Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Finley
Hi Crystal, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Crystal “C-Money” Finley
Founder of STYLEDBYCRYSTAL
My hair journey started before I even realized it was a journey. I was about six years old when I first took matters into my own hands—literally. My mom wasn’t really up-to-date on the latest styles, so I’d look at my hair or my sisters’ hair and think, “This isn’t it,” and I’d redo it myself. It wasn’t long before I started practicing on dolls, my sisters, and eventually on myself. I’d watch the lady down the street braid, then go home and try to mimic what I saw. From there, it was like everything clicked. Hair became second nature to me—I could watch a tutorial or look at a picture once, and I could just do it.
By the time I was a teenager, I was already running a “braid shop” in my living room. I’d charge $30 for microbraids, even though it would take me days to finish. I didn’t care about how long it took because I was proud of the work I was doing. Fast forward, and everyone from my classmates to my teachers wanted their hair done by me. It felt good to have that kind of trust and demand at such a young age.
When I was 16, I had my son, and what started as a passion quickly turned into a hustle. I originally went to college to become a prosecutor, but after finishing my bachelor’s degree, I realized that I was only chasing something that wasn’t my true calling. I didn’t want to spend my life in a career I wasn’t passionate about. At that point, I had already built a small clientele, and it was clear that hair was where I needed to be.
I started working in weave shops around Georgia, where you don’t need a license to braid or weave. I learned a lot, but I also felt limited by what I could do. That’s when I decided to go to beauty school to get licensed. I graduated in November 2012 and passed my state board exam in February 2013. I remember feeling like I was finally on the right path, but it wasn’t always easy.
After getting my license, I worked in a few salons, but nothing really felt like “home.” I was starting to doubt myself, wondering if I had made the right choice. But then I found The Glam Shop. That’s when everything clicked. I learned how important it was to build relationships with clients—not just to do their hair, but to connect with them. I started working long hours—sometimes staying until 2 or 3 a.m.—but it paid off. Most of my clients came from word-of-mouth, and over time, I saw my hard work start to pay off.
Eventually, I was able to move on from working in other people’s shops and open my own. My space might not be conventional, but it’s mine. It’s what works for me and my clients, and that’s what matters most. I feel grateful every day that I get to do what I love, on my own terms.
Now, I’m not just about hair—I’m about creating an experience. It’s not just about the styles I do; it’s about making sure my clients feel heard, valued, and beautiful. Building a brand is a journey, and I’m just getting started.
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?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I became a mom on October 25, 2006, at just 16 years old. I was a new mom with no money and no way to work because I didn’t have a babysitter. My mom wouldn’t babysit, and at the time, I was angry with her, thinking she was the meanest person ever. But today, I’m thankful for that because it honestly helped shape me into the person I am today. I didn’t have more children after that, and it pushed me to become better and to build a better life for my son and me.
Building my career while being a full-time mom was tough. Building, in many ways, meant being broke. I tried working regular jobs, but that just wasn’t for me. There was a time I had to send my son to live with my mom, and at one point, we were both living with her. By the time I was 26, I knew that wasn’t the life I wanted for me or my son.”
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
“I’m a prominent Master Cosmetologist in Atlanta, known for my expertise in blonde hair, natural hair, hair coloring, ponytails, baby hairs, and Quickweaves. I’m most proud of how far I’ve come and I’m excited to see how much further I can go before it’s time for me to retire. What sets me apart is that I don’t just ‘do hair,’ I’m a Master Cosmetologist. I’m deeply passionate about my craft, and I truly love what I do.”
What makes you happy?
What makes me happy is to see my mom my kids and my family happy.
What makes me happy is when my clients get out of the chair with so much energy because they love their hair. What makes me happy is the word of mouth referrals
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.styleseat.com/styledbycrystal
- Instagram: STYLEDBYCRYSTAL
Image Credits
TheCamKilla
ThatsBosslife
Stevbo3232
