Alined Podcast

In the world of hair styling, there are artists who transcend the ordinary and create masterpieces with every strand. One such visionary is Anthony Cristiano, a renowned hair stylist whose passion and dedication have earned him a prominent place in the industry. Recently, Anthony had the opportunity to share his remarkable journey on The Alined Podcast, hosted by the charismatic Imran Khan.

Imran Khan, the star host of The Alined Podcast, knows how to create a space where guests can open up and share their personal stories. With his insightful questions, Imran delved deep into Anthony Cristiano's life, uncovering the secrets behind his success and the lessons he has learned along the way.

Anthony's journey in the world of hair styling began over a decade ago when he established his own salon. Reflecting on his entrepreneurial spirit, he shared, "I'm always looking to develop my brand further and just looking for other opportunities. We've been at our current location for 11 years, but I'm constantly keeping my eyes open for growth and creating opportunities for my staff."

One of the key takeaways from Anthony's story is the importance of gratitude and humility. Despite his accomplishments, he remains grounded and considers himself lucky to be doing what he loves. He emphasized, "My work doesn't make up who I am as a person. I'm just lucky enough to do the work that I do and do well at it. I try to be mindful of everything I accomplish and set new goals."

Imran was captivated by Anthony's work ethic and motivation. He acknowledged, "Your work ethic is unbelievable, and I admire that. It's clear that you truly love what you do." Anthony's passion for his craft shines through in every project he takes on, including his ongoing collaboration with Sports Illustrated.

He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with the best in the industry, saying, "I've been with Sports Illustrated for over the last 10 issues, and I'm thrilled to continue working with such a great company."

During the podcast, Anthony also discussed the unique approach of his salon, emphasizing the importance of mastery and individual expression. He explained, "We have a departmentalized system where each technician focuses on either color or haircuts. Through our rigorous two-year training program, we aim to create master craftsmen who express themselves uniquely through their own craft."

The personal connection between Anthony and Imran was evident throughout the conversation. Imran praised Anthony's dedication to his staff, saying, "I'm extremely motivated by your commitment to mentor your team and create opportunities for them. It's inspiring to see how you invest in their careers and futures."

Anthony's story serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs alike. Through his dedication, gratitude, and commitment to mastery, he has created a brand that continues to grow and inspire others.

As Imran beautifully summarized, "Anthony Cristiano's story reminds us that falling in love with what you do and constantly striving to improve is the key to success. He is a true artist, and his work speaks volumes."

In a world where trends come and go, Anthony Cristiano stands as a testament to the timeless artistry of hair styling. So, the next time you visit his salon or explore his work, remember the words of Anthony himself: "Fall in love with what you do, develop yourself, and never stop learning. The journey is just as important as the destination."

In the captivating world of beauty and skincare, few individuals have made as profound an impact as Dana Nobilè. As a highly acclaimed medical esthetician, she has mastered the art of creating radiant skin while recognizing the significance of inner healing. In this episode of The Alined Podcast, we unravel Dana's personal journey, explore her unique approach to skincare, and delve into the transformative power of embracing one's true beauty.

Dana's success story is not merely about achieving flawless skin, but about the holistic connection between our external appearance and internal well-being. Rather than simply focusing on surface-level treatments, Dana places great importance on understanding her clients' habits, lifestyles, and even their emotional states. She believes that our skin reflects not only our physical health but also our emotional and mental states.

When asked about maintaining her own sanity and peace while taking on the challenges of her clients, Dana emphasizes the significance of setting boundaries and self-care practices. Through yoga, meditation, breathwork, and serene walks by the water, she finds solace and clears her mind. Dana's ability to maintain her inner peace has allowed her to listen attentively to her clients without feeling depleted.

While Dana's expertise lies in skincare, she acknowledges that the conversations about traumas and inner healing often arise organically with her clients. She never imposes or pushes anyone to discuss uncomfortable topics. Instead, she creates a safe space where individuals can feel comfortable sharing their experiences and seeking guidance. Dana believes that true healing extends beyond outer beauty and involves addressing emotional and psychological wounds.

One aspect that sets Dana apart is her dedication to education. She believes in empowering her clients by educating them about their lifestyle choices and how they impact their skin. Rather than advocating for strict restrictions, Dana encourages moderation and balance. She understands the importance of enjoying life's pleasures, such as indulging in sweets, but also emphasizes the need for mindful choices to maintain overall well-being.

Dana's journey to success has been marked by passion, hard work, and a genuine love for people. She advises those contemplating a career change to pursue their true passions, reminding them that it is never too late to chase their dreams. By taking small, consistent steps toward their goals and focusing on the present moment, individuals can create their own path to success.

Looking toward the future, Dana envisions expanding her brand beyond skincare services. She aspires to create a space where women can open their small businesses, fostering a community of empowerment and support. Additionally, she plans to host events centered around practices that have helped her find peace, such as yoga, sound baths, and open discussions. Dana envisions a future where women can come together to celebrate their uniqueness and find solace in a nurturing environment.

