Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina McCoughtry.
Hi Kristina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up in Baltimore City shaped both my resilience and ambitions. Baltimore is a city known for its challenges and its vibrancy, which taught me early on the importance of hard work.
As a young kid, I often felt insecure about being chubby, so I have the mindset that if I at least keep my physical appearance up to par, my wardrobe in my hair that it would take the distraction away from me being unhappy with the body that I was living in. So I begin watching the women that did my mom, grandmother and my aunts hair. Back then we would sit in the salon an entire day. And I filled my brain with knowledge as I watched our childhood Hairstylists do amazing artwork.
I understood early that education, a strong work ethic, and building positive relationships were tools for moving forward. So after high school I relocated to Atlanta and went to Empire beauty school to pursue my career as a cosmetologist, and returning back to school as a cosmetology, educator and an instructor. Educators and mentors like “Lashea Burgess”helped pave the way for me to be successful.
I went on to manage a hair salon called Huetiful salon. Where the owner Ken Burkeen was eager to teach anyone who was interested the tools to branch off and start their own salon, and after nearly 10 years or working and managing his salon, I branched off and “Hues of Beautie”was brought into existence!
Through my expertise in hair care, I’ve had the privilege to work on photoshoots, collaborate with celebrity photographers, and style countless brides on their special day.
My career has taken me to film sets, earning credits in movie productions—and around the world, using my God-given gift not only to create beautiful styles but also to educate women on maintaining healthy, vibrant hair!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As a single mother working in the beauty industry, balancing the demands of my career and family has been a challenging journey. I also pursued my dream of living overseas, which meant stepping away from my loyal clientele for several years. During that time, I feared the uncertainty of income upon my return, but I chose to leave for the peace of mind and personal growth that this chapter offered me. This experience taught me the importance of resilience and trusting that my passion and skills would help me rebuild when the time was right.
When I returned from overseas, I was deeply grateful to find my clientele welcoming me back with open arms. Their loyalty and support reaffirmed the strong relationships I had built and gave me the encouragement to continue pursuing my passion with renewed energy.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a natural hairstylist with a specialty in healthy color techniques and trendy natural styles that highlight each client’s unique beauty.
I’m known for blending creativity with education, empowering women to not only look their best but also care for their hair health.
What I’m most proud of is the strong, loyal clientele I’ve built over the years, many of whom have trusted me through important life moments like weddings and special events. They respect my craft and don’t treat it like it’s a side hustle.
What sets me apart is my commitment to continuous learning, not only mastering my craft but also expanding my skills as a screenwriter, which brings a unique creative perspective to my work and future endeavors. This blend of artistry, education, and personal growth makes my approach different yet fulfilling
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Beyond my professional career, I am deeply family-oriented and cherish my close relationships with my two sisters, Angel and Joi McCoughtry. Joi, my baby sister, is a dental hygienist whose dedication and passion inspire me every day. Angel, my oldest sister, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a star in the WNBA; her incredible achievements and unwavering determination have fueled my own hard work and tenacity to never give up. Their support and example are a constant source of strength in both my personal and professional life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://huesofbeauties.com
- Instagram: HuesofBeautie
Image Credits
Danielle House photography
