Today we’d like to introduce you to Chrystal May
Hi Chrystal, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Oshkosh, Wisconsin . I was a band geek/student athlete/art department kid all through school. I had a young art teacher that inspired me to apply to the famous San Francisco Art Institute . In 2002 I moved from Wisconsin to San Francisco at 19. After a year and a half of art school I unfortunately had to drop out because I couldn’t afford to attend anymore.
For a while after school I worked odd jobs: aquarium educator, barista, manager of a famous gelato store frequented by celebrities, lastly managing a busy retail store / salon in downtown San Francisco. I became inspired by the hair and makeup world . I thought to myself, “Yes! I can use my hands, look cute, not stink like food, be creative, and still meet all kinds of people.” I could be a working artist and not be dirt poor..This was my calling. An old friend from SFAI convinced me to move to Austin, where I attended a Vidal Sassoon Connection hair school . I did multiple photoshoots to build my portfolio very early, immediately after becoming certified in Vidal Sassoon’s ABC cutting method. As a true artist I see hair as my canvas .With my in-depth knowledge of the color wheel and attention to detail, I am able help guests create beautiful custom color palettes, whether it be a custom hair painting, highlights, natural dimensional reds. dimensional gray coverage, or vibrant fashion colors. I love to sculpting hair into custom wearable shapes. I share joy in all the positive experiences my guests receive, from a relaxing scalp massage to a tailored blowout.
I strive to learn and stay on top of the latest trends and attend numerous classes and hair shows each year. I am privately trained in multiple color and product lines.
Attending major fashion/makeup/hair shows .
I also have given time to charitable events such as Any Baby Can, The Settlement home, and the Susan G Komen fashion show, and Swan Songs.
To be a good hairstylist for a long time it’s really important to stay healthy physically and mentally. I have had anxiety my whole life which I have been able to manage with exercise. I have competed in more than 20 half marathons, 2 full marathons,2 Spartan Races and a Deka race. I love pushing myself physically and mentally. My clients love hearing about what competitions I have coming up . Exercise is my meditation and the way I get ” high”.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
During Hair school I worked during the day as an assistant Montessori preschool teacher then went to hair school at night. Starting out as a hair stylist was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I had no money and I drove a chop shop 1998 Dodge Stratus with duct tape holding it together. and no AC . I loved working as a preschool teacher and quitting that job was really hard. After quitting the preschool job I loved I worked as a hairstylist’s assistant that barely paid me minimum wage and didn’t give me the education they promised when I was hired. I was literally told , ” You can’t even blow dry hair , reconsider being a hairstylist. ” I was also called, the ” Help” from the salon manager. Unfortunately a lot of salons like this exist and take advantage of their assistants. Since working there, I have always advocated for professionalism in the work place and making sure the new stylists know that it’s not ok to be talked down to , even when you are new to the game. I took a long time searching for a new home and ended up at a busy commission salon for 6 years. . I did a lot of hair and all types of hair. I threw myself out there and did a lot photo shoots for hair and makeup. I also participated in every hair styling competition I could as well as Austin Fashion week. It took a really long time to build confidence, but through practice I feel grateful. I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for the struggle. I always make the analogy that becoming a hairstylist is like wanting to be a musician. No one picks up a guitar and is a rock star right off the bat. You have to practice for years, and along the way will probably have shows where someone says you suck but you keep going.
After building clientele, I started Craft Hair Studio in 2020. I have been working independently for 5 years and I absolutely love it. I love all my clients. I love what I do .My space is in the Shine on 41st building . It is the best space I have ever worked in and I love all my coworkers.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
One of my favorite things to do is transformations. I love when someone really needs a cut & color, or just wants a change. A lot of people always dream of having their hair one way but never go for it. If I can give someone a boost of self confidence that makes my day. I love dimensional color and custom tailored haircuts. I always work with clients to accommodate their budget while maintaining their style over a long period of time. I am proud that I have been a private independent studio for 5 years. I am proud of the skills I have earned through 14 years or practice. What sets me apart from others is that I provide a clean , calm , private space. I will always custom tailor your haircuts and color. I love trying to nail exactly what you want. In a private studio I am able to take the time I need.. My hair studio is where I make my art and I love it. I have a lot of empathy and will always take the time to listen and hear your story. Everyone deserves time for themselves . Everyone deserves to feel good.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I have listened to the ” Four Agreements ” by Miguel Ruiz like 20 times. I like listening to audio books while I walk my baby. I love Neil Degrasse Tyson anything. My favorite hairstylist education to follow is Hare Brained and Pony Studios.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.crafthairatx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crafthair
- Facebook: crafthairbychrystalrosemay
- Other: https://linktr.ee/CraftHair
Image Credits
photo credit self and professional shot Adam Moroz
