Meet Cristina Calero | Hairstylist & Salon owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cristina Calero and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cristina, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
For a long time, I thought success was measured by money alone, but I’ve recently learned it’s so much more than that. Success, to me, is about having a healthy work-life balance, knowing the women who work at my salon love their environment, and ensuring my clients enjoy not just the end result, but the entire salon experience. Don’t get me wrong, financial success is important too, but when everything is in balance, that’s when I feel truly successful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always been a creative person and felt drawn to the beauty industry. As the oldest of three girls, I was always the one doing my sisters’ hair and makeup for every event—from middle school dances to my sister’s wedding day. The creative aspect of hair feeds the artist in me, but what truly sets me apart and has contributed to my success is the connection I build with my clients. I genuinely love and appreciate each one of them and have spent years cultivating a clientele that brings me joy. I look forward to doing the hair of every woman who sits in my chair.

I’m a firm believer in energy and the impact we have on others, so I take that part of the experience very seriously. I remember being in college, saving up every penny just to get my hair done because it felt like a treat—an experience I truly looked forward to. I hold onto that feeling and make sure I value the time and energy of each client who chooses me. I know how much it matters where we invest our time and money, so I’m committed to making each client’s experience worth it.

Every morning, I set the energy for the salon, and it makes a huge difference. Everyone who steps into the salon mentions how warm and cozy it feels and how great they feel when they leave. That, to me, is the highest compliment.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t without its challenges. After just one year on the floor at my first salon, I left to start my own salon suite during COVID. At the time, I didn’t think twice about the risks, even though I only had about six clients. I just knew I had the tools, the skillset, and the drive to make it happen. I turned to Instagram, following local boutiques and coffee shops, then engaging with their followers. I sent the daily max of 60 messages, introducing myself and offering free blowouts if they booked a service. Out of those 60 messages, I’d get maybe two or three replies, but that felt like a win. Slowly but surely, my books filled up. I went from seeing four people a week to being fully booked months in advance.

I often reflect on that time and thank my 25-year-old self for being fearless in the face of uncertainty. COVID was unpredictable, but I never doubted that I could succeed.

Fast forward four years, and I now own my dream boutique salon in the heart of Boca Raton. I have a incredible group of women I work along side , my dream clientele and a killer support system

Some of the key lessons I’ve learned along the way
• The people who work alongside you are a reflection of you.
• The opinions of others are none of my concern.
• My journey and my path are mine alone.
• Like attracts like.
• The higher your vibration, the more abundance you attract.

I love what I do and pour my soul into it. The connections I’ve built and the challenges I’ve faced have shaped me into the stylist and salon owner I am today.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oooo, I love this question! I would start our mornings at Atha Yoga Studio in Delray for a relaxing yoga flow. It’s the dreamiest studio—it feels like you’re in Bali. For dinner, we’d have to go to Norbona in Boca and Oceanic in Pompano. You can’t have a friend visit without going to the beach, and Red Reef is my absolute favorite. On the weekend, we’d head to Yellow Green Market and spend the day hopping from food vendor to food vendor and shopping. Honestly, that’s my favorite way to spend the weekend—I love that farmers market!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people I’m beyond grateful for. Eight years ago, I was a college student, feeling lost and uninspired by the path I was on. My boyfriend at the time (now my husband) was the one who encouraged me to pursue what I truly wanted. Without him, there would be no Crissystyles or Ash + Honey.

Of course, my family has been a huge support—I had plenty of heads to practice on, and now they get free hair services for life! I’m also incredibly thankful for the amazing mentors and friends I can turn to whenever I need guidance. This industry is huge, yet so tight-knit, and transitioning from stylist to salon owner was a big step. Without their support, that transition wouldn’t have been as smooth as it was

Website: https://ashandhoneybeautybar.com/

Instagram: Crissystyles

Other: Salons Instagram @ashandhoneybeauty_

Image Credits
@shotsbyseaunna
@yourmarkitinggirls