Dana Nobilè's journey as a medical esthetician goes beyond surface-level treatments. Her emphasis on inner healing and her holistic approach to skincare have garnered her immense success and admiration. By incorporating her personal story, wisdom, and relatable lessons, Dana inspires us to embrace our own beauty, both inside and out. Through her transformative work, she reminds us that achieving radiant skin is not just a superficial goal but a path to self-discovery and empowerment.

Barbering is an art form that requires skill, creativity, and passion. Every haircut, shave, and trim is a unique creation that is a reflection of the barber's personality and style. In this episode of Alined, we had the pleasure of speaking with Josh Velazquez, a master barber with over a decade of experience.

Josh started his journey in barbering at a young age, watching his father cut hair in their family barber shop. He was fascinated by the craft and soon started practicing on friends and family. His passion for barbering only grew with time, and he eventually turned it into a career.

Throughout the episode, Josh shared his insights on the art of barbering, techniques, and his personal story. He emphasized the importance of understanding a client's needs, preferences, and style before picking up the scissors. 

According to Josh, "It's not just about cutting hair, it's about creating a personalized experience for each client."

Josh also discussed the importance of staying current with industry trends and techniques. He explained that continuous learning and growth are key to becoming a successful barber. "You have to be willing to learn and adapt to the ever-changing trends in the industry," he said.

One of the most relatable lessons that can be learned from Josh's story is the importance of following your passion. He turned his childhood fascination with barbering into a successful career by working hard, staying committed, and continuously learning.

Barbering is an art form that requires skill, creativity, and passion. Josh Velazquez is a master barber who has honed his craft over the years and has valuable insights to share with aspiring barbers, stylists, and beauty industry professionals. 

His personal story is a testament to the importance of following your passion and continuously learning and growing. So, take note of Josh's insights and follow your passion to create a successful career in the beauty industry.

Vero Perez, owner of Beauty Above Most, is a true beauty expert and visionary in her industry. Born and raised in Durango, Mexico, she has always been drawn to the world of beauty, fashion, hair, and makeup. 

Despite growing up in a rural area without access to electricity and running water, she has been able to turn her passion into a successful career in the beauty industry. With her background in cosmetology and cosmetic dentistry, she has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the industry.

At the young age of 17, Perez began her journey in the beauty industry, honing her skills as a hair stylist and working with clients from diverse backgrounds. Her experience as a stylist allowed her to connect with people from different cultures and to understand their unique needs. 

This led her to develop a curriculum in Spanish, aimed at helping first-generation immigrant women start their own businesses in the beauty industry.

This curriculum, which Perez is working hard to get approved, will provide a platform for women to learn the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the industry, as well as access to microloans and resources to help them get started. 

The inspiration for this initiative comes from Perez's own experiences and the need she saw for more programs and resources for Latina women in the beauty industry. 

She was particularly motivated by the success of microloans for Latina women in Mexico and wanted to bring this same opportunity to her community in the United States.

Perez's passion for empowering women and her drive to make a difference in the industry is truly inspiring. Her work is a testament to the impact that one person can have when they are driven by their passions and a desire to help others. She is a true trailblazer and we are honored to have her as a guest on The Alined Podcast.

003 | Candace Pivit | Beauty + Health Coach

After moving back to Chicago a few years ago, Alex Brown opened up "Space by Alex Brown" - a freelance studio designed to house some of Chicago’s top artists in the Beauty Industry. Kaitlin Armon sits down with Alex to talk about her incredible journey and the lessons learned along the way.

Alex shares with Kaitlin how she went from a girl growing up in a small Minnesota town knowing instinctively that she was meant to be in the beauty industry to taking a giant leap of faith and starting her “big city girl life” in Chicago. 

She goes on to share the details of her incredible journey from studying hair in Chicago to assisting Jen Atkin in LA as they worked on countless celebrities taking her all across the globe then back to Chicago to strike out on her own. 

Together they talk about what success means to them, how to discover what it is you truly want, and why they both do what they do. 

“Helping others is my calling in life. I love that feeling, which is probably why I'm a hairstylist. ‘Cause I love making people feel great and helping other people in any way.”

Alex goes on to tell Kaitlin all about her events called “Cocktails and collaboration” and how she’s working on building a strong collaborative beauty community here in Chicago. 

Join us on this episode of the Alined podcast as Kaitlin and Alex talk about business, hair, life, and everything in between.

Becca Kutinsky of Salon 1800 in Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL sits down with Kaitlin Armon to discuss the truth behind her career and business as a stylist:

"Really, it's like such a hard job. You're physically doing stuff, moving, you're on your feet all day, you're talking, you're comforting people. You're there for them and support in good and bad times. And it can be physically and mentally draining and it's a lot. And I think we should have more respect because what we do is so much."