Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristine Singer.
Kristine, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I was 16 years old I wanted to start making my own money right away. I have just always been an independent girl and always had a hard time asking anyone for anything I wanted. I figured if I wanted something, then it was up to me to get what I wanted. So, the summer going into the sophomore year in high school I got a job as a shampoo girl at the local salon called Michael Thomas. I had a uniform for this job, it was a black T-shirt with the salon name and khaki pants (not so cool).
However, the hairdressers were so cool. Shiny black pants and crop tops from Bebe or Contempo were in style with black platform chunky heeled booties from 9 west or Bakers. Those were like the hot stores in the early 90’s I remember the Bjork song Venus as a boy playing in the salon while I would focus on that big $5 dollar tip. $5 was the goal. I made sure to shampoo twice, first a scrub, then a massage.
I used to fight over getting the next person in my shampoo chair. I wanted to make sure I would leave each day with at least $60 in tips form my 5 hour shift that went from 4-9. I worked at that salon for years even through college where I studied music business and then interior design. I loved learning, especially when it came to psychology, sociology, and anthropology. For some reason all the ologies fascinated me. I loved to write and I loved music, but most importantly, I loved the people and all the ways each individual was complicated.
After 3 years of college, I decided working with people was what truly fulfilled me and I needed to get in the salon full time. I made a decision to go to beauty school. That was not easy, there were a lot of lost souls in beauty school and I was at a point where I knew this is where I needed to be and was determined to get started. After accepting a job in Lincoln Park in the year 1999 and completing an advanced education program, I began building my clientele. These were some years that I will never forget.
For most, your 20’s are some dark confusing days, you’re on your own, no money, trying to make it in the real world, everything around you looks so fancy and so desirable and you just can’t get your hands close to any of it. I stayed focused though, every day I had to try to push to be a better day than yesterday. Every day had a goal and with most professions, it is hard to reach goals without practice and education. I was fortunate enough to work at a salon that invested in our education. I took any class I could to get better. I worked at this salon and built a good career until I decided I wanted to cultivate culture and team with my business. I wanted to take the experience of the guest a bit further and create an entire environment to be inspired from the people all around and all different types of styles and personalities would fit into one place and it would inspire.
A place that was committed to transformation, not only for our guests but each other. I wanted to give back to like-minded creatives who held the same types of passions that I did and be a bigger part of growth. This is when I opened Solo salon. We will now be open 12 years on January 6th. We have expanded 3 times and have gone from 6 employees to 52 and two locations right in the heart of the west loop. When I say heart, what I mean is within the doors of Solo where all the magic happens. The beauty of it too is that I have found my husband Barber Michael Singer and our two children Rhiannon and Mikey from Solo. I have the best team ever in the best neighborhood ever. I am so grateful for all of it.
Has it been a smooth road?
Not at all. I don’t think anything great can possibly be a smooth road. I have been burned personally and professionally. I have had my heart break so many times. You see, I know we are all fighting for something, but I believe that if you want to go fast you can go alone and if you want to further go together.
That is an old African proverb my husband speaks of often. It’s a great reminder. I mean, is anything great truly built alone? I think that if we find the right honest people, we can decide we will choose to put our trust in and do life with and demolish all the ego and care a whole hell of a lot for whats in front of us we can make the world a better place.
All the crap in the world is just a result of ego, anger, and jealousy. I have learned throughout many years of mistakes that being uncandid, communicating and putting faith first is the key to anything that is equally successful and meaningful.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Solo Salon story. Tell us more about the business.
Solo Salon is a full-service salon in the West Loop. We have a diverse team as well as a diverse clientele. We pride ourselves on education. We keep up with the trends and we give back. At Solo, we hold educational classes every single Monday in advanced education. We specialize in finding the best custom look that best fits the personality of our guest.
We are known for our fun environment and our great work. We set ourselves apart from other salons in our industry from always keeping up with advancing our craft and our team-based work. This makes Solo the most desired place to get serviced.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Our industry has been rapidly evolving already, it’s so fun to have been a part of the change over the past 20 years. I love what the younger generation is bringing to the table. Its an anything goes type of creative world. Its all about how you work it.
A month ago I saw a 70-year-old woman come in for lavender highlights. She felt empowered as she left, funky as can be and with her normal ready to wear black on black with diamonds on her hands it worked well for her. You either can set the trends, follow them or get left behind. Solo is committed to staying ahead of this game.
Pricing:
- haircuts range from $56-$100
- Color ranges from $62-the hundreds depending on type of color service, this can vary greatly
- barbering range from $45 straight razor shaves are a must.
- We offer a private room for those looking to have a private hair experience for a $50 charge
Contact Info:
- Address: Solo Salon
1065 West Madison Street Chicago, IL 60607 - Solo Washington
1134 west Washington Blvd Chicago, IL 60607 - Website: www.solo-salon.com
- Phone: 312-491-9771
- Email: frontdesk@solo-salon.com
- Instagram: @solosalon @solo_barber @soloweddings
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solosalonchicago/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/solo-salon-madison-chicago?osq=solo+salon https://www.yelp.com/biz/solo-salon-washington-chicago?osq=solo+salon
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