Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Muller.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been a licensed cosmetologist for four years. I gave my first haircut when I was eight, at a party my parents were hosting. My dad’s friend sat down on the kitchen floor and let me have at it. It was 1999, amid the era of spiky hair. I took the scissors and cut the spikes off in the middle, leaving the perimeter alone. Sadly, the fence haircut didn’t catch on but my fascination with hair did. At sixteen I started cosmetology school through a program my high school offered. Though I didn’t finish while in high school, I went back later to complete it.
Towards the end of beauty school, I started an internship at Teddie Kossof Salon where I’ve been ever since. Nine months after receiving my license I entered an international hair competition. Being a rookie up against veterans, I didn’t think I had a chance but I entered for the experience anyway. Out of 700 entries, I placed in the top 15 as a semi-finalist. That’s when I became interested in doing hair and makeup for photography. I spent the next couple of years working on my techniques and participating in other shoots here and there. In June of this year, I started to buckle down on turning my passion for freelance work into a business.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
When I began cosmetology in high school, I was off to a great start but ended up leaving the program and traditional school altogether. My mom’s health declined and I homeschooled myself for the remainder of the junior year. As senior year came around, my mom encouraged me to re-enroll. I followed suit and had no problem catching up with my fellow future stylists. Unfortunately, that November my mom passed away. I completed what was left of the semester and withdrew again to finish out the year with regular classes.
As much as I wanted to be there, it was just too difficult. Beauty school works in two parts. First-year students only work on mannequins. The second year is when you’re granted access to the salon floor to work on real clients. I watched other moms come to get makeovers and much-needed pampering from their daughters. My mom never got the chance to be one of them. It took me a few years to face those issues and go back but ultimately I did. Of course, there are daily challenges on the job and the first year at the salon was a huge learning curve for me. After everything I’ve been through though, those things seem trivial. Even if something is difficult in the moment, I try to embrace a challenge.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kristin at Teddie Kossof Salon – what should we know?
Teddie Kossof Salon is a full-service salon and spa where I work full time as a stylist. I specialize in cutting, braiding, formal styling, blowouts, and keratin treatments. We also have an extensive set of treatment options for thinning and damaged hair. Teddie’s has been a staple in the community for over 43 years. Though I can’t take credit for any of it, I’m still proud to be part of this team. I have close to a hundred coworkers and I can rely on every single one of them. No matter how busy we are, we still take the time to encourage and learn from each other constantly.
Outside of the salon, I provide on-location hair and makeup services for photography and related productions.
My freelance business is still in the very beginning stages. In contrast to the salon environment where I’m working one-on-one with a client, on set it’s imperative to work as a team. Every crew member has a piece of the puzzle and we have to work off of each other to put it together. I pride myself on being a team player and stepping up to help wherever I can.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Even though she’s no longer with us, my mom continues to be my driving force. I work extremely hard in order to give meaning to the sacrifices she made for us. The lessons she instilled in me continue to guide me and shape who I am. Growing up, I watched my dad turn a business he started out of the house into something much larger. Our lines of work couldn’t be more different but I’ve learned so much about running a business from him. He’s proof that hard work and a strong work ethic pay off. I’ve been extremely lucky to have had many amazing mentors along the way. From my cosmetology teachers Terry Kass, Marcie Sagen, and Karen Lynn, to other encouraging industry pros like Kat Chrisos. My list could go on forever. I hope to get to a level where I’m able to impact others the way these people have impacted me.
Pricing:
- Haircut and style starting at $50
- Keratin Smoothing Treatment starting at $375, express blowout starting at $135
- Blowouts $35 and up
- Updos $65 and up
Contact Info:
- Address: 281 N. Waukegan Road, Northfield Il 60093
- Website: www.teddiekossof.com
- Phone: 8479999500
- Email: Kristinlmuller@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/Kristinlmuller
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teddiekossof/
- Other: www.kristinlmuller.com
Image Credit:
Kevin Ramos, Andrea Yurko, Tricia Zelazny, Sophia Defrancesco, Isabela Freitag, Stephanie Calderon, Naii Vanova, Christina Wiltjer, Thalita Paiva, Stephanie Calderon, Factor Chosen Chicago
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