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

Hi Christina , thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Achieving success in the beauty industry requires a combination of dedication, continuous education, resilience and a supportive network. Hard work and a commitment to ongoing education are essential in staying ahead in this dynamic field. Embracing failure as a stepping stone to success is a crucial mindset, fostering resilience and the determination to strive harder.

Surrounding yourself with a collaborative and supportive team is paramount for success in the beauty business. In my experience, I have been fortunate to work with a team of highly creative individuals who inspire and support one another. This collaborative environment not only enhances creativity but also provides a solid foundation for mutual growth and achievements.

Reflecting on my journey, one memorable story arises from my participation in hair competitions. The intensive training demanded unwavering commitment, with late-night practice sessions, model coordination and outfit preparations becoming a routine. Despite moments of exhaustion and the temptation to quit, I persevered through the challenges. The day of the competition brought a surreal sense of accomplishment as I executed the skills honed through relentless practice. The completion of the competition was exhilarating, so empowering that I was already anticipating the next project!

Success is a continuous journey rather than a destination. The euphoria of accomplishment and the support of a like-minded team fuel the determination to embrace future challenges. Ultimately, being surrounded by those who share a common creative vision, coupled with strong work ethic forms the winning formula for sustained success in the beauty industry.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

With nearly 24 years of experience in the hair industry, my journey has been shaped by a lifelong passion for hairstyling, stemming from my early childhood days spent intricately styling dolls’ hair. The foundation of my career was laid in high school when I had the opportunity to participate in a co-op program at a renowned salon, ultimately leading to my employment there. My commitment to learning and growing was further solidified as I concurrently apprenticed while pursuing formal education and continued honing my skills for several years post graduation.

During my apprenticeship years, I acquired invaluable skills integral to establishing myself as a successful hairstylist. Recognizing the importance of selecting a salon conducive to continual learning and advancement, I have consistently sought environments that foster professional development.

While I derive immense satisfaction from working with clients behind the chair, my passion extends beyond the salon to encompass creative projects. In over a decade, I competed nationally and internationally accumulating a wealth of knowledge through rigorous training and dedication. Serving as a L’Oreal Professionel Porfolio Colourist, additional notable achievements include securing first place in the Ontario Women’s Trend Cut and Colour competition, winning the Canadian Cup for Women’s Cut and Color, representing Canada at the World Championships in France and Germany. Transitioning from stage competitions, I embraced creative endeavors in photography, challenging myself to step outside of my comfort zone and transform visions into reality. Collaborating with a talented team of fellow artists has proven instrumental in pushing creative boundaries and bringing innovative ideas to life.

My commitment to continuous learning is proven by staying up to date on the latest trends and products through global beauty shows. Serving as an educator, I’ve shared my knowledge with fellow stylists, fostering a culture of learning and growth within the industry.

I am a firm believer that hard work and determination are the cornerstones of success. Despite any moments of doubt, persevering through challenges ultimately yields priceless rewards. My journey is a testament to the value of resilience and the pursuit of excellence in the ever-evolving field of hairstyling.

Have you ever had to pivot?

A few years ago, I encountered a significant pivot in my professional journey as a beauty entrepreneur. While working out of a salon, a devastating fire occurred, resulting in the loss of my job, equipment and livelihood. Despite the initial shock, I faced a critical decision point – succumb to self-pity or seize the opportunity to rebuild how I truly desire.

Opting for the latter, I tapped into my network who generously offered support, enabling me to continue working and expressing my gratitude for their
assistance. This challenging period became a profound learning experience, revealing my resilience and ability to navigate adversity. The realization that I could persevere through tough obstacles, coupled with the invaluable support of those around me, reinforced my belief in personal strength

A pivotal moment occurred shortly after when I attended Salon International in London, UK. Inspired by the experience, I decided to fulfill a longstanding dream of relocating my business. Despite setbacks, I dedicated a year to diligent savings, determined to pursue my aspirations. In 2020, I took the bold step of moving a cross the world, only to face unforeseen global challenges. Circumstances led me to return home temporarily, but the dream was still alive. The overarching lesson from this experience is the significance of resilience and unwavering commitment to your dreams. Adversity may alter the course of our plans, but the determination to overcome obstacles remains steadfast. I am firm on my intention to return to the UK, where I aspire to establish my own salon. The journey has reinforced the belief that with perseverance and hard work, any dream is attainable. Setbacks are merely temporary detours on the unpredictable path to success.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

In cultivating a robust clientele over the years, I have been fortunate to establish enduring relationships with many loyal clients, some of whom have remained with me for nearly two decades. The primary catalyst for expanding my client base has consistently been through referrals – a testament to the enduring power of word-of-mouth recommendations.

Undoubtedly, word-of-mouth remains a potent avenue for attracting new clients, a sentiment further amplified in the digital age through the influential reach of social media. The visual showcase of our hairstyling expertise on these platforms exposes our work to a broad audience, facilitating client attainment. Satisfied clients, acting as advocates to our work, effectively become the most impactful advertisers. They contribute significantly to the growth of my business.

However, the acquisition of new clients is the initial phase. The true measure of success lies in the ability to retain them. Recognizing that client retention is crucial, I prioritize creating exceptional experiences that extend beyond just the quality of service. Building lasting relationships ensures continued client satisfaction and solidifies the foundation of my business. In essence, while the process of gaining new clients may be more straightforward, the art lies in mastering the strategies to maintain their loyalty and engagement long-term.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @christinasgro

Image Credits
Make Up: Natalia Farahmand- Desiderio Beauty Digital Agency: Pax Tech Services DB Productions Behind The Chair