Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristie Chirgwin.
Kristie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
For as long as I can remember, my passion in life has always been in the beauty industry. I truly am so thankful to have been able to make my passion for creating art through hair, my career.
I grew up in a very small town in Massachusetts called Brimfield and after graduating high school in 2004, I knew exactly what my next move would be. With the support of my parents, I enrolled in Blaine Beauty School that September, graduating in 2005. From there, I had my goals set high and I was on my way to Worcester, Ma, where I spent about 5 years at a salon called St. Cyr. It was a great place to get my feet wet and really start to find myself within the industry. I felt a strong passion toward haircolor and decided I now wanted to specialize in that area solely.
From there, I decided, it was time for me to come to Boston, my personal goal, and to work at a salon that I had my eyes on since right after Beauty School. Those dreams came true when I landed an apprenticeship at Shag Salon, in South Boston in 2011. I had an amazing experience at Shag and grew a lot both personally and professionally. In September 2017, I felt ready to embark on a new journey, which has led me to Trephin Salon in Downtown Crossing, Boston. I work beside some of the most talented stylists, who push me and inspire me to be my best. I am so excited about my future in my new ‘hair home!’
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has truly been a wild ride. From super small town upbringings to big city life, was both terrifying and exciting. I was an established stylist in Worcester, but to become the stylist I wanted to be I knew I would be starting as an apprentice, I had a lot to learn, and I knew taking a ‘step back’ would give me a huge push forward. Money was tough, I moved a lot with many different roommates, I definitely ate ramen noodles a lot, and it was a struggle but it was all worth it in the end. I went from apprentice to senior colorist over the years, and I was able to pay it forward by teaching our apprentices everything I knew.
My advice to anyone starting their journey is, first, always believe in yourself, work your hardest, stay humble, work well with others, be kind, and most importantly, never lose sight of your passion, remember you can never stop learning. Lastly, when things get tough, keep pushing forward and make your dreams come true. No one else can do that for you.
What should we know about you? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I have specialized in hair color for the past 7-8 years. As of the last year, I have also included Hot Head Hair Extensions and Brazilian Blow Outs to my services. What I am known for is definitely being very detail oriented. From consultation where I explain my thoughts and process in depth and left no question unanswered, to making sure every part of the hair looks amazing in the end, knowing whichever way the wind blows or whatever the style of the day, my clients look their best from every angle. What sets me apart, I truly care about my client’s experience in my chair. I want them to feel how much thought and effort goes into every appointment with me, and not just the first. I want every client to walk out of the salon feeling better than when they walked in.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
In general, although there are are a lot of men holding leadership roles in most industries, women still hold so much power and must advocate for themselves. In my opinion, with support, encouragement, and confidence, women can achieve anything they want regardless of any gender barriers.
Contact Info:
- Address: Trephin Salon
25 Temple Place
Boston, MA - Website: Info@trephin.com
- Phone: 857-233-2363
- Email: krisskrosshair@gmail.com
- Instagram: @krisskrosshair
- Facebook: Trephin
- Other: @trephinsalon
Image Credit:
Kristie Chirgwin, Brit Shields
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