Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristi Hite.
Hi Kristi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I had been cutting hair for well over 20 years when I found myself a single mother after a divorce, raising three teenage children with no family support. It was a time in my life when everything felt uncertain, but I knew I needed a fresh start and a new direction.
Out of that challenge came my vision for Suite Styles by Kristi. I wanted to create more than just a salon-I wanted to build a safe, welcoming space where people could feel seen, heard, and valued. My goal was to design an environment where clients could relax, have fun, and leave feeling not only confident about their look but also uplifted in spirit.
Launching my business was both terrifying and exciting, but it quickly became the best decision I ever made for myself and my kids. It gave me purpose, independence, and a platform to share my passion for barbering and grooming in a way that truly reflects who I am. It has also been incredibly rewarding to see my daughter follow in my footsteps-she earned her own cosmetology license and is making her mark in the industry on her own terms. Knowing that my passion helped inspire her career is one of the things I’m most proud of.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. After spending years behind the chair, I quickly realized that owning a business meant wearing alot of hats-often all at once. Beyond cutting hair, I had to teach myself everything from bookkeeping and taxes to marketing, social media, and customer relationship management. There’s been alot of trial and error along the way.
One of my biggest hurdles came when I relocated my entire business from Missouri to Kansas. Moving across state lines meant navigating new licensing requirements, establishing a fresh client base, and getting to know a different community. Building my brand from scratch in a new state was challenging, but it also pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t expected. Those experiences taught me resilience, sharpened my business skills, and ultimately made Suite Styles by Kristi stronger and more versatile.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Suite Styles by Kristi ?
At just 18 years old, I put myself through beauty college, determined to build a career doing what I love. That decision set the foundation for everything I’ve built today.
I’ve owned my own business for almost four years now. My very first suite was only about one-third the size of the one I’m in now, but I’ve grown, upgraded, and truly created a space that reflects my vision. I specialize in barbering and men’s grooming, with a focus on my hand-carved beard details and relaxing hot towel treatments infused with essential oils.
What really sets my brand apart are the luxury touches I’ve woven into the experience. I offer 24kt gold eye gel pads during services and 24kt gold facial masks as part of my skincare offerings. My clients love that my suite feels unique, eclectic, and full of fun vibes-a private, one-on-one environment where they can relax, recharge, and leave looking their very best.
I also provide complimentary drinks and candy, and I keep a curated selection of products available for purchase so my clients can maintain their look and feel at home. I’m proud to be recognized for the high standards of my work and the personal touch I bring to every appointment. My consistent 5-star reviews across both Google and my booking app, The Cut is most often what leads new clients to my chair.
Any big plans?
Demand has been so strong that I need help keeping up, which is both exciting and a testament to the work I’m doing. To meet that demand I recently invited a dear friend, Denice, to join me. She now cuts in my suite at times when I’m not there, so we can accommodate more clients. Denice has even cut hair for Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs, and her skill set and personality perfectly compliment mine.
Beyond expanding my team, I’m looking forward to building more unique services and exploring new ways to elevate the client experience. Whether it’s adding specialized treatments, mentoring my daughter, or eventually expanding into a larger space to serve more people, my focus is on maintaining the personal touch that defines Suite Styles by Kristi while continuing to grow both professionally and personally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.suitestylesbykristi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristi.mae_scissors?igsh=NTcxNWdmNmowOXBk&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19p1DF8euw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://book.thecut.co/suitestylesbykristi
Image Credits
Brooklyn Berry
