Meet Kristin Kienzle

Cranbrook

STORIES & INSIGHTS

Canvas Rebel December 27.2024

STORIES & INSIGHTS

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We were lucky to catch up with Kristin Kienzle recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kristin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

At Utopia Modern Salon Suites, we do more than just rent space—we provide a thriving community and unwavering business support for beauty professionals. While most competitors stop at offering a workspace, we prioritize building connections, fostering collaboration, and equipping our tenants with resources to succeed. Utopia is a place where beauty professionals aren’t just independent; they’re empowered to grow and supported at every step of their journey. This commitment to community and success sets us apart as more than a salon—we’re a launchpad for thriving businesses.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Kristin, founder of Utopia Modern Salon Suites, a concept I launched in 2022 after more than 34 years of experience in the beauty industry. My journey began as a hairstylist, and over the years, I saw firsthand the challenges beauty professionals face when trying to grow their businesses independently. I envisioned a space where beauty professionals could not only work but thrive—a place that offered more than just a suite. That vision became Utopia Modern Salon Suites.

At Utopia, we provide private, customizable salon suites for independent beauty professionals, including hairstylists, estheticians, nail technicians, nurse injectors, massage therapists, and more. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to fostering community and providing business support. Most suite rental models stop at offering space. We go further by creating an environment where our tenants feel supported, valued, and equipped to succeed. From marketing guidance to professional networking opportunities, we are deeply invested in the success of every professional who joins the Utopia community.

Our mission is to solve the isolation and lack of resources many independent beauty professionals experience. By offering a collaborative, supportive community, we ensure that our tenants are never alone on their journey. This approach has created a culture of inclusivity, empowerment, and growth—something I’m immensely proud of.

What I’m most proud of, though, is the success of the beauty professionals at Utopia. Seeing them thrive, grow their businesses, and achieve their dreams in a space we’ve created together is incredibly fulfilling. I want potential tenants and followers to know that Utopia is more than a workspace—it’s a community designed to elevate and empower beauty professionals to reach their full potential.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Our reputation in the market has been built on a foundation of trust, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to the success of our beauty professionals. At Utopia Modern Salon Suites, we’ve earned the confidence of our community by staying true to our word, delivering on promises, and maintaining a high standard of professionalism. We focus on what makes Utopia unique—providing a supportive and empowering environment—rather than comparing ourselves to others.

Word of mouth has been a key driver of our reputation. Beauty professionals who experience the Utopia difference—our hands-on management, welcoming community, and focus on professional growth—naturally share their positive experiences. We also maintain a consistent and genuine presence on social media, celebrating the incredible professionals who call Utopia home.

Ultimately, our reputation has been built by living our values every day. By investing in the people behind the businesses and always operating with integrity, we’ve created something truly special—a community where beauty professionals can thrive.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

At Utopia Modern Salon Suites, we’re not a traditional team—we’re a community. Each beauty professional operates independently, but we’ve cultivated an environment where everyone can thrive alongside one another in a supportive and drama-free space.

Our model naturally fosters professionalism and collaboration, and we subtly make it clear that gossip and negativity don’t align with our culture. This creates a peaceful, respectful atmosphere where beauty professionals feel confident and focused on their work.

The key to maintaining this balance is setting expectations through actions, not just words. By modeling respect, offering genuine support, and prioritizing open communication, we create a space where people feel valued and empowered. This positive energy naturally inspires professionals to bring their best selves to the community, further strengthening morale and collaboration.

When you focus on creating an uplifting environment, the right people are drawn to it—and they help maintain the culture. At Utopia, our community thrives because it’s built on a foundation of mutual respect, professionalism, and shared success.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Ashlyn Faith Branding
Mackenzie Gardner Photography

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