Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Christy Vonta Bell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dr. Christy Vonta, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

If I knew then what I know now, I would have transitioned from being a licensed cosmetologist to a Certified Trichologist and Holistic Health Practitioner nearly 30 years ago. The journey I’ve taken has been fulfilling, but had I made the shift earlier, I could have helped even more individuals reclaim their confidence, health, and overall well-being much sooner.

Through my Trichology and Wellness Clinic, Kissed by C.Von, I have created more than just a treatment center—I’ve built a safe space where clients suffering from hair loss can truly let their guard down, whether that means sharing their struggles, removing their wigs, or embracing their hair loss journey with confidence. While many come to us seeking solutions for hair loss and scalp concerns, they leave with far more than they expected—education, empowerment, and the knowledge to heal themselves from the inside out.

As a Master Herbalist, Naturopath, and Holistic Health Practitioner, I don’t just focus on treating symptoms—I provide holistic solutions and personalized wellness protocols that address the root cause of hair loss and health imbalances. My goal is to equip every client with the tools they need to regain control over their health, lifestyle, and overall well-being—not just temporarily, but for a lifetime.

To any young professional currently in cosmetology school, studying natural hair care, or exploring holistic health and wellness, my biggest piece of advice is to broaden your horizons. Don’t limit yourself to just passing your state board exams or earning certifications—those are just the beginning. Go deeper. Educate yourself on trichology, herbal medicine, holistic healing, and the business side of the industry. There are countless opportunities beyond the salon chair.

And if your dream is to own your own practice—go for it! There is nothing more rewarding than creating a space where people can heal, learn, and transform. The beauty industry is evolving, and those who take the initiative to integrate health and wellness into their expertise will be the ones leading the future of beauty and holistic care.

Dr. Christy Vonta, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For those who may not be familiar with me, I’m Dr. Christy Vonta, widely known as The Kissologist. I am the director and founder of The Kinesthetic Institute of the Skin & Scalp E.D., an accredited training institution that bridges the gap between beauty, health, and science. My journey into this industry began with my passion for hair, wellness, and helping people feel confident from the inside out. What started as a thriving salon, Kissed By C.Von, focused on healthy hair care, evolved into one of the leading holistic trichology and holistic wellness practices in the industry. As my expertise in trichology grew, I expanded my vision by launching an educational institute dedicated to teaching licensed beauty professionals the art and science of hair loss restoration through holistic wellness.

I specialize in holistic trichology, functional medicine, psychology, herbal medicine, and non-surgical hair replacement. My work is centered on empowering individuals—both clients and professionals—with the knowledge and tools to heal hair and scalp conditions naturally. At my institute, we offer a variety of certification programs, including a six-week Trichology Certification Course, an Herbal Medicine Certification, and other advanced continuing education courses in Trichology, Herbal Medicine, Cosmetology, and Holistic Health. Through these programs, I teach beauty professionals how to integrate advanced scalp therapy, detoxification, and customized herbal infusions into their practice.

What sets me apart is my holistic and scientific approach to hair and scalp health. I don’t just address hair loss—I uncover the root causes, whether they stem from nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune conditions, or emotional trauma. This is why psychology is deeply embedded in my work. Hair loss is not just a physical issue; it affects self-identity, confidence, and mental well-being. By combining trichology, psychology, herbal medicine, and functional wellness, I create customized solutions that promote true healing from the inside out.

One of the things I am most proud of is seeing my students and clients thrive. Whether it’s a client regaining their confidence after reversing hair loss naturally or a licensed professional transforming their career by becoming a certified trichologist, every success story fuels my passion. I also take pride in creating herbal tea blends, nutraceuticals, and wellness products that support internal healing, hair growth, and overall well-being. My brand is rooted in education, empowerment, and transformation.

For anyone looking to understand more about my work, my mission is simple: to redefine the beauty and wellness industry by integrating holistic healing, scientific research, and innovative techniques. My goal is to provide people with the tools and knowledge to achieve optimal health—whether through hair restoration, herbal medicine, or holistic education. If you’re a beauty professional seeking to elevate your expertise or someone struggling with hair and scalp concerns, know that there is a path to healing, and I’m here to guide you on that journey.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Other than training and knowledge, I believe that the most critical factors for success in this field are passion, adaptability, and a holistic mindset.

Passion is the driving force behind any career, but in holistic trichology, herbal medicine, and cosmetology, it’s essential. You must truly care about helping people regain their confidence, health, and well-being. This industry isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about transformation. When you’re passionate about the work, continuous learning and growth become second nature.

Adaptability is another key factor. The beauty and wellness industry is constantly evolving with new research, technologies, and client needs. Professionals who are open to innovation, whether it’s integrating functional medicine into hair restoration or using new non-surgical techniques, will stay ahead in the field. Clients seek experts who are knowledgeable but also willing to customize treatments based on their unique needs rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

A holistic mindset is what truly sets successful professionals apart. Many people in the beauty and wellness industry focus on surface-level treatments, but true healing starts from within. Understanding how nutrition, mental health, hormonal balance, and lifestyle affect hair, skin, and overall health is crucial. Professionals who approach their work with a whole-body perspective not only achieve better results but also build lasting relationships with clients who trust them as true wellness experts.

Ultimately, success in this field comes down to genuine care for people, a willingness to adapt, and a commitment to holistic healing. Training and certifications provide the foundation, but the ability to connect with clients, think critically, and continuously expand your approach is what makes a real difference.

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

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was that success is solely measured by how much you do, rather than how much impact you make.

Early in my career, I believed that in order to be successful, I had to constantly be in motion—taking on every opportunity, saying yes to every request, and working around the clock. I thought that the more I did, the more valuable I was. However, this mindset led to burnout, exhaustion, and ultimately, a disconnect from my true purpose.

The turning point came when I realized that being busy is not the same as being effective. I had built a thriving salon, expanded into trichology, and launched an educational institute, but I was running on fumes. I had to shift my perspective and focus on alignment over achievement—prioritizing the work that truly made a difference rather than trying to do everything at once.

Now, I approach success differently. I create with intention, delegate when necessary, and focus on work that aligns with my mission to help others achieve optimal health and healing. Unlearning the “hustle culture” mentality allowed me to build a sustainable business, protect my own well-being, and serve my clients and students in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.christyvonta.com or www.kisseduniversity.com or www.Kissedbycvon.com
• Instagram: @christyvonta
• Facebook: Christy Vonta

Image Credits

Daron Elliot