Our Artists

Meet Our Team

Behind every transformation is a team of passionate artists devoted to their craft. Get to know the talented professionals who make Stella Nova Salon a destination for luxury beauty.

Thea Baugher, Owner and Master Stylist at Stella Nova Salon

Owner & Master Stylist

Thea Baugher

With over 20 years in the beauty industry, Thea is the owner and creative force behind Stella Nova Hair, Skin & Beauty. After decades behind the chair, her focus has expanded to mentoring and developing her talented team—providing them with advanced knowledge, exceptional products, and hands-on guidance to help every client achieve their dream hair.

While Thea is no longer accepting new clients personally, she is always just a step away. New and existing clients may request a consultation with Thea alongside any member of the Stella Nova team, whether you're seeing one of our stylists, our permanent makeup artist, or our physician. Her goal is simple: to make sure every client feels heard, is matched with the right professional, and has an expert plan in place to achieve the best possible outcome.

At Stella Nova, you're not just booking with one provider—you have the knowledge, experience, and support of an entire team behind you.

Please call the salon to book a personal consultation with Thea.

(321) 613-5854
Ashley Densley, Certified Dental Assistant and Teeth Whitening Specialist at Stella Nova Salon

Certified Dental Assistant & Teeth Whitening Specialist

Ashley Densley

Hello, I'm Ashley! With over 15 years of experience as a dental assistant and a true passion for enhancing natural beauty, I specialize in providing a luxurious, comfortable teeth-whitening experience that delivers radiant results.

My background in dental care ensures each treatment is safe, precise, and tailored to your individual needs.

At Stella Nova, my goal is to help you feel confident, refreshed, and glowing — because your smile deserves to shine as brightly as you do.

Kylie Johnson, stylist and blonding specialist at Stella Nova Salon

Stylist & Blonding Specialist

Kylie Johnson

Hi I'm Kylie! A stylist with a passion for creating beautiful hair that makes my clients feel confident and refreshed. I specialize in styling, blowouts, maintaining hair health, and all things blonde.

Born and raised under the Florida sun, I've always loved the beachy, effortless vibe and that inspires my artistry. When I'm not behind the chair living out my dream job, you can usually find me outdoors — fishing, surfing, or spending time with my chickens.

Whether you're looking for a fresh new style, a healthy hair transformation, or your perfect shade of blonde, I'd love to have you in my chair and help you feel your best!

Katelyn Dougherty, stylist and color specialist at Stella Nova Salon

Stylist & Color Specialist

Katelyn Dougherty

With having 8 years of experience in the beauty industry, I'm passionate about helping my clients feel confident, radiant, and uniquely themselves.

I specialize in creating effortless, lived-in looks that grow out beautifully, including blonding, highlights, and rich, dimensional brunettes. I also love bringing creativity to life through vivid color transformations and adding a touch of magic with fairy hair.

Whether you're looking for something natural and low-maintenance or bold and expressive, my goal is to customize every service to fit your style, personality, and lifestyle.

Sophia Loren Kinsey, hair artist and curly hair specialist at Stella Nova Salon

Hair Artist & Curly Hair Specialist

Sophia Loren Kinsey

Hair artist since 2000 from Seattle originally. Specializing in effortless lived-in color to bold, bright vivids, I love creating hair that feels like YOU.

The last nine years have been dedicated to perfecting my curly cutting and coloring techniques, while still loving a great men's cut or specialty women's style.

Florida girl since 2014, proud Brevard County local since 2018. When I'm not behind the chair, you'll find me at the beach, in my garden, at the gym, or out exploring in my Jeep with my honey and our two dachshunds. Life is better with good hair, salty air, and a little adventure!

Over the past nine years, I've really found my passion in curly hair, focusing on curl-by-curl cutting techniques and customized color that enhance each client's natural texture, shape, and individuality.

Diane Conklin, stylist and custom color specialist at Stella Nova Salon

Stylist & Custom Color Specialist

Diane Conklin

With a keen eye for precision and a commitment to personalized service, Diane Conklin crafts exquisite haircuts and custom color creations at Stella Nova.

Her wealth of experience guarantees every client leaves feeling confident and beautiful, radiating with a style that's uniquely theirs.

Dani Massaro, stylist, colorist and curl coach at Stella Nova Salon

Stylist, Colorist & Curl Coach

Dani Massaro

A northern city girl turned Space Coast local, Dani landed in Florida in 2018 and brings over 10 years of experience behind the chair. Mentored alongside DevaCurl and Rezo-trained master stylists, she has a passion for creating beautiful, customized hair while always protecting its health and integrity.

