It’s been said “a diamond is a girl’s best friend.”
Well, Lois Christie feels that “hairdressers wear diamonds” because, “When I wanted to be a hairdresser, it wasn’t a prestigious career. My goal was to make hairdressing a profession that was respected.”
Celebrating 40 years in the industry with an anniversary gala at the Edison Ballroom in Manhattan, Christie, founder, president and CEO of Christie & Co. Salon • Spa in The Bay Terrace, has seen the profession grow – and undergo an image transformation, much like the clients she serves.
“Forty years ago it was not considered a great profession,” she told The Queens Courier. “But the beauty industry is a phenomenal industry, and I’d like to think I was – and continue to be – part of what has elevated the image.”
Christie began her business with a $1,500 loan from her uncle – and a dream.
“I don’t believe that there is another industry in the world that has more talented or passionate people,” she said.
Her first salon was on Bell Boulevard and 42nd Avenue; after that, she relocated to 35th Avenue and Bell Boulevard.
Now with 8,000-square-feet, 16 colorists, including herself, and over 90 employees, Christie has been at the forefront of teaching – and introducing new trends in the industry.
“We’re forever students, always searching for the best products, techniques and technical software,” said Christie.
In fact, she said that one of her inspirations came when she was a student at Francis Lewis High School.
Dr. Lucille Friedman was Christie’s accounting teacher, and a mentor.
“She was always a very dedicated person, really interested in the beauty culture,” said Friedman, who noted that Christie would often do her hair.
“We developed a really nice relationship,” said Friedman. “She was very highly motivated, and I’ve watched her progress.
“She is a tremendous business person and a success in the beauty culture,” Friedman continued. “I’m extremely proud of her. I can’t tell you how much I admire her.”
But Christie never stops learning and growing.
“You have to constantly change, seek out what’s new and what makes you better,” she said. “We work at being successful every day.”
The emphasis, too, is on educating the staff.
“We continually educate and motivate the staff. You take talented people and make them better – this is the key to success.”
And her success shows.
Christie & Co. was voted one of the top 20 salons in America. It has been featured in W Magazine as one of the best salons in the United States. Her work has also been recognized in Redbook, Town & Country, and many other trade publications.
And Christie, herself an award-winning colorist, was named one of the “Top 10 Business Women in New York” by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and a “Top Woman in Queens Business” by The Queens Courier.
“It takes talent and business acumen to be successful,” she said. “I’m proud to be a hairdresser and very honored to be a preeminent member of the beauty industry.”
Christie is also the president of Intercoiffure America/Canada, an international organization representing the elite salon owners and best hairdressers in the world. She is the first woman to hold the position and said that the appointment “was quite an accomplishment for me personally.”
Her role as president of the organization, she said, has opened doors and helped her to be on the cutting edge, as have her personal relationships with only the highest quality companies and manufacturers, including Repechage, P&G Wella Professional, Kerastase and Bumble and Bumble, as well as many others.
And, she said, after 40 years with Wella, she has received an honorary award, and the company is offering her staff private training from the Sebastian Artistic Team, the “top educators in the world.”
Christie & Co. is a full-service salon and spa with all levels of stylists, from salon to master, who do photo shoots and hair shows with Christie all over the world.
But, Christie said, hair color continues to be the “shining diamond.”
Other services at the Spa de Beauté include laser cosmetic services.
And, Christie & Co. makeup artists are famous for their total makeovers.
“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.”
But more than just being a successful businesswoman, Christie is also altruistic.
Over the years, she has continuously supported local charities, including Sacred Heart Church, “Clairol’s Color Can Make A Difference,” St. Mary’s Hospital, the American Cancer Society, the Diabetes Foundation, local temples and Life’s WORC, by erecting a Giving Tree during the holiday season.
So what do the next 40 years hold for Christie and Christie & Co.?
“We plan on growing, building and expanding our brand,” she said.
Christie & Co. Salon • Spa is located at 23-64 Bell Boulevard. Spa hours are Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.christiesalon.com or call 718-225-7766.
