Certified Curl Specialist Shares How to Build A Niche

Christin Brown

LunaBella Makeup & Hair Salon

Santa Barbara, CA

IG @curlfactor

Christin Brown is the co-owner of LunaBella Makeup & Hair Salon in Santa Barbara, CA. She specializes in curly hair and is sought out as a Deva Certified Curl Specialist. She got her start with hair in the wedding industry and is also a renowned wedding stylist. Her dedication to educating her clients, is one thing that sets her apart from other stylists. Her favorite coloring techniques are balayage and the art of pintura on curly hair. Educated by the co-founder of DevaCurl, Denis DaSilva, at the Devachan Salon in New York. She is a Deva Certified Curl Specialist-the foremost designation in the DevaCurl community. She travels nationwide providing her services.

As always, we hope this interview will motivate you, inspire you, and encourage you, to continue to share your love and passion for the beauty industry. To learn more about Christin’s journey in the industry check out her website. And Be sure to show her some love on IG. Enjoy!

1. If a stylist wants to niche down and specialize like you have in the curly hair world. What is your advice in getting started?

I love this question because it personally speaks to my journey in this business. People were initially concerned that I wasn't going to sustain my business because my niche of specializing in naturally curly hair was too specific. I really had to turn my ears off to those people because if I let them get into my head, that's it. Game over and the vision isn't going to come to fruition. So, I really had to commit to my choice of choosing a specific market and believing in it wholeheartedly. This is my exact advice to anyone choosing a niche. Don't let others put fingerprints on your picture and stay the course.

2. How does a stylist become a part of an artistic team for a brand? What are your top tips?

My top tips for partnering with a brand may sound simple but it's what has aligned with me. I would be as visible and authentic as you can be. Brands want to see you and all of your realness, so don't be afraid to be out there, be goofy, and be vocal. Education is key as well because we're all craving more tutorials and experience as well. So, if you can tag a brand or even reach out to them specifically while showcasing who you are and what attributes you can bring to the team, it's a pretty great way to be seen. 

3. What has been the hardest part of being in business for yourself and what have you done to work through it?

The hardest part about being in business for myself is the level of sacrifice that you're making on a regular basis. Everything from financial to social to personal, it can all be very consuming and impactful on your life. I feel that it's crazy important as a business owner to constantly reward yourself through some level of pleasure outside of work. It can be something as small as a beach day without any technology interruptions or a nice dinner or much needed massage. It's easy for us to go weeks or even months without showing appreciation toward ourselves, so it's super important to acknowledge this and then reward. 

4. How has social media impacted your business? How are you using Instagram to attract your perfect target client?

I always say that I wish that I knew about social media as a marketing tool sooner. It's been absolutely pivotal in the growth and sustainability of my success in the hair industry. My first big break was because I worked with a You Tube influencer and it put me on the map. From that moment forward, I haven't needed to market myself in any other way outside of keeping my IG account fresh and the word-of-mouth influences from other clients. So yes, Instagram has been a huge avenue in the growth of my career and I'm truly thankful. 

5. What is the best way to attract new clients? What has worked for you in driving new traffic to your business?

I've found that doing reels on IG can potentially drive a ton of visibility in your direction which is what we want as content creators and business owners. Posting relatable information whether it's a project that you're currently working on or something upcoming that you're excited to share with your followers can be really engaging. This can aid in the connection between you and your followers which keeps them watching your next moves. If you're someone behind the chair, you can always set up a photo shoot with models and create the useable content that you desire so that you can speak to the things that truly excite you. 

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