Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Poitier
Hi Christina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As-salamu alaykum! My name is Christina, but I go by Thaminah. Strap-in, let me tell you, my story!
I started my beauty industry journey in 2015 when I attended Aveda Institute of Atlanta. It was a career shift from the nearly a decade of working within the veterinary field. I went to cosmetology school to become a makeup artist, but I realized it would be more marketable for me to learn haircare as well.
After graduating from Aveda and getting my license, I started at an Aveda salon, as you do, because Aveda was all I knew. I was wearing my natural hair at this time, and I got many questions from clients if I did curly hair. I did not. I knew nothing of curly hair care. After many people asking, I decided to take a curly cutting class from DevaCurl. From there, I realized that I wanted to focus more on curly hair since by then, I already knew there was a need for it.
I left the Aveda salon and then started at my first DevaCurl inspired curly hair salon. It was….an interesting experience. I am thankful for what I was able to learn, BUT due to different variables, I had to get up out of there! I left and found myself at Great Clips.
It was a good change of pace, and I had a chance to learn various men’s grooming techniques. I had the best team to work with since becoming a licensed stylist. I am still very close to my team even to this day. After Great Clips, I finally found a new curly hair salon home. It was a highly praised, and a well-reviewed salon. While working there, I was able to hone-in my hair coloring skills and continue my curly hair education. I stayed there for 4.5 years. I decided to leave due to the business model becoming what was no longer aligning with my personal career goals.
I decided after nearly, at the time, 8 years as a stylist to go into business for myself. Thus, Curls By Poitier was created. It has been crazy, scary, intimidating, but overall magnificent experience being a salon owner. I am forever grateful to God to allow me this privilege to care for people. I am grateful to all my beautiful clients who has kept up with me and have been so encouraging in this journey. Alhamdulillah
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a typical Atlanta road. I made it to my destination, but there were lots of potholes. Some potholes I saw beforehand, and others I only saw once I hit them. In my journey within cosmetology, I have had employers try sabotage my career advancement, gaslight me about my work ethic, and have had to deal with good ole prejudice and racism.
All that I could deal with, surprisingly enough. The worst was when a salon owner tried to sue me due to baseless allegations. Nothing came of it, so it just became another pothole in my journey. God takes care of His own, and I am still here doing hair.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a curly hairstylist. I specialize in curly cuts, color, and education. If it bends, come on in! I LOVE doing color on curly hair the most, specially fashion colors (pink, purples, blues etc.). I feel it’s safe to say that’ is what most people know me more.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Learn your craft. Care for those who care for you. Protect your peace. Remember God in Everything. Move in silence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://curlsbypoitier.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: @curlsbypoitier
