CITY IMAGE SPOTLIGHT

OUR NEWLY-APPOINTED VICE PRESIDENT, CRISTINA

We’re excited to be launching a new series called “City Image Spotlight” to celebrate the incredible people that shape our company, and we couldn’t be more excited to kick things off with Cristina, our newlyappointed Vice President.

Cristina started with us in 2019. From day one, her commitment and energy were unmatched. Now, she’s leading the way, and we’re not surprised. It’s clear that Cristina’s story is about much more than a job title. It’s about passion, resilience, and the power of a ‘can-do’ attitude.

From a barber to manager, then partner, and now VP - Cristina’s journey is a testament to what we stand for at City Image. We hope her story inspires each one of you as much as it inspires us.

So, let’s jump right into it. Here’s Cristina...

1. Could you share a bit about your journey within the company, starting as an employee and now serving as our Vice President?

So my journey with City Image definitely has been an interesting one. Coming from a corporate company, I knew that I was just comfortable and I was ok with that and that was the problem. My husband was working for City Image before I started and after many many conversations between my husband and Joe, Jeff and Izak, I knew that this was where I wanted to be. Starting just as a regular barber to becoming a manager to then becoming a partner and now a VP in only 4 years has been such an amazing journey. I am happy that Joe, Jeff and Izak saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself.

2. What do you think were the key factors that contributed to your promotions within the company?

I feel like some of the main key factors that contributed to my promotions were trust, loyalty, commitment and consistency. I put a lot of trust into these guys, their foundation. I trust that they want the best for me and my family. I trust that when they say they will do something and not to worry, that I really didn’t need to worry. With trust comes loyalty and commitment and having those key factors opened up so many doors for me.

3. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as you moved up the ranks, and how did you overcome them?

There has definitely been some challenges that I faced as I moved up and honestly the biggest challenge for me was feeling like I am not good enough. When I first started with City Image, it was a challenge being a female in this male dominated industry. I always felt the need to prove my worth and make it known that YES I am a female barber and YES I know how to fade. Then becoming a manager was a challenge because I was afraid that I wouldn’t be respected, especially managing barbers that have been there way before me. But the amount of support I have received from Joe, Jeff, Izak and of course my husband has definitely helped me overcome these challenges.

4. What traits or habits do you believe have been crucial to your success in our company?

Some traits and habits that I believe have been crucial to my success in our company are integrity, being open minded, understanding, consistency, being coachable and willing to learn. Not afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things. These traits and habits have helped me at work and my personal life.

5. How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it evolved over time?

I would say my leadership style is passionate, stern, consistent and empathetic. Over time I understood how important these qualities are in a leader. I knew I needed to hold my team accountable because as their leader, I want them to be successful and grow. Here at City Image we strive for our team to be the best version of themselves.

6. Being a VP, a co-owner of a location, a wife and a mother is a lot to juggle. How do you manage your work-life balance?

Man, it’s a lot!! But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I myself have grown over the years so I know that I can’t let one affect the other. I have a routine and a schedule that I follow so I try my best to make sure things are getting done when they are supposed to so when I go home I can strictly focus on my family.

7. Your husband also works for the company and co-owns a location with you. How do you navigate the dynamics of working closely with your spouse?

My husband and I do a really good job at not letting work affect our personal relationship. I think it also helps that he is in another location. Yes we do own the location together but I manage the Caldwell location, still cutting hair, as well as being a VP so it definitely helps our situation. We are both busy and like I said before, when we come home, we strictly focus on our family.

8. How has being a mother influenced your approach to your work and vice versa?

Being a mother has helped me a lot with my approach at work! I feel like I am more empathetic and understanding. Especially with the barbers that do have kids. I understand that it is not easy balancing the two. I can also say that my role has influenced me as a mom to encourage my kids to find what their core values are and live by them on a daily basis.

9. What advice would you give to others in our company who aspire to advance in their careers as you have?

My advice for anyone who aspires to advance their career in our company is to continue to be persistent. Truly dig deep into our core values. Allow yourself to be coachable. Ask lots of questions. Be ok with feedback no matter if it’s good or bad and do not give up!

10. As our Vice President now, what are your future goals or aspirations for City Image?

My goal is to continue to help elevate our company. To ensure that all of our locations are running smoothly and efficiently. To maximize profitability while maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.