We were lucky to catch up with Kristie Mankowich recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kristie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
After 14 years in the industry, and working towards everyone else’s dreams, I decided it was time to start chasing my own. This industry is evolving, and quickly, and if you don’t evolve with it, you’ll be left behind.
Taking leaps and believing in yourself is scary, but so is being in the same place you were last year. The universe kept sending me signs and my gut kept screaming for me to make a change. My whole life I have ignored those signs and ended up hurt or betrayed in the end. So I decided it was time to jump.
This year I promised myself I would go all in on me. So many people believe in me and see my potential, for once in my life, I’m trusting me, believing in me, and never turning back.
Yes I’m grateful for every place and person who has helped me get to this point, but I realized I was choosing to stay stuck to make these people happy and neglecting my own happiness, and that is no way to live.
My mission this year is to fill my cup and get back my life and my happiness. To build relationships back with my clients, family and friends. To run head first towards everything I want and not take no for an answer. I want to take my time back behind the chair and build something beautiful the way I have always envisioned it. To be the best Educator I can be, and to be the athlete I also know I can be.
I know to many it may seem foolish to think I can accomplish all these things, but that’s the thing, they aren’t me.
I’ve been through more in these last 34 years than most could imagine, but I have always made it through and come out better and stronger for it. That is the exact reason I know I can do whatever I set my heart on, because I’m simply built different.
Kristie, 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?
To those of you who already know me, HI! To those of you who don’t, here’s a little background story on me. I’ve been in the hair industry for 14 years now, 15 in September (weird typing that out) I’ve been in my fair share of salons in the St. Louis area, ranging from barber shops to high end salons. All served their purpose and led me to where I am today.
While I mainly focus on Extensions and huge color transformations these days, 30% of my business is still men, some who have been with me since I started! I like to keep the variety in my business and honestly have a hard time saying no to services or clients, with the exception of up-do styling ( Just not my thing) However I still do a ton of bridal parties and prep brides for the special day with extensions. I love being a part of all my clients big days and honestly it means so much to me.
The last year I added a new role to my career and that is being a Regional Educator for Bellami Professional. This was a huge turning point in my career and if you know me its something I have always wanted and have worked for ever since I got certified with them back in 2019. I even went as far as staying late or coming in early to help other stylist master their extension craft. I always knew I wanted to be an educator so when I saw this opportunity I ran at it head first, like I do with pretty much anything I set my heart on. I’ve taught Master Classes all over the United States and even Canada and can’t wait to see where this takes me next!
I love working with product brands such as but not inclusive to , L’OREAL Professional, Baxter, Keresatse, and even the new product line Bellami Professional will be dropping later this year!
This year I made a huge change and took a leap of faith and opened my own Studio at Salon Lofts In Ellisville,named Kristie Lee. After being out on the road and learning so much more about the industry and how it is quickly evolving I knew this was the best decision for not only myself, but my guests as well. I have also implemented focusing on one client at a time. My clients kept voicing their concerns and felt like they were on an assembly line, I was double, tripple sometimes even quadruple booking and I was only able to see each client for maybe 15 minutes tops. I was stressed and I know my clients could feel it too. I wanted to create a more intimate enviroment and I wanted them to feel seen and heard. Creating this space and business also allows me to focus on work life balance as well. I am extremely passionate about what I do and the last thing I ever wanted was to get burned out. When I teach I’m on the road for 4 days and I was coming home and working 3 – 12 hour days, which if anyone could do it, it was me, but this is no way to live. Now I am able to decompress and be the stylist, friend and professional I am meant to be.
I’m most proud of my growth over these last few years. Setting boundaries and sticking up for myself, my guests and what I truly believe in. I’m so excited to see where this journey takes me and to see how much I can grow my brand and studio, I truly believe this is only the begining for me.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Believe it or not. my gym CrossFit Wildwood, has played a huge role in not only a new influx of guests but also seeing my worth. They helped me grow so much over the last year and I don’t mean by just sending me friends and family but also pushing me to be my very best self.
Social Media also plays a HUGE role in this. POST YOUR WORK! Make it informative! Guests are always watching you post and love seeing what you can do behind the chair. The more knowledge you are able to provide them, the more likely they will be to not only come see you but refer new guests to you as well! Especially when you take continued education classes on your down time. It shows them that you are learning new skills and mastering your craft! They are always watching so make sure you are posting and sharing everything! There are thousands of stylists in the area so make sure you stand out and are attracting the guests you want in your chair!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
This is a good one! Over my years behind the chair, I’ve evolved in my personal life as well. From party girl to athlete! You would think most employers would like this quality, well unfortunately this isn’t the case and I still cannot figure out why, but not my circus not my monkey.
I’ve been let go from salons for being “too into fitness” even had it used against me on why I may be stressed out. If you’re an athlete of any sport you know this is a form of therapy not to mention how much fitness and health play a role in your mental health.
After being told this time and time again, even from those who once praised me for it, I’ve realized that these are just not the kind of people I choose to be around or even work for.
Can you imagine changing your entire life for the better and being put down for it? Gut wrenching. This only fuels my fire and pushes me to be better in every aspect of my life.
I am who I am, in and out of the salon and I shouldn’t have to change what I do outside of work to please others. That would be like telling a mother she talks about her children too much. This is my baby and it’s my life and it’s what draws most of my clientele to me.
Don’t ever stop working on yourself to please others or to fit someone else’s agenda!
Mental health is so important these days and if you don’t have that outlet it can lead you down other paths.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://salonlofts.com/kristie_lee
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautyby_klee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010049989490
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/krizztlee_fit/
Image Credits
Clair Alynn