Building Dreams in Pink: Christina Kirkey's Journey of Beauty and Sisterhood

🎙️ Episode Title: Building Dreams in Pink: Christina Kirkey's Journey of Beauty and Sisterhood

💭 Episode Description:

This one’s for the creators with a calling and the leaders building community with color and courage. Jess sits down with Christina Kirkey, founder of Pinup Studio, an all-pink, all-powerful, 16-chair salon and bridal collective based in Raleigh, NC, for a conversation full of grit, glam, and growth.

From turning her childhood living room into a DIY spa to building a staple of sisterhood in the beauty world, Christina’s story is one of unapologetic passion and purpose. She opens up about navigating grief after losing her dad during cosmetology school, how she scaled from a one-chair dream to a vibrant business, and what it really takes to lead with vulnerability, vision, and truth.

We talk real leadership, breaking beauty norms, and what it means to make every client and teammate feel radically seen and loved. Christina isn’t just styling hair, she’s shaping culture. And this episode is your reminder that you can build something beautiful, even in the middle of your mess.

✨ Connect with Christina Kirkey:

🔗 Instagram: @ps.christinak

💇‍♀️ Salon Instagram: @pinupstudionc

📝 Resources & Mentions:

– Create & Cultivate Festival

– Pinup Studio for inclusive beauty services and community

– Mentorship + speaking inquiries via Instagram DMs

💡 Key Takeaways:

• You don’t have to wait to be "ready." Go for it scared, and go relentlessly.
• Clear is kind- honest communication is the foundation of leadership.
• Grief can fuel purpose. Let your story sharpen your mission, not shrink it.
• Creating a space where people feel seen and safe is a superpower.
• You’re allowed to be the beauty and the backbone of your business.

📌 Favorite Quotes:

“I do feel my superpower is making people feel seen and loved... and I get that from my mom.” – Christina Kirkey

“Support your local girl gang.”

“What started as a one-chair studio is now an all-pink, all-powerful 10-chair salon and bridal collective.”

“Going even more relentlessly towards whatever the hell I'm doing.”

🤝 How You Can Support Christina’s Work:

– Book services at @pinupstudionc

– Share her story with stylists, creatives, and girl gang leaders

– Follow Christina on Instagram for motivation + behind-the-scenes

– Invite her to speak at your event or creative summit

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🛠️ Thanks to Our Affiliates:

🎙️ Alitu — Podcast production made easy

✍️ @rev — Professional transcription services

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