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

Crystal, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

I’ll start off by saying I had amazing parents. My mom taught me to always leave the house presentable, how you look and dress is someone 1st impression on you, so even look nice going to the gas station, someone is always watching. Be clean and presentable, and always where clean underwear just in case you get in a car accident. Lol. My dad was my biggest cheerleader with my creative e side. He always told me to do what I love and encouraged me the most to go to cosmetology school. He always said to think outside the box and be the best you, you can be. When I decide to be a independent hairstylist (entrepreneur) I got fired from jc penny for telling my clients I was going to leave the salon and my dad didn’t blink an eye, he encouraged me to step out on faith, what did I need and everything would be fine. I owe it all to my parents !!!!!

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

I started doing my own hair in junior high and then started doing the cheerleaders and girls going to prom. I absolutely loved it, we didn’t have you tube so we had to look at the hair magazines and figure it out on our own. After doing hair for 17 years I decided to specialize in short hair. Everyone was doing long hair and extensions, so to stand out I started only doing short hair, something not everyone can do. I love cutting pixies, bowl cut , shags, undercuts, real hair only ( no extensions) ,designs, natural shorthair and hair color. The problem I solve for my clients is that they get in out in a timely manner, my main focus my short hair girls needs, what style best suits there lifestyle, face shape and hairstyling skills. I also inform my clients on great products and nightly routes to keep up there shorthair on point. I am proud of myself on how far I have come on my craft. I love going to hair shows and classes to learn whats new and hot in the industry. I don’t ever want to behind the trends, I love how our industry is evolving, and eduction is abundant. My brand is fun, consistant, and professional. I am a wife, saloon owner and mother of a softaball, dancing 8 year old girl so I am always on my toes.

I started a salon with my best friend, we complement each other. I do short hair and she does everything else. We both have been doing hair for over 20 years so whatever we do healthy hair is the goal.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The best is consistency, before social media it was word of mouth and passing out business cards. You had to advertise on newspapers and phone books, ( showing my age). But since social media you need to have a clean, attractive, and great online business strategy. Be clear on what you are selling, and you are selling yourself. People want to know what your about, what you stand for and the quality of your work. Photography is also the top of the social media sucess, your brand pictures are the 1st thing potential clients see.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

When I started doing hair in the early 2000’s stylist was valued on being able to do everything. No matter what walked in the door you should be able to do it and do it well. Time management wasn’t taught and with taking everything you would have some clients waiting for long period of time because someone else was getting a long service. But now since I saw the light, of specializing . I can get my clients in and out, no one is waiting and I am fully educated in what I do and I can do it without blinking. No more long crazy days and I can manage my time and spend quality time with my family.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.spoiledhairlounge.com
• Instagram: Hairbycrystalholt
• Facebook: Hairbycrystalholt
• Yelp: Spoiled hair lounge
• Other: Tik tok: hairbycrystalholt