We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christa Talbott. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christa below.

Christa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

Salon22’s name encapsulates our vision and mission. “Salon” signifies a space where women from all walks of life come together to connect and uplift one another, creating a sense of community and support. It’s similar to salons of the past where women came together to have bold conversations. Or salons of today, where women connect over a good shampoo and shared experiences. The “22” represents the 22nd century and the space we want to create for future generations of women. A world with greater inclusivity, compassion, and collaboration.

Christa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a veteran New Orleans public school educator. Originally from Florida, I’ve found my home in New Orleans. My passion for inspiring minds, particularly women and youth, has always been at the heart of everything I do.

For almost 20 years, I found joy in teaching through story telling. Most of my years in the classroom were spent teaching world history, telling the story of the people and places that created our cultures and the world. Witnessing the impact I had on my students fueled my desire to be a catalyst for positive change. In 2021, I transitioned into the field of curriculum development.

Currently, I wear two hats: Education Consultant and Chief Experience Officer at Salon22. At Salon22, a social and professional women’s club here in New Orleans, I focus on creating a space for women to connect by finding common ground, empower each other, and discover their voices. It’s truly a vehicle for change and inclusivity, and I’m incredibly proud to be a part of it.

In my role as an educator, I’m working on a project that excites me immensely. I work to develop and implement curriculum that gives voice to marginalized groups, ensuring a more inclusive and representative narrative.

What sets me apart? My passion! I thrive on public speaking and making connections, whether it’s motivational talks, casual chats, or anything that empowers women to find their purpose. It’s all about sparking conversations, igniting ideas, and fostering a supportive community.

I’m most proud of the impact I’ve had on young lives. Whether in the classroom or through curriculum development, I strive to leave a lasting legacy of inclusion and inspiration. Ultimately, I want people to know that I’m dedicated to fostering a world where women and youth have the tools and confidence to reach their full potential.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My career pivot was a defining moment, and a transformation that deeply impacted my life. For nearly two decades, I was a public school educator, dedicated to shaping young minds. However, like many Black educators highlighted in a Time magazine article (Public Schools Are Struggling to Retain Black Teachers, January 5, 2022), I faced challenges that ultimately led me to re-evaluate my path.

The lack of support and feeling undervalued as a Black woman in the school took a toll. When my voice advocating for change wasn’t appreciated, I realized I needed to prioritize my well-being and find a space where my contributions were valued.

This decision wasn’t easy. Teaching wasn’t just a career; it was my passion. But the pivot was a necessary step towards personal and professional growth. It opened doors to new possibilities, allowing me to leverage my experience in a different way.

This transition wasn’t just about changing jobs; it was about reclaiming my voice and advocating for education in a more empowering environment. My skills and dedication to fostering inclusive learning translate well beyond the traditional classroom setting.

Looking back, this pivot was a defining moment. It propelled me forward, allowing me to contribute to positive change in a new and impactful way. This career shift led me to Salon22, where I’m excited to serve as Co Founder and Chief Experience Officer. In this role, I’m able to utilize my skills and expertise to create a supportive and inclusive environment for women, empowering them to discover their voices and reach their full potential.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Several resources have significantly shaped my management and entrepreneurial thinking. One of the most impactful has been the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment. My team and I took this together to gain a deeper understanding of our individual strengths and how we could work together more effectively.

The insights from the StrengthsFinder were invaluable. It helped me identify my own strengths and how to apply them in my professional life, both individually and when managing teams. I learned the importance of recognizing and leveraging the diverse strengths of myself and my team members, creating a supportive environment where everyone can excel. By understanding how we work best together, we’ve been able to build a more cohesive and productive team dynamic. We all have valuable assets and strengths that we bring to the table, learning how to recognize and utilize them can help us build confidence and achieve our goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.salon22nola.com
• Instagram: @Salon22nola
• Facebook: @Salon22nola
• Linkedin: Salon22nola

Image Credits

Ashley Lorraine