Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Knight.
Hi Crystal, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Meet Crystal Knight – Owner, Salon Inks Hair & Makeup Studio
Crystal Knight is a New Orleans–born stylist, salon owner, wife, and mother whose passion for beauty began at age 15. Her early dedication to the craft led her into education, where she became a Cosmetology Instructor at the Aveda Institute, training and inspiring future beauty professionals.
After Hurricane Katrina, Crystal relocated to Dallas, Texas, and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas Woman’s University. Combining her business knowledge with her creative expertise, she founded Salon Inks, an elevated beauty studio known for personalized service, innovation, and professional excellence.
With advanced training from the Aveda Institute and the Vidal Sassoon Academy, Crystal specializes in bridal styling, precision cutting, and custom color, delivering tailored, transformative results for every client.
Outside the salon, Crystal enjoys CrossFit, cycling, traveling, and spending time with her family. Through Salon Inks, she continues to empower women, nurture talent, and build a legacy rooted in beauty, education, and community.
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 has definitely not been a smooth road. At 23 years old, my life shifted dramatically when Hurricane Katrina forced me to leave New Orleans and start over in a new city. That season required resilience, faith, and the courage to rebuild both personally and professionally while finding my footing again in the beauty industry.
About ten years later, I entered a new chapter of life, meeting my husband and eventually becoming a mother. Balancing marriage, motherhood, and entrepreneurship brought its own set of challenges, from managing time and energy to learning how to grow a business without losing myself in the process.
Each stage of my journey came with its own struggles, but also valuable lessons. Those experiences shaped my leadership style, deepened my purpose, and influenced the culture of Salon Inks, one rooted in grace, growth, and genuine care for others.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Salon Inks Hair & Makeup Studio is a boutique beauty studio built on professionalism, education, and personalized care. We offer high-quality hair and makeup services, focusing on enhancing each client’s natural beauty while creating an elevated and welcoming experience from start to finish.
We specialize in precision cutting, custom color, bridal hair, and makeup, including on-location services for weddings, events, and special occasions. Salon Inks is especially known for its attention to detail, clean and consistent results, and the ability to work confidently with a wide range of hair textures and beauty needs.
What truly sets Salon Inks apart is our commitment to education and intention. We believe clients should leave not only looking beautiful, but also feeling informed and confident about how to care for their hair at home. Our services are rooted in consultation, customization, and trust, not just a one-size-fits-all approach.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the culture we’ve built. Salon Inks is a space where professionalism meets warmth, where beauty is treated as both an art and a service, and where women feel seen, respected, and cared for. Our brand embodies growth, resilience, and excellence, and we continue to evolve while remaining grounded in these core values.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
The quality that has been most important to my success is “resilience”. The ability to adapt, keep going through uncertainty, and stay committed to my vision, especially during challenging seasons, has been essential. Resilience has allowed me to rebuild, grow, and evolve both personally and professionally, without losing sight of why I started.
Alongside resilience, “intentionality” has played a major role. Being thoughtful about how I lead, how I serve clients, and how I build my brand has helped Salon Inks grow with purpose rather than pressure. Together, those qualities have shaped not just my success but the foundation of my business.
Pricing:
- Bridal Hair & Makeup (in-studio): starting at $375 per service
- Bridal Hair & Makeup (on-location): starting at $450 per service
- Event Hair or Makeup: starting at $125 per person
- Bridal Party Services: starting at $125 per person
- Custom Color Services: starting at $175+
Contact Info:
- Website: www.saloninks.com
- Instagram: @saloninks
- Facebook: @saloninks
- Yelp: @saloninks
