Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Wilde.
Hi Kristina , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into cosmetology wasn’t a traditional one. It was actually my second career. I became a mother at just 18 years old, and my priorities shifted early in life. It wasn’t until I was 28 that I attended cosmetology school, ready to pursue something I was truly passionate about and build a career of my own.
I began my career in a small, locally owned boutique-style salon, where I worked hard to build my clientele, develop my skills, and find my place in the industry. Like many, my journey came with its share of trials and tribulations. Through challenges, setbacks, and personal growth, I learned resilience, independence, and the importance of believing in myself and my abilities.
Those experiences eventually led me to open my own salon loft, where I now work alongside my protégé, who is currently earning her cosmetology license under my mentorship. Having the opportunity to guide someone else’s journey in an industry that has given me so much is incredibly rewarding. I take great pride in helping the next generation of stylists build their confidence, develop their skills, and discover their own potential.
Education has always been a huge part of my career. Out of my 18 years behind the chair, I’ve spent 15 years educating and mentoring other stylists. What began as a passion for sharing knowledge has grown into one of the most fulfilling aspects of my profession. I am currently a National Master Educator with Babe Hair Extensions and have also had the opportunity to serve as a Corporate Educator with Beauty Industry Groups, a global beauty company.
When I look back at where I started, I am incredibly proud of what I’ve built. I consider myself self-made, and everything I’ve accomplished has come from hard work, perseverance, taking chances, and a willingness to continually learn and evolve. My path hasn’t always been easy or traditional, but every experience has played a role in shaping the stylist, educator, mentor, and business owner I am today.
For me, this career has become about so much more than doing hair. It’s about creating opportunities, empowering other stylists, building meaningful relationships, and showing others that it’s never too late to pursue your passion, overcome obstacles, and create a career and life on your own terms.
Alright, 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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest struggles throughout my career has been finding a mentor. I often found myself having to figure things out on my own, which ultimately taught me to become my own mentor and cheerleader. I think that experience is what sparked my passion for education. I wanted to become the person I didn’t always have in my own career and be a source of support, encouragement, and knowledge for other stylists.
After my first salon partnership came to an end, I made the decision to move to a new city and start over. I had to rebuild my clientele from the ground up while being completely self-employed. That experience pushed me to learn how to market myself, build my brand, and understand what it truly takes to keep my books full and run a successful business. Eventually, I returned to working in a larger salon because I’m a very social stylist. I thrive on being surrounded by other creatives, collaborating, sharing ideas, and continuing to learn from those around me.
In 2021, I faced one of my biggest personal and professional challenges when I had to undergo carpal tunnel surgery on both of my hands. At that point, I genuinely considered leaving the industry altogether. After dedicating so much of my life to doing hair, the thought of having to walk away was incredibly difficult. But my clients weren’t ready to let me go. Their continued support, encouragement, and belief in me helped push me forward when I wasn’t sure I could do it myself.
That experience ultimately led me to new opportunities with Babe Hair Extensions and Beauty Industry Groups, opening doors I never imagined for myself. What I once thought might be the end of my career became the beginning of an entirely new chapter.
Looking back, I realize that so many of the obstacles I faced were actually pushing me toward something bigger. Today, I’m a leader in my field, educating and inspiring other stylists to push their creativity, step outside their comfort zones, and believe in their own abilities. I’ve learned that sometimes you have to be your own biggest cheerleader, especially when others don’t see your vision. Your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s, and you don’t need someone else’s permission or validation to pursue your goals. Sometimes, you just have to believe in yourself enough to keep going.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work goes far beyond traditional hairstyling. I specialize in hair loss solutions, hair extensions, color, and cutting, with a strong focus on helping clients achieve the hair they’ve always wanted, even when they feel like they’ve exhausted their options.
I’m often known as “the fixer.” Whether it’s correcting a bad haircut, fixing a color that didn’t turn out as expected, or using hair extensions to create fullness, length, and shape, I love taking on challenges that others may not know how to approach. I specialize in finding solutions for hair concerns that can sometimes feel impossible to overcome.
Early in my career, I made it a goal to become a wealth of information when it comes to hair and the challenges people face. Having fine, thin hair myself has given me a personal understanding of the frustrations that come with not having the hair you envision. That connection inspired me to expand my knowledge and education in hair extensions and hair loss solutions so I could offer my clients more than just a haircut or color service.
I’m especially proud of my extensive knowledge of hair extensions and my ability to customize solutions for each individual. Hair loss and thinning hair can have a significant impact on someone’s confidence, and I love being able to help people feel like themselves again. Sometimes it’s not just about adding length or volume; it’s about restoring confidence and helping someone feel comfortable in their own skin.
What sets me apart is my willingness to continually learn, problem-solve, and think outside the box. I’m not someone who believes there’s only one way to achieve a result. I take the time to understand my clients’ needs, educate them on their options, and find an approach that works for their hair and lifestyle. I’m most proud of being able to help people achieve results they may have been told weren’t possible. For me, the greatest reward is seeing a client’s confidence transform when they finally have the hair they’ve been wanting and feel good about themselves again.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that might surprise people who know me is just how much I love science. When I was a child, I wanted to be a paleontologist because I was fascinated by dinosaurs and all the creatures that existed long before us. As I got older, that interest evolved into genetics and bioengineering, which I was studying before graduating. I actually had my daughter just two months before graduation, and ultimately, I chose not to pursue that career path in college.
Although my career took a completely different direction into cosmetology, my love for science never went away. It’s still a huge part of who I am and even influences the way I approach hair, education, and understanding the science behind what we do.
My fascination with science and prehistoric creatures has also led me to have some pretty unusual pets over the years. I’ve owned several different species of frogs, newts, and fish, and at one point, I even had 2 caiman crocodiles as pets!
I think a lot of people see me as a hairstylist and educator, but there’s a whole other side of me that’s fascinated by biology, genetics, evolution, and the natural world. I’ve always been someone who loves learning, asking questions, and understanding how things work. That curiosity is something I’ve carried with me throughout my entire life, both personally and professionally.
Pricing:
- On average a full head of hair extensions is about $1500
- I currently charge $75 for non extension haircuts & $150 for extension cuts
- Color starts at $150 and goes up from there depending on style & product usage
- I offer a serv ice called a Scalp Facial. 30 minutes of scalp massaging with organic natural products from Surface Hair. This includes a blow dry style for $75.
- There is a fee for all consultations. My time is valuable and I charge accordingly.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://manesanctuary.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: @hairwithkristina
- Facebook: HairwithKristina
- Other: TIKTOK @the.mane.sanctuary
