We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Krystal Henry a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Krystal, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

The biggest risk I ever took was opening my own storefront. After starting The Key Salon in 2020, I saw a need for a space where business owners could thrive and gain the knowledge they needed to succeed. In 2022, I opened The Key Salon Studios, creating a community of incredible women-owned businesses.

Now, in 2025, standing in a thriving set of studios where each business knows exactly what it takes to succeed, I can say every hardship was worth it. This journey has been about more than business—it’s about building a space where dreams grow and succeed.

Krystal, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Krystal Henry, and I am the proud owner of The Key Salon LLC and The Key Salon Studios, located in Chesapeake, Virginia. I’ve been in the beauty industry for 14 years, and my passion for hair and self-care started long before that. Growing up, I was inspired by the creative energy of fashion, and that passion only grew after meeting Dalbe Markman, the owner of AOC Salon, during my early years in the industry. My journey has taken me through intense training, including certifications from Allilon Education in London and specialized techniques like precision cutting, balayage, and air-touch highlights. These experiences shaped my skills and deepened my love for creating modern, low-maintenance “lived-in” looks.

Beyond hair artistry, I specialize in hair extensions, offering innovative techniques like Beaded Row and Un-Seen methods, along with strand-by-strand hair application. My goal has always been to provide my guests with effortless beauty and confidence.

Additionally, I specialize in sound therapy, with a practitioner certification in Sound Therapies and Tuning Fork Therapy. These powerful modalities offer vibrational sound healing that promotes relaxation, balance, and overall well-being.

In 2021, I launched The Key Luxury Hair Care, a cruelty-free, plant-based product line. Designed to make hair care simpler and more effective, this line reflects my commitment to high-quality products that protect both your hair and the environment. One of my proudest innovations is my Refill Station, where clients can refill their bottles, save money, and reduce waste—helping the planet one bottle at a time.

I am thrilled to continue these sustainable efforts with the launch of The Key Luxury Skin Care and Body Care line in 2024. This cruelty-free, plant-based collection will provide the same level of luxury, sustainability, and wellness that my guests have come to expect.

In 2022, I opened The Key Salon Studios with a vision of creating a sanctuary for beauty and wellness professionals and their guests. Our studios house a diverse group of incredible women-owned businesses, including hairstylists, makeup artists, estheticians, and sound therapy practitioners.

What sets The Key Salon Studios apart is the experience we create for every guest. This space is a sanctuary where you can relax, unwind, and feel like family. From personalized, one-on-one services to a warm, welcoming atmosphere, every detail is designed to make you feel valued and cared for.

The inspiration behind my business comes from deeply personal experiences. In 2020, I opened The Key Salon LLC as a tribute to my father, Frank Valdepena, who passed away in 2018. My father, a 26-year Navy Master Chief, was my hero, and I wanted our logo—featuring an eagle inside a key—to honor his memory and legacy. My journey has also been shaped by my brother Kyle, who is autistic. Witnessing his strength and resilience inspires me to give back to the community I grew up in. In honor of our military families, I offer a $5 discount to veterans and active-duty personnel every 21st of the month.

I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built at The Key Salon Studios. Our community is filled with talented women-owned businesses who specialize in everything from hair and sound therapy to waxing and facials. Together, we’ve created a space where creativity, wellness, and care thrive.

If there’s one thing I want potential clients and followers to know, it’s this: The Key Salon Studios is more than just a place to get pampered—it’s a place to feel empowered, inspired, and connected. Your journey with us doesn’t end when you leave; we provide education, tutorials, and techniques to help you maintain your beauty and confidence long after your visit.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

If I could go back in time, I would choose to be a hairstylist and sound therapist again and again. The beauty of working behind the scenes, creating lasting connections with my guests who become like family, is truly special. The way they have impacted my life, just as I have theirs, is something remarkable. I’m grateful every day to have a career where I can see the real difference I make. Waking up every morning, I am thankful to be doing what I love.

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

Beyond formal training, I truly believe that the hands-on experience gained day in and day out has a huge impact on success in my field. Equally important is being open and willing to connect with others, learning from what has or hasn’t worked, and continuously improving by implementing new systems and strategies. This combination of practical experience and collaboration is key to growth and success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thekeysalon.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekeysalonstudios?igsh=eTczY3B2MW10cG56
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1XoTsAubfW/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thekeysalon?si=bjTeSmbtC8osgzQd
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/the-key-salon-studios-chesapeake
• Other: https://linktr.ee/thekeysalonstudios?fbclid=PAY2xjawH_20tleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpiO7JeQNnlW8WzeM1kjVG0FrbSqH596C6rUSMNDGLXiLcjn-x9UAb5C68w_aem_Swer1V_hKHVdI2Zr6-e4Jg

Image Credits

Phographer: Dexter D. Cohen