Dani specializes in beachy lived-in blondes, dimensional color, bold vivids and creative color, natural and textured hair, curly hair, and curl coaching. From effortless, sun-kissed color to bold transformations and beautifully defined curls, Dani combines creativity, experience, and a personalized approach to make every client feel their absolute best.

Chloe Alvarado, hair extension specialist at Stella Nova Salon

Hair Extension Specialist

Chloe Alvarado

Meet Chloe. With 7 years of experience behind the chair, I specialize in all things hair extensions and have a passion for creating beautiful, confidence boosting hair.

From long, thick, mermaid-worthy transformations to adding just the right amount of volume and fullness, I love creating customized looks that feel seamless, natural, and completely personalized.

I'm experienced in a variety of extension methods, including sew-ins, tape-ins, K-tips, and clip-ins, which allows me to choose the perfect method based on each client's hair, lifestyle, and goals. I'm passionate about not only creating gorgeous transformations, but also maintaining the health and integrity of your natural hair.

After spending the last seven years building my career and running my own business in Utah, I'm relocating to Cocoa Beach full-time this November, and I couldn't be more excited to join the Stella Nova team! I can't wait to meet my new Cocoa Beach clients and help you create the hair you've always dreamed of.

Jo Marie Friend, certified nail technician and nail artist at Stella Nova Salon

Certified Nail Technician & Nail Artist

Jo Marie Friend

Hi, I'm Jo Marie! I'm originally from Orlando but made Cocoa Beach my home three years ago. I've been a certified nail tech for 16 years, specializing in Gel-X, acrylics, and gel manicures. I love getting creative with nail art, trying new techniques, and challenging myself to keep growing in my craft.

Outside of the salon, I'm married and a proud dog mom to three pups! My husband and I have a huge soft spot for animals and love rescuing and fostering whenever we can. We also share a passion for traveling the world and experiencing new places.

I'm a lover of all kinds of music and truly believe starting your morning with good music sets the tone for a great day! I love meeting new people, sharing stories, and making genuine connections with the people who sit in my chair.

Gaby Rios, permanent make up and lash artist at Stella Nova Salon

Permanent Make Up & Lash Artist

Gaby Rios

Meet Gaby Rios! Permanent Make Up & Lash Artist. With over 70+ certifications and more than 1,000 clients transformed, Gaby Rios is known for her artistry, precision, and passion for helping women feel confident and empowered.

Founder of Gaby Rios Studio in Orlando, FL, she has built a reputation for delivering natural, long-lasting results in:

  • Ombre Powder Brows
  • Microblading & Nano Brows
  • Corrections & Tattoo Removal
  • Lip Blush & Eyeliner
  • Classic & Volume Lash Extensions

“My mission is to create timeless beauty while inspiring confidence in every woman who sits in my chair.”

Now, she's bringing her expertise to Cocoa Beach to share her artistry with a new community.

Gretchen Whitney, massage therapist at Stella Nova Salon

Massage Therapist

Gretchen Whitney

With 18 years of professional experience, Gretchen Whitney brings an intuitive touch and a deep understanding of the body to every session. Her work is designed to help regulate the nervous system, relieve tension, and restore balance — so you leave feeling lighter, calmer, and completely renewed.

Gretchen blends clinical expertise with a deeply relaxing experience, offering customized sessions tailored to your body’s needs.

  • Therapeutic Massage — Neuromuscular techniques, myofascial release, stretching, and trigger point therapy to relieve tension and restore mobility.
  • Relaxation Massage — A calming, restorative experience incorporating Cranial Sacral Unwinding to soothe the nervous system.
  • Deep Tissue Massage — For those who prefer deeper pressure while still maintaining a thoughtful, therapeutic approach.

Gretchen believes massage should be both healing and restorative, and every session is customized through open communication between client and practitioner. Come experience the difference of truly personalized bodywork.

Ami Blitch, licensed esthetician

Licensed Esthetician

Ami Blitch

Ami Blitch is a licensed esthetician with over a decade of experience in skincare, cosmetic dermatology, and spa management. She combines TTS Clinical skincare, advanced treatments, and restorative facial massage to create results-driven experiences that feel as luxurious as they are effective.

Ami also brings Glacē Hydradermabrasion exclusively to her Cocoa Beach practice, offering an innovative approach to exfoliation, hydration, and radiant skin.

Advanced skincare. Deep relaxation. Beautiful results.

Book with Your Favorite Artist

Reserve time with the specialist who fits your goals.

Book Appointment