Today we’d like to introduce you to Krista Martin.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I opened metro FOR MEN September 1, 2004 after never thinking this would ever be a reality. However, I can’t take all the credit. The all-male concept salon originally opened in 1998 under another owner. I started with them at opening and became the lead stylist within 6 months through a grass-roots marketing approach. When the previous owners decided the salon business was not for them, I couldn’t imagine losing my job when I only saw myself working in an upscale men’s only salon. I took a leap of faith, stepped up and bought the salon, and committed every waking moment creating a men’s only salon that is known for men’s grooming experts.
For as long as I’ve been able to work, I’ve been doing hair, mostly servicing a male clientele. Now, with nearly 30 years of salon (and man) experience, some people consider me a men’s grooming expert. I accomplished this compliment by achieving a degree in marketing and merchandising and perfecting my skillset to deliver quality results for every client every time.
Today, metro FOR MEN hosts expert technicians who have all dedicated their expertise to the current trends in men’s grooming. metro FOR MEN has been voted one of the “Top 200 Fastest Growing Salons in America” in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016, voted “The Best Men’s Haircut in Orange County” and “Best Barber/Grooming in Orange County”. metro FOR MEN continues on its mission to offer the best service and experience in the industry.
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?
I was told if you don’t have struggles, you’re doing something wrong. I’ve experienced many struggles along the way. The first year I spent working every day behind the chair generating revenue to keep the doors open. In year two-four, while the salon was growing every year and this would be of the smoothest times, I was working behind the chair, hiring talent, creating and implementing training programs to ensure expert work, managing, marketing, bookkeeping, and playing handyman because it wasn’t in the budget to hire repairmen all the time. In late 2008, everything changes for the salon.
Our clients were losing their jobs, business in the area was leaving, competition increasing and prospective clients were not desiring to pay so much for a men’s haircut. Since then, I’ve worked day and night to hire new talent, maintain the salon brand and create new marketing plans to reach potential new client’s. Today, we are seeing growth again and our reputation has never been better.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
metro FOR MEN is the first full-service men’s only salon in Orange County, CA and is still the leading men’s only salon in Irvine. metro FOR MEN was created because men want a unique salon experience that is on-time, consistent every time, while using products made just for him in a masculine environment. The goal of metro FOR MEN is to provide services that men may not feel comfortable getting at a women’s salon, while reshaping the way men think about their grooming rituals. We accomplish this by using products designed only for men’s type of hair, nails, skin, and body. We extensively train our associates how to perform our services that keep the client’s health and safety first.
metro FOR MEN is different from other men’s only salons from the products we use to the training and development of our service providers. metro FOR MEN is an experience that is purposefully designed and delivers results for every client every time consistently. metro FOR MEN creates an experience with 12 HD satellite televisions with 700+ channels, fully stocked complimentary beverage bar, private locker room, traditional shoe shine stand, extra wide stations with large leather chairs for more comfort, and products and tools specifically for men. We are the experts in men’s grooming and offer all hair, nail, skin, and body care services for men only. Come experience why metro FOR MEN has been voted Best Barber in Orange County, Best Men’s Haircut, Best Shave, and one of The Top 200 Fastest Growing Salons in America in 2008 – 2016.
What were you like growing up?
I was a smarty pants. My mom used to say I knew too much for my own good. Always strived for more and wouldn’t let anyone say I couldn’t do it.
Contact Info:
- Address: 15382 Alton Pkwy.,
Irvine, CA 92618 - Website: www.metroformen.com
- Phone: 949-450-0150
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metroformen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metro-FOR-MEN-75239173883/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/metroFORmen
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/metro-for-men-irvine
Image Credit:
Errol Higgins Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
