Rising Stars: Meet Christina Zoe

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

Hi Christina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hi there! My name is Christina Zoe, and I’m an independent hair stylist. I focus on blondes and balayages, and I’m located in Image Studios Arvada. Like most high-maintenance women, I’ve always loved beauty and fashion. My mom will tell you at three years old I’d lock myself in the bathroom and go to town with her makeup, and somehow knew how to apply mascara perfectly. Growing up I also had quite a few home haircuts with butchered bangs.

I always knew I’d end up in the beauty industry, but I didn’t start there. I graduated from Metro here in Denver with a degree in Hospitality, tourism and events with a concentration in hotel administration. I was recruited by Marriott to do their manager training program, which I completed in Dallas. I had been an assistant general manager at a privately owned hotel in Denver prior to joining Marriott. I started with Marriott at the DFW Airport Marriott, which is an extremely busy hotel. I was a room operations manager in training, so stress was definitely part of the job. My next position was as an assistant housekeeping manager opening up the new Houston Marriott Marquis. It was a huge property with 1000 rooms and housekeeping had over 100 employees. 1 month after opening we hosted the Super Bowl and had so many huge events. As a housekeeping managers, we had to inspect nearly every room. I remember one day I had 150 rooms I had to personally inspect. Again – the stress was just another part of the job. I absolutely loved working for Marriott and the hospitality industry, but I found myself watching hair videos in the bathroom at any opportunity thinking- I want to do that!

It took me two years after leaving Marriott to finally take the jump into going to cosmetology school. I was scared, nervous and excited. I was starting over at 30 years old, leaving behind an aggressive salary, 401k, and paid vacation to pursue something I didn’t even know I’d be good at, but I knew I had to try. I enrolled in Paul Mitchell the School Clear Lake and just let Jesus take the wheel. I’ve been a licensed cosmetologist for almost two years now and have loved every single minute of it.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Think of one of the scenes of the Dukes of Hazard driving- it’s been kinda like that. I’ve definitely hit road bumps and potholes and just had to keep going. I started cosmetology school in 2019, was going to graduate in May of 2020, and we all know what happened in 2020. School went to remote learning and I found myself pushing through to finish no matter what. I was definitely a kitchen beautician foiling clients in my living room and washing clients’ hair in my kitchen sink, but I was learning. I did anyone’s hair who would let me, and I pushed through. My dad was very sick and one of my main goals was to for him to see me graduate. Unfortunately due to covid, I didn’t graduate until September and my dad passed away from cancer in late July. He never got to see me reach my goal, but I know he’s shining down on me. He was my first client I had at 13 – covering his greys with that ‘Just for Men’ box color. After I graduated, I moved back to Denver and became licensed in Colorado as well as Texas.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Dolly Parton is one of my biggest inspirations, so I guess you can say I love big, blonde hair. I specialize in blonding, balayage and color. I really try to enhance my client’s natural beauty, but if it’s not natural, I at least try to make it look effortless. I want my clients to say they feel absolutely gorgeous when they leave my chair. I put forward 110% on my clients and it shows when they come back six months later for a fresh balayage and their color still looks amazing and grew out beautifully.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew up watching the Young and the Restless playing with makeup, wearing fur coats and my mom’s high heels, if that tells you anything. My dad used to say I should be a talk show host because I never stopped talking, so naturally being a hairstylist just fit. I loved makeup and fashion and changing my hair every other month. I don’t think I saw my natural hair color after I turned 13. My mom used to let me go to the salon every other month and I can tell you I loved every minute of those appointments.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bloomingglowsalon.glossgenius.com/
• Instagram: Christinazoe_styles
• Facebook: Christina Zoe Styles

Image Credits
Makenzie Sue Photo