Our Salon Family

Benzi

Our Asheville Hair Stylists

Level 2 Stylist

Christina

Level 3 Stylist

With a culmination of 13 years behind the chair, Christina is a well-rounded stylist, who is passionate about her craft, specializing in collaborating with guests to make their vision become a reality. Motivated by the smile on each guest’s face, Chris enjoys making people feel good about themselves, and she finds that being creative as a hairstylist gives her the opportunity to do just that. Bringing extensions to Barnaskara's Service Menu, Christina is always expanding her skillset to provide the latest trends. Our Ohioan Gem - Christina is beyond excited to be doing hair in Asheville, and she can’t wait to work with you!

Benzi’s cosmetology journey began with bridal hair and makeup, leading her to embrace the creative artistry of hair design, specializing in vibrant colors, alternative and layered cuts, bouncy blowouts, and lived-in color. She finds profound fulfillment in celebrating clients’ individuality, creating meaningful connections through styles that inspire confidence. Beyond the salon, Benzi expresses her creativity through cooking, drawing, singing, in addition to treasuring time with family, friends, and her cherished fur babies. Aspiring to maintain a bustling schedule with glowing client feedback, Benzi is also pursuing certifications in advanced extension techniques.

Lärling Associate

Clay

Our Lärling Associates

Inspired by their mother’s passion for cosmetology, Clay pursued a career in hair design to unleash their creativity at Barnaskara. They thrive on learning new techniques and find joy in making clients feel confident through transformative styles. Outside the salon, they love crafting, painting, and spending time with their cats, Rusty and Dusty. Clay’s goal is to build lasting relationships with guests, ensuring every visit is uplifting and personalized.

Angel

Our Operations Crew

Salon Coordinator

As the Salon Coordinator, Angel brings a warm and caring spirit, dedicating herself to the well-being of both our talented team and cherished guests. In her off time, she loves spending quality moments with her family and tapping into her artsy side through crafting, makeup, and decorating her front porch with fun touches that bring smiles to others. As a devoted wife and mama to two beautiful children, Angel finds true joy in making people smile and laugh, with her family serving as her biggest supporters in life. She feels incredibly blessed to work alongside her amazing team and looks forward to creating a welcoming experience for everyone who walks through our doors.

Barnaskara's Owners

The story began in 2011 when Dwayne and Michelle met in passing on a Tiger Cruise during Michelle's deployment on the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), where she served as a Nuclear Electrician. Their relationship didn't kindle until eight years later, after Michelle had moved to Dwayne's hometown of Asheville, and the two crossed paths seemingly out of nowhere. The destiny that brought them together also merged their callings, and they embarked on a dream to one day open a salon together.

Michelle's stylist, management, and operational experience in the high-end beauty industry spans over a decade, beginning as a part-time assistant during cosmetology school in Virginia Beach, to becoming the Chief Operating Officer of one of Raleigh's most prominent salons.

From the coast to the mountains and in between, Michelle has had the honor and pleasure to work directly with the owners of the region's most esteemed salons, including Gary Riffe of Gary Allen Hair and Skin Care Centre (VA Beach, VA); Yolanda Wright of Escape Blowdry Bar and Salon (VA Beach, VA); Marcy Lanier of Willow's Dream Salon (Asheville, NC); and Bryan Nunes of Blo (Raleigh, NC).

Dwayne retired after 28 years of service in the US Army and NC Army National Guard, and works as a Real Estate Agent with Better Homes and Gardens Heritage. They have an outrageously beautiful and artistic daughter, Amara, who studies Biology at USC Upstate in Spartanburg. Their family's love is grounded on laughter, encouragement, hope, and respect.

Dwayne Bolt

Michelle Bolt

Co-Founder and Stylist

Co-Founder and CFO

When Dwayne and Michelle Bolt fell in love, they were certain that adventure awaited them.