We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kristen Alexis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kristen below.
Hi Kristen, thanks for joining us today. Who is your hero and why? What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey?
My hero is Martha Stewart. She’s the perfect blend of refinement, resilience, and unapologetic standard-setting. What I admire most about Martha is her ability to set the tone in every room she enters. Her attention to detail is unmatched, and she’s never been afraid to claim her space, even in industries traditionally dominated by men. She built an empire not by following trends, but by defining them.
What’s iconic to me is that she navigated public scrutiny and personal trials with grace and steel. She stayed composed, never folded under pressure, and carried herself with unshakeable loyalty and integrity. There’s a quiet power in knowing when to speak and when to hold your ground.
From her, I’ve learned to move with precision, to hold the vision no matter the noise, and to know that setting high standards isn’t something to apologize for, it’s something to be proud of.
She’s influenced my journey by showing me that it’s possible to build something beautiful, lasting, and expansive while being firm in who you are. Like Martha, I believe you can be warm and gracious, but you never have to be soft on your boundaries.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’ve spent the last 20 years deeply immersed in the craft of hairdressing, but what I’ve built goes far beyond beautiful hair. I’m the founder and co-owner of Alchemy Loft, a luxury salon space in Bridgewater, NJ designed to empower women and hairdressers to reclaim their sovereignty not just in style, but in life. My path to this point hasn’t been linear; it’s been built through years of mastering technique, cultivating intuition, and surviving the kind of betrayals that force you to become your own safety net.
I first entered this industry with a passion for artistry and connection. I’ve always known that how we wear our hair is often a direct reflection of how we feel about ourselves. Over time, I realized that many women were coming to me not just for a transformation on the outside, but for the space to feel seen, held, and supported as they navigated big life shifts. I’ve grown into that responsibility and now intentionally create spaces where beauty is ritual, and where the experience behind the chair is just as powerful as the results when you leave it.
At Alchemy Loft, we offer expert hair artistry. Razor cutting, lived-in color, multiple extension methods, detailed consultations but what sets us apart is our holistic approach. I’m also a Reiki Master, yoga practitioner, and someone who believes in the power of nervous system regulation in beauty spaces. My clients aren’t rushed or pressured; they are invited to pause, reconnect, and leave feeling like themselves again only lighter, stronger, more aligned.
I solve the problem of disconnection. In an industry that often moves fast, I slow things down. I help women transition, heal, and step into their next chapter whether that’s after a breakup, a loss, a career change, a pregnancy, or simply because they’re ready to take up more space. I also mentor other hairdressers to honor their craft, their pricing, and their worth. I want younger stylists to know they don’t have to burn themselves out to be successful.
What I’m most proud of is the community I’m building. Alchemy Loft is a place where women can be soft and powerful at the same time, where creatives are respected, and where we are committed to doing things with integrity.
For anyone discovering me for the first time, know this: I don’t just do hair, I help you remember who you are.
How’d you meet your business partner?
I met my business partner and co-founder, Stephanie Iannuzzelli, at the previous salon where we both worked. Our connection grew naturally over time as she leaned into becoming my personal assistant and really allowed me to step fully into my role as a mentor. What started as a working relationship evolved into a true partnership built on trust, respect, and mutual growth.
Stephanie has been an integral part of my journey. She’s been a constant source of motivation and genuinely inspires me. While my path has leaned more toward holistic and intuitive practices, Stephanie brings a grounded, practical lens that beautifully balances our vision at Alchemy Loft. Together, we’ve built a space that merges both of our strengths to create an elevated salon experience that’s both intentional and real.
What I appreciate most about Stephanie is her ability to meet challenges head-on and her dedication to our shared mission. We’re different in many ways, but that’s exactly what makes our partnership work. We complement each other and push one another to keep growing.
Our hope is that by sharing our story, we inspire other women to build with their friends, to believe in collaboration over competition, and to trust that it’s possible to create something extraordinary on your own terms
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
For me, building a brand has always been about building genuine, lasting relationships with my clients. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the same people for 15 to 20 years. It’s never been just about the haircut or the color. It’s about creating a space where people feel seen, cared for, and safe enough to let their guard down.
At Alchemy Loft, the experience goes beyond self-care routines. It’s a place where you can set down your emotional baggage, where you can be fully yourself without judgment, and where transformation happens from the inside out. My work often becomes a kind of therapy, quietly holding space for people as they navigate life changes, big moments, and personal growth.
What sets our space apart is that I truly care. I hold myself to a high standard and I consistently show up for my clients in a way that’s real and personal. I believe trust is the foundation of great hair and a great relationship. When people trust you with their self-worth and their image, that’s something sacred.
That’s why the majority of my clients come from word-of-mouth recommendations. People share what feels good to them, and when you feel good in my chair, you naturally want to bring your people here too
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alchemyloftnj.com
- Instagram: Knowyourkris
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/alchemyloftnj
- Other: Book.alchemyloftnj.com
KnowyourKris.com
Image Credits
Keon Vines, Sam Hong, everbephotography