-talented beauty professionals with skills across the board! Jackie's passion for makeup is what lead her to the beauty industry. A graduate of Aveda's Hair Color Magic Master Class and Aveda makeup with Nick Marshall, Jackie has received top training in all areas of cosmetology, including certification as a master makeup artist. After joining our Aveda family, Jackie has completed Aveda training in hair, skin, nails, waxing and makeup. Jackie believes beauty comes full circle and should not stop at hair. Her warm and loving approach is loved by all her guests. 

Alankara Stylist since 2015

Carlos Lopez

Stylist

Assistant Team Director

Carlos is a jack of all trades. He prides himself in exceptional guest service, Aveda product knowledge, amazing hair services, and heart-led team development. 

Carlos directors our internal professional development program, helping new team members flourish within our Aveda Family. 

Alankara Stylist since 2020

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Business Development Team - dedicated to ensuring Alankara continues to be a top Aveda and Estée Lauder location. 

Abby Miller

Master Stylist

Makeup Artist

Manicurist

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Abby comes to us directly from the prestigious Aveda Institute of Los Angeles. Abby is a multi-talented beauty professional with skills that range across hair, skin, and nails. Abby has received extensive training in Aveda color, cut, makeup and facial services. She also has a special love for braiding, curly hair, texture and unique styling. Abby has a warm heart and prides herself in being a good listener and understanding just what her guests need. She wants to make you feel beautiful from head to toe.  

Alankara Stylist since 2015

Monica Vela

Master Stylist

Makeup Artist 

​Aveda Trainer

​Monica is a hard-working & exceptionally talented Master Stylist who especially loves seeing the joy on her client’s face after a transformational hair cut. She knows just what products, tools & techniques to create your perfect cut + color + style. Monica has received training from the Aveda training center in Los Angeles as well as multiple Aveda Master Class Series. Monica pours her heart and warmth into every experience!

Alankara Stylist since 2015

​Bonnie Palmer

Michelle Mata
Master Stylist

Aveda Master Trainer

Culture Leader

Michelle has had a long and amazing career of artistry with over 20 years in the beauty industry. She is a certified California State Board of Cosmetology Master Trainer. She has trained with various Aveda Global Master Stylists during her career while also completing Color Magic education.

A true master of her craft her color formulations and haircutting ability for both men and women makes her a highly sought after stylist for those looking for top notch services. Michelle's work has been featured in various beauty publications including L.A. Bride Magazine. She takes pride in collaborating with her guests to help them achieve a customized look to suit their person.

Michelle directs our internal stylist training program, helping to educate and inspire young stylists and her colleagues. Michelle is a steward of our salon culture and epitomizes the Aveda difference with her exemplary work and leadership.

​Alankara Stylist since 2008