Today we’d like to introduce you to Christi Schambach.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Christi. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in a small town in east Texas. Went to college for a year, because that’s what everyone tells you your need to do in order to become successful. I knew I had always wanted to be a hairstylist, so after that year of college, I saw money just being wasted. I decided to go get the best education in what I wanted to do, and that’s when I moved to Houston and went to the Aveda Institute. The saying goes, “education is the key to success”. I disagree. I believe getting the best education in what you LOVE to do, is the key to success.
I graduated from Aveda and worked for different salons around Houston for about 5 years. Slowly built a small clientele. I was unhappy where I was at and was striving to go out on my own, so I decided to leave and go be my own boss. I started WERK by Christi in 2014. I started as a DBA, and within two years grew to a corporation. I went on my own making just enough to pay my rent and supplies, and I told myself I was either going to make it or break, so I had to make sure I made it. I never saw myself being at the level I am today, but I am so incredibly thankful. Social media played a huge part in my business growth. It was all I had to get clients in the door. All of my clientele has been word of mouth, Instagram or Facebook. Those silly hashtags people make fun of have been my best friend. I’ve been self-employed for 4 years now, and I can still to this day, say it was the best decision I ever made. To go out and do my own thing. Be my own boss.
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?
It has not always been a smooth road. I started out with just enough clientele to barely get by. There was a lot of days I wasn’t sure if it was going to work out for me or not. But I kept pushing. I kept going. Posting, posting, posting my work all over social media. When you have no other option but to make it work, you’re going to do whatever you have to do. I also had two small children at the time. It wasn’t easy. It takes time. Now, I am a recently single mom of three small children, and still somehow maintain to keep my business afloat while juggling single Mom life. If there’s any advice I could give to other women, it would be to be YOU. Also, you have to give 100% of your focus on your business. I see a lot of people get involved with tons of different business opportunities and none of them ever seem to really work out. If you have a passion for something, and a drive for it to be successful, put all of your focus into that. Because whatever else you’re putting your time and focus into, will take away from that.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into WERK by Christi, Inc. story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a cosmetologist. I specialize and haircutting and coloring. I am known mostly for my balayages. I’m proud of myself because I’ve actually never taken a Balayage class. I’ve always felt like you get the best education through trial and error and finding your own creativity and experimenting. Creating your own technique, and being unique. All of us hairstylists in Houston have our own uniqueness and that’s what is so beautiful about this industry. People come to see me because they love MY WORK. I would say what sets me apart from most hairstylists is how personable I am. I really get to know my clients, and they get to know me. They don’t just sit in my chair, give me money, and leave. I build a relationship with each and every one of them. I’m glad to say a majority of them have all become friends and family to me. I love connecting with my clients. They’re the real reason my business is so successful.❤️
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
Confidence. A lot of women lack confidence in themselves and are really holding themselves back. I am such an advocate for women who hold their own. Women who don’t need a man. Who can make it on their own. When a woman has confidence, it is one of the most attractive qualities.
I’m a very independent woman. Which intimidates boys. But is attractive to men! 😉
Pricing:
- Full Balayage $250+++
- Haircuts $75
Contact Info:
- Address: Skin
240 W 28th St
Houston, Tx 77008 - Phone: 903-253-6833
- Email: christischambach@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram – Werkbychristi
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/werkbychristi
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston 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.
