Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Cimmino.
Hi Kristin , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was raised in upstate New York. After high school, I started attending a local community college. I experienced a lot of loss during my early years and developed a strong desire to help people, which led me to study early childhood education and social work. However, it didn’t take me long to realize that it wasn’t the right career path for me. So, I unenrolled and went to school for cosmetology instead.
I had my first child at 21 and my second at 26. Being a hairstylist has afforded me the opportunity to work for myself while still being 100% present and available for my family over the years. In August 2020, my husband and I decided it was time to move our family to Florida. It was terrifying to leave my established clientele, family, and friends. However, in the past five years, my family and career have flourished and grown. I absolutely love the personal connections I make with others. You learn so much from talking to people from different backgrounds. I also enjoy helping others feel confident about their appearance, which I find very rewarding. My recent move to Florida, coupled with the thousands of conversations I have had over the years, has led me on a journey of self-discovery and healing. A few years ago, I decided to take a 500-hour RYT yoga training and write a memoir titled *Secret Runaway: Healing from Childhood Shadows*. I used my maiden name, Kristin Marotta, for this book, which is available on Amazon and Kindle.
I am now not only a mother, wife, and hairstylist but also a Mema, yoga teacher, and author.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing in life is ever smooth. While I have experienced many blessings, I have also faced some bumps in the road along the way. Juggling a career while raising a family is always challenging. When my children were young, I had to put my career on the back burner and work part-time, just a few days a week. This meant sacrificing time with my husband to make it work.
In any business, it takes time to learn and grow. I had to stay up to date on current trends and understand the business side of running a salon. As a solo stylist, I wear all the hats in the business: I’m in charge of providing services, customer service, ordering, accounting, marketing, media, and more. It all falls on me, which can be overwhelming at times.
When we decided to move to a new state, I found myself at a crossroads, needing to build my business from the ground up in a place where I knew only a few people. Despite the uncertainty, I refused to let fear get in the way of my dreams and dove right back in. I am now working for myself and running a small salon suite, Hair By Kristin C, while also teaching yoga part time.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a hairstylist, and as the saying goes, it’s never just about the hair; it’s about how you make people feel. I thrive on making my clients feel special when they are in my chair. I am mindful not to double book appointments, always ensuring I schedule enough time so neither my clients nor I feel rushed. I make it a priority to listen to what they are looking for in a style and take the time to show them how to recreate it at home.
I specialize in curly hair, as well as corrective coloring and blonding. I have spent countless hours perfecting my craft and invested in my continuing education.
I am most proud of the personal connections I make with people. Building these relationships goes beyond just a professional exchange; it’s about creating a space where individuals feel valued and heard.
These moments create lasting bonds. I cherish the trust my clients place in me and the friendships that often develop over time.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I believe it’s essential to seek out mentors who are not only successful but also positive and supportive. I’ve had many mentors in my life, although they might not even realize it. Look for individuals who are thriving and committed to bettering themselves, both professionally and personally. Surrounding yourself with people who inspire you to thrive and support your growth is crucial for achieving your goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.hairbykristinc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristin_loves_hair
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hairbykristinc
