Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen James.
Kristen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I began my career as a hair stylist, specifically a Curly Hair specialist in Canada in 1997. I traveled through the United States as a Platform Artist and won An Alpha Award twice for Hair cutting and Color In New Orleans. I also received a Golden Curl Award in Toronto.Traveling took me away from behind the chair so I decided to solely work in the salon. After years of watching my sister deal with terrible haircuts that were devastating her confidence, I made it my mission to devote myself to working with curly hair which leads to my Creation of the C cut… A trademarked and patent pending cutting technique. I was featured in Atlanta Magazine in 2004 and 2007 which exploded my client base and cult following. Curly Hair is my passion and I am fortunate to have such a loyal and close fan base. My guests are not just clients, they have become family.
Has it been a smooth road?
Challenges are always part of personal and professional growth. I think the most difficult obstacle has been and continues to be the balance between work and home life. I have 3 young boys and a wonderful and supportive husband, BUT trying to be everything to everyone can have its heart-tugging moments. I have missed many of my boy’s events and time I will never get back so that weighs heavy on a mother.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Kristen James Hair Studio story. Tell us more about the business.
After the Atlanta magazine feature, I opened my first salon in Buckhead in 2004 and moved my salon to the Vinings area in 2008. I knew I wanted to have more children so it made sense for me to work close to home. Again, establishing a more balanced work/home life. I now have an incredible team under me and for the first time training them in the C Cut technique and all things CURLY. We have become the go-to salon of Atlanta for the curly world. We have created a salon with a cozy boutique vibe so our guests feel comfortable and at ease when in our chair. We have a laid back approach to hair. We are not a cold sterile environment. We are a jeans and flip flops kind of place and our guests often comment that one of the reasons they love coming to us is how approachable and sincere we are. We do not put on any airs about who we are. What you see is what you get, and what you get is fantastic service and stellar on point Hair!!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Like all trends, I feel the Ombre look ( dark hair and very lights ends ) will fade out as will the vivid fashion color boom. They’re fun and creative, but elegant and classic will always stand the test of time. I believe an emphasis on Natural waves and curls will continue to flourish within the industry. It will for me anyhow as I strongly believe in taking what God gave you and be the best version of yourself. I want my guests to Love who they are and look in the mirror and see how beautiful they are inside and out. We use top of the line products on all of our clients but we do not sell retail in the salon. Online sales of hair products have changed the brick and mortar stores, therefore that takes all the stress off my stylists to “upsell” the guest. We are service driven and focused only so there is zero pressure for the guest.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3988 Atlanta Rd. Smyrna Ga 30080
- Website: www.kristenjamesstudio.com
- Phone: 770-405-8460
- Email: studio@kristenjamesstudio.com
- Instagram: Kristen James Hair Studio
- Facebook: Kristen James Hair Studio
Image Credit:
Aubry Canales Photography
Jennie Couture
January 31, 2017 at 5:57 pm
Love, love, love Kristin! I had unruly and frankly ugly hair–no stylist I had ever been to knew how to cut curly hair. When I discovered Kristin and she (and her c-cut) turned things around for me! I love her staff–so friendly, warm and supportive! If you are struggling with frizzy ugly hair make an appointment today!