We had the good fortune of connecting with Johnathan Kristen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Johnathan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After training & working under other Owner/Artists, there came a point where I wanted to pursue my own creative direction on my own terms. I wanted to create a Dope space where my guests & i could be our authentic selves.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
We are all uniquely beautiful & dope! Sometimes society & social media tend to make us feel unable to fully explore or express who we truly feel we are if it doesn’t fit within the “Algorithm”. I’m excited to have created a space where my expertise can help my guests explore & attain their hair goals. My journey within the beauty industry has been far from easy, but I believe that is what make it so much more rewarding. I’ve been the “salon assistant” and it taught me more about hair then beauty school did. I’ve been the “beauty school learning leader”, and boy do I have some color correction stories for you, but I also have a new level of patience & understanding. I’ve been the “new stylist” rebuilding clientele multiple times within my 18years as an artist. I’ve literally started from scratch 4x in different states, so needless to say I have learned to adapt, & bounce back. I am proud to say that I have been published in fashion publications such as NYLON & FIENFH , as well as worked behind the scenes of countless other projects. All of these moments have made working behind my own chair, under my own name that much more DOPE!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a Vegas native, most of my friends and family are eager to hit the beach when they come out to visit. I think a full day at the beach & ending with a bonfire is always on the roster for entertaining guests. Tantalum in Long Beach is one of our go to spots for delicious food and drinks. The entertainment is always on point as there are usually bands or artists preforming & its right on the water in the Marina. Blue Gold and LSXO in Pacific City in Huntington Beach are also must visits. They’re right on PCH and both have huge windows so you can watch the sunset on the beach while enjoying delicious food and drinks. Disneyland or Knotts Berry Farm, of course are always great places to go! Anytime anyone visits us they usually always buy a ticket to one of the amusement parks. In the summer. we will also hit up the water park, Soak City, to cool off.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Dope Hair Studio is located within the beautiful walls of Elements Salon Suites owned by Stephanie Wilde. I honestly could not have found a better place to call home. As a fellow artist ,she understands the importance of creative independent freedom, while also ensuring a safe community for us to create. Along with her business partner Caitlin, there are now two thriving locations in the So Cal area that have helped artists chase their entrepreneurial dreams. The love, support, & encouragement from my wife & two kids is my driving force.
Also, dope wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for all of the amazing Guests/ Friends/ & Artists I have met throughout my 18yrs as a stylist.

Instagram: @dopehairstudiohb

Image Credits
Johnathan Kristen Saul Solis Brittany Lo

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