Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Medina.
Kristina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I was about eight years old, my version of fun was sweeping hair off the floor for my mom’s hairstylist. I remember the unique smell of her salon and it always drew me inside. I would always admire the hair once she was finished and the look of happiness each of her guests felt when they left her chair. It truly is a special feeling when you rise from your hairstylist’s chair feeling refreshed and looking your best. With that memory in the back of my mind, that to me is what I strive to give to each of my guests when they leave the salon.
Before going into the world of beauty, I pursued another dream of mine and played softball in college. Despite sports being one of my passions, I can remember learning to do a single braid right down the middle of my hair in my college dorm room, it wasn’t perfect, but I remember being so proud of myself. That’s when I truly felt the urge to pursue cosmetology. After two years in college, I toured Paul Mitchell the School. I knew this is where I needed to be, and enrolled, and that is where my hair journey began. The culture and foundation of hair that I gained from Paul Mitchell molded me into the stylist I am today. From the Elite Phase II program to traveling to Las Vegas for advanced cutting & coloring classes in my early years, I was fully engulfed and determined to be the best for all of my clients.
Since then, I have continued learning the ever-changing trends and new techniques; I have spent countless hours learning, and practicing to master my craft. My humble beginnings of working at a blow-dry bar helped me gain confidence behind the chair and turn my passion of doing bridal and formal event styling into the next phase of my true artistic-self of creating custom hair color for each guest.
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?
When you are fresh out of cosmetology school, like everyone else, I had to start small, I was fully prepared, but I had to prove myself. It took lots of work and continuous self-improvement. In each chapter of my journey, it took a lot of hard work to continue to push myself to be better. Life provides us with opportunities that shape us and challenge us. The biggest turning point in my career was when what started as a dream, that formed into an idea, that was turned into reality; but despite the success, I decided to part ways. It was hard to let go of a project that meant so much to me, but I realized the knowledge that I gained from learning to build a business and create a brand has strengthened me for my future and the aspiration of owning my own salon will have to wait. I am very grateful for the opportunities and people who have motivated me and those who challenged me, through the peaks and valleys, I have learned to be thankful for those who have been loyal and support me in my dreams. It is truly gratifying to see all my hard work pay off and have some of the best guests who I have grown with and created lifelong meaningful relationships!
What do you do? What do you specialize in?
I have been doing hair for almost seven years, specializing in balayage, bridal/event hairstyling, and hair extensions. As hair has changed throughout the years, this propelled me into finding another passion of learning to do hair extensions. I knew I wanted to expand my brand by being certified in all methods, from clip-ins tape-in to i-tip (microbeads) to the new hand-tied method. I think it is important to be knowledgeable in all aspects of the hair world.
What truly differentiates me from others, is that have learned much more than just technique, but how to provide the most value for each of my guests. When making a change, such as their hair, I have learned that what every guest wants is to be heard and I consider this to be the most important component for the salon experience. I believe that because I take the time to listen and care, this is why my guests trust my professional opinion to accomplish their hair dreams.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I would have to say that being featured in Voyage Dallas is one of my proudest moments. It has been a bumpy road with a lot of setbacks. It is very humbling to realize somebody valued my work enough to be recognized. I am very devoted to my guests and knowing they appreciate my work makes all the efforts worth it.
Contact Info:
- Address: Panther City Salon
1300 Hemphill St, Fort Worth, Texas 76104 - Website: panthercitysalon.com
- Phone: 817-921-1700
- Email: hairxkristinamedina@yahoo.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/hairxkristinamdina
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hairbykristinamedina
Image Credit:
Personal Head Shot: Gary McClure Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
