Meet Trailblazer Lisa Kiorkis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Kiorkis.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 2002, I had just moved to Phoenix and just a couple short years later, I decided to start hair school. After begging my twin sister, who was already licensed in Chicago, to join me here in Arizona, she finally moved and we opened up shop right before I got my license. That was May of 2005. 13 years stronger, we have created a dynamic salon with a mentorship program and strong career focused path for our service providers. I am currently behind the chair, director of operations, an educator and artistic director alongside my sister, Laura.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I knew absolutely nothing about running a business when I started. A ton of mistakes were made but each failure gave me a lesson to take away. I just knew I had determination to succeed and I knew how I would like to be treated in a service environment… I had to promote that kind of attitude in my business and maintain a level of integrity and quality that had to be top notch.

If you are just starting, give yourself time to grow and learn. Never think you’re too good or too experienced to learn something new in your craft, even years down the road. Practice every day and challenge yourself. Be nice.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Gemini of Chicago Hair Salon – what should we know?
I have been a business owner with my twin sister Laura at Gemini of Chicago in Peoria since 2005. I am Master Hairdresser, a Certified Redken Color Specialist and an Educator to my staff. I have trained in LA, NYC and have worked two seasons of New York Fashion Week (which was a dream of mine when I was younger). We are known in the salon industry as a “Summit Salon” which means that we have a specific training program for our staff. I am so happy to say that our mentorship program in our salon leads to confident, strong and successful women who work together as a team. We give them tools and skills to create a long lasting career for themselves… it’s not just a trade. Not many salons can say that. So, many of our clients comment on how wonderful we all work together and that is something I am extremely proud of.

Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I could not live without my bullet journal. It helps me stay organized, focused and helps me accomplish important tasks day by day. I can plan everything from doctors appointments, to staff meetings to happy hour with friends! Pick up dry cleaning? Check.

Podcasts or videos? Gotta love me some TedTalks Ranges of topics on business, women in business, human behavior, etc. help me stay in touch with my surroundings.

Instagram is probably my number one tool for getting my work out on social media while also getting inspired to create new looks using everything from other hair pages to art and travel to draw creativity from.

Also, even if unrelated read a good book whenever you get the chance. I’m currently reading, The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin. It helps my brain shut off all the outside noise and I get to decompress.

Pricing:

• Haircuts w/Lisa $61
• Single Process Color w/Lisa $72
• Partial Balayage/HighLight w/Lisa $85

Contact Info:

• Address: 24920 N Lake Pleasant Pkwy Suite 103, Peoria, AZ 85013
• Website: www.geminiofchicago.com
• Phone: 623-566-8393
• Email: lisa@geminiofchicago.com
• Instagram: @thehairdresserlisak @geminiofchicago
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/geminichicago/

Image Credit:
Nikki Taylor

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