Meet Trailblazer Christina Murar

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Murar.

Christina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2007, my best friend and business partner, Cindy Hitzeman and I decided to leave the salon we were at and set out to open our own. We worked out of a 2 chair studio while renovating an 800 square foot building. Balancing our clients and taking on what seemed like an impossible buildout turned out to be our dream come true. We opened Blush Salon and Spa on June 5, 2008!!! Over the next 7 years, we both got married and had 3 babies each! Having a business partner that is living a similar personal life has only made us stronger as a team. We understand each other, and that’s our super power!

While juggling our personal lives we were able to build a staff that we love and create what is now our Blush family. We started to outgrow our small salon and decided to expand into a 4,000 square foot space.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The buildout for the new space was complicated and we worked harder than we could have ever imagined. We sacrificed time with our 6 small children, husbands, and families. My husband was supportive in ways I’m not sure I could ever be. Without the support of our #blushbabes, Blush wouldn’t be what it is today. They are talented, wonderful and unique women that love Blush as much as we do… and we truly love them back! It’s been a crazy wonderful 10 years! We have had to learn to filter out negativity and not take things too seriously, find our circle of trust and learn to delegate. You can’t be perfect at everything, but you can find people who excel in areas that you don’t.

If I could give advice to anyone looking to start a business or follow their dream, it’s to find the right support system and when you start to doubt yourself keep dreaming. Never fall into the trap of caring how others view you, it will only hold you back!

We’d love to hear more about Blush Salon and Spa.
Some days I need to remind myself how far we have come and to step back and enjoy the life we have created. I’m most proud of the fact that we are able to give 27 girls a comfortable, loving and stable environment to work in. Watching the girls grow as stylists and develop long relationships with their guests makes me proud. My passion for hair hasn’t changed but has to lead me to a more rewarding role as a boss and working mom.

Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
I am fortunate to have a very loving and supportive family. My parents have always allowed me to express myself and encouraged me to make my own choices… and mistakes! I believe that is where I gained my independence and confidence. I started working at 15 and haven’t stopped. I have continued to surround myself with a great circle of friends who have always inspired and motivated me. And last but certainly not least, I would not have had the courage to take on all that I have without my husband and his continued support.

Contact Info:

• Address: 77 E Woodstock Street
  Crystal Lake, IL 60014
• Website: blushsaloncl.com
• Phone: 815-444-9873
• Email: blushsaloncl@gmail.com
• Instagram: blushsalon_spa
• Facebook: Blush Salon & Spa
• Other: blushsalon_christina

Image Credit:
Carrianne Photography, Danielle Muscia

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