Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Torregano.
Christopher, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in Chattanooga, TN. And that’s home forever. I love my city. When I was eight, my mom moved us to “The Bluff” in the heart of Atlanta, so you can only imagine the trouble I got myself into at a very early age. I attended numerous schools in Atlanta from Avondale & Fairington Elementary to Inman & Kennedy Middle. Even did my time in the hallways of North Atlanta & North Clayton High Schools. My grandmother Shirley was & still is our everything. Looking at the hardships she overcame, motivates me to no end. My mother was a single parent of three who worked as a hairstylist & flight attendant to support me & the sibs. I watched her work ethic & hustle & picked up my first pair of clippers when I was 12. I jacked my little brother Corey’s head up & mama was PISSED!!! I got in so much trouble because he has that long curly hair. Didn’t stop there, got in more trouble after I stole my mom’s clippers & took them to school to cut my friends hair. Post high school, I played one year of college basketball at Auburn University @ Montgomery, home of the Senators. Being the hard-headed rebel I am, I quit the team & walked away from a scholarship only to come home & catch my first charge for Felony Gun Possession at 19. After I finished up with the case, my grandmother gave me two options, Army or Barber Cosmetology School. I hate authority, lol, so I chose the hair game. It was in my blood. Fast forward, I opened my first shop at 24, blessed to have owned three since. Currently, I am the personal groomer for Country music phenom Kane Brown & have been for the last 4+ years. Every time you see his hair, THAT’S ME!!! God has blessed my hands & given me the hustle & drive to not stop!!! I NEVER QUIT!!! I’ve been told no 100’s of times only to come back & ask again or got my weight up enough so they had no choice but to let me in. Consistency is key to whatever you do. Master your craft whatever your craft is. If you’re a dog walker, figure out a system that is so creative & innovative people have no choice but to recognize & demand your product or service. That system is applicable to LIFE!!!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
HELL, NO… my career has been the biggest roller coaster of my life. Outside of having my daughter young & not knowing how to be a father. OVERCAME THAT!!! The buddy thing, people who were in cahoots that tried to shut me out. BEAT THAT!!! Being told NO. BEAT THAT TOO!!! Worked my ass off until my blessing FOUND ME!!!
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a GROOMING SPECIALIST, meaning I handle everything from fashion to hair. My specialty is my haircuts. That’s what I’m known for. People stop me from recognizing me off MTV or seeing me with KB. Either way, they know I’m there for hair. I’m most proud of all of the achievements I’ve accomplished being from such a small part of Tennessee. My work has been seen on so many platforms from Good Morning America, Jimmy Kimmel, Billboard magazine, Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, ACM Awards, CMT Awards, I honestly need to sit down & write out all of the places & platforms my work has been seen on because I lost count!!! THAT’S A BLESSING!!! My love & respect for the game & the process of progress is what sets me apart from EVERYBODY!!! I genuinely care about my work & my clients, which transcends into my work.
What were you like growing up?
I was BAD AS HELL!!! I stayed in trouble & on punishment. I can only imagine what my next kids are gonna be like. I have a teenage daughter but she’s super chill & dope!!! A gorgeous girl who’s super smart!!! I love my baby. I was hella sneaky, thinking I could outsmart any & everybody!!! I practiced finesse before it gained a name or popularity. That got me in a world of trouble, legally & illegally!!! I was always true to me though… whatever I believed in I was committed to that shit 100 percent!!! Very strong minded, strong-willed.
Contact Info:
- Address: Scout Boutique
1428 Williams Street
Chattanooga, TN - Website: www.styleseat.com/CTKutz
- Email: richwayct@gmail.com
- Instagram: RichWayCT & CTKutz
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
