A new “business within a business” at Christie & Co. Salon • Spa de Beauté, which is located in The Bay Terrace shopping center in Bayside, means that anyone looking for salon quality products needn’t go any further than the retail beauty store the salon is opening.
The business got its start in the 1970s when Founder and CEO Lois Christie received a small loan from her uncle so that she could open her own hair salon. The business has grown through its 38 years, with the “retail beauty store” being the latest change.
“I really have a passion for the beauty industry,” Christie said in the past. “I just love what I do. I think when you’re passionate about what you do you can be successful at it.”
Christie is also the president of America/Canada Intercoiffure, an organization that she joined in 1992. She was the first woman to hold the position and said that “it was quite an accomplishment for me personally” around the time of her appointment.
Although the salon already has the existing Christie Beauty Supply with a separate entrance, Christie is expanding it in order to be able to offer even more products. Christie has already been selling her own cosmetics line, Face Games, along with other cosmetics.
However, once the expansion, which is already underway, is completed, she will also be selling professional beauty tools, products and accessories. This includes shampoos, conditioners, blow-dryers, flat irons, brushes and mirrors. In the future, it might also carry soaps and candles.
Some of the brands that customers can expect to find are Kerastase, Bumble and Bumble, Paul Mitchell, and Tweezerman. Many of these products are ones that can only be purchased at a salon.
“In the past, these could only be sold to professionals,” Christie said of the added selection.
Along with there being a variety of products, all of which are guaranteed, they will be sold in every price range.
“We get certain specials and discounts on these items,” Christie said. “We’ll be able to pass on the savings to our clients and customers.”
One of the reasons for the Christie Beauty Supply expansion is so that both existing clients and non-clients will be able to use professional products at home in order to achieve professional results. With these products they can accomplish it whether it be for their hair, skin or nails.
“People are doing more treatments at home,” Christie explained. “It is better that the products they use be professional.”
Customers will also be able to get professional guidance. The highly-trained consultants in the store “can really analyze your hair on a professional level and give you the right product.” Christie said that some of the factors that determine which product a person should use include their hair texture, how they style their hair and how often they style it.
Another way that customers get tips is through complimentary make-up applications. The salon gives this service when a person changes hair color. There are four highly-trained make-up artists who will teach the person what to do to compliment their new look.
Christie recommended that people update their looks twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall.
“You have to look good [and] take care of yourself before you can help others,” she said.
The beauty supply store is also a place where customers can get some quick, yet inexpensive, pampering. Some of the services offered include mini-facials and massages.
For example, Christie has a signature hair and hand treatment that includes a mini-facial with a mask. For $60, clients are able to lie in a reclining chair for 30 minutes while they relax and are reinvigorated. Christie said that the half-hour is great since “everyone is ‘time-poor’.”
At various times the salon hosts different events that also help members of the community learn how to take care of themselves. During one event, they brought in one of the country’s best make-up artists to give lessons and do makeovers.
“We are teaching people how to do it themselves. We have everything you need – every kind of skin care, products for every kind of skin,” Christie said. “We’ll make you feel comfortable when you do it at home.”
Noting that people are stressed in today’s world and that can lead to skin care problems, Christie said that the salon also offers laser vein and hair removal, microdermabrasion, and more. She said that the estheticians who are on staff receive three extra years of training and special certification.
Christie & Co. Salon • Spa now has 90 employees. Christie said that it is a “lifestyle destination” that has a “consumer-friendly environment.”
“We look at you as an entire person. Our job as beauty professionals is to give you the information and the tools, and you as an independent woman pick and choose what you want,” Christie said. “Professional service, especially at our level, is unsurpassed.”
Christie & Co. Salon • Spa de Beauté is located at 23-64 Bell Boulevard. For more information, visit www.christiesalon.com or call 718-225-7766.
With reporting by Tonia N. Cimino
