“There is no better feeling than seeing someone’s whole face change when they turn and look into the mirror and see their new hairstyle. I love to give people that little spark of joy, confidence, and energy. It changes their entire face and makes their whole day. It’s so simple but so powerful. That’s exactly how I’ve built my business – helping people get that little bit of joy each time they get their hair done,” said Cristina Manwell, Owner of Cristiana Salon Spa in Johnstown.

 

For nearly twenty years, Cristina (Cris) has been giving people that feeling of pure happiness. “I think I got into this industry by accident,” she said. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do after high school. I had a few friends go to hair school, so I decided to give it a try. I’m still here all these years later.”

 

Cris attended the iconic Hair Dynamics Education Center and graduated in 2003. She got licensed shortly after and began working with her mentor, Linda Sherwood, at Sherwood & Company. “I feel like I owe so much to Linda,” Cris said. “She was an incredible teacher and really taught me a lot of what I still do to this day. She’s the one that helped me see just how life-changing a good hair refresh could be for someone.”

 

After several years in the business, Cris was ready for more. She went back to school and earned a business degree from Colorado State University. “I actually loved my classes; they showed me that I could be a business owner in my own right,” Cris said. She had built a full-service salon in her home and continued working throughout her college tenure.

 

“Since hair school, I’d always dreamed of opening my own full-service salon. When I partnered with Aveda, all the pieces came together,” she said. After the pandemic restrictions were lifted, Cristiana Salon Spa opened in May 2020. Located in the Johnstown Plaza shopping district, adjacent to Scheels, the space is perfect for the salon.

 

Cris chose the Johnstown location to offer nearby residents access to the Aveda difference. “All the pieces just fell into place. A former Aveda store had closed in the area some years prior, so we jumped at the chance to put a flagship store in a busy location. It’s been so positive all around,” Cris said.

 

“I just really believe in Aveda’s mission and their products,” Cris said. “Their belief system and mission align with my own in providing an unmatched experience for our guests. I’m so thankful for their ongoing education for employees which helps us be on the leading edge of trends. Being some of the originators of all-natural, vegan, organic products is something I’m proud to partner with.”

 

Cristiana Salon Spa currently employs eleven team members and collectively they serve more than 1,500 clients a year. The team offers everything from cuts and colors to massage and facials. “Our team inspires me,” said Cris. “They are all committed to our clients, and they all work hard to make each guest feel special and well cared for. From the moment you walk in the door, you’ll feel relaxed and at peace. It’s self-care more than anything else.”

 

The Cristiana Salon team is what makes it truly special. “We have such a strong management team. Our management team has been integral in helping us meet our mission. Tiffany has recently stepped into a management role on our salon floor to help train and inspire our team. She’s breathed new life into the salon. Skye is one of the most important members of the team, running the front desk, social media, and marketing, while simultaneously welcoming guests. Casey has been with me from almost the start, and I couldn’t do this without her,” said Cris.

 

“When you come to the salon, you get a good ‘Hairapy’ session,” Cris said with a warm laugh. “It’s not just hair. We’re here to connect with you and build relationships. We’re here to listen and give you the space to really decompress. We offer self-care that’s so needed in such a busy world.”

 

If you’re ready to experience the Aveda difference at Cristiana Salon Spa, give them a call at (970) 699-5370 or visit their website at www.cristianasalonspa.com to learn more.