Meet the Ambassador: Kristina
Meet Kristina Chao of Aveda Institute Tucson - our newest MONEY Ambassador. The ambassador program is a community of school leaders who want to make a lasting impact on our industry. These individuals are passionate about financial literacy, believe in the power of education, and want to help shape a new generation of beauty and wellness professionals. We sat down with Kristina to ask her a few questions about her new role as a MONEY ambassador.
Why are you passionate about financial literacy?
I am passionate about financial literacy because it is important to save money for your future, especially in this industry. Stylists do not usually have the benefits and retirement plans that usual 9-5 jobs have.
Why do you think financial literacy is important for students?
Financial literacy is most important for students because it is better to get into good saving/spending habits sooner rather than later.
Which part of the MONEY program are you most excited about?
I am most excited about the Money Taxed part of the program. I personally never really learned the importance of credit or taxes until I opened my own salon suite.
Many people identify with having negative or unproductive money stories. What’s your money story?
I didn’t have my first job until after I graduated from beauty school. When I started my first salon job I barely had any clients and didn’t really make any money. I remember I once had a $5 paycheck for the whole week, I was devastated. I thankfully got a job at another salon and gained clientele and saved for about 3 years. About 2 years ago I was thankful enough to open my own salon suite. I never would’ve thought that would’ve been possible when I first received that $5 paycheck. I now work at my salon suite and at the institute.
Imagine every beauty and wellness student was provided financial literacy education. How do you think this would change our industry?
I think financial literacy education would change our industry so much. When I first graduated I had no idea how salon paychecks worked. I believe getting the proper money education in school can set you up for a better career. I believe it would also help change the stigma that hairstylists don’t make a lot of money.
