Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Haynick.
Crystal, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I remember when I was younger, I got so frustrated with one of my Barbie dolls hair that I grabbed my little craft scissors and cut it all off. Leaving her completely bald! Even in elementary school, I would give the characters in my coloring books orange highlights and blue lowlights. Looking back, I guess the signs were always there!
Fast forward to high school, I had no idea what career I wanted to pursue. I took my SATs and began looking into colleges in Philadelphia. I was considering marketing until I came across an ad for beauty school. I remember thinking, “That looks way more fun!” Within 30 minutes of completing the application, a recruiter called me, and we scheduled a tour. My mom came along, and I remember looking at her and saying, “Yep, this is it. This is what I’m going to do.”
I’ve been in the beauty industry since 2014, and my career has taken me in so many different directions. I started specializing in men’s haircuts, managed a franchise salon, eventually fell in love with hair extensions, became a hair extension educator, earned my cosmetology educator’s license, and became a master colorist.
After having my third child, I stepped into the bridal industry. As a wife and mom of three, I wanted a career that allowed me to be present for my family while still doing what I love. Bridal hairstyling gave me that flexibility, allowing me to stay home with my kids during the week while choosing which weekends I wanted to work.
What started as a way to balance family life and my career turned into a thriving bridal business that has now allowed me to take my next big step: opening Olive Hair Studio in downtown Lancaster and getting back behind the chair doing salon services, which I’ve always loved!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road! While managing a franchise salon, I was also working part-time at another salon. I worked long hours, nights, and weekends, missing family gatherings and important moments with my kids. I’m so thankful for my husband, who held things down at home. I truly couldn’t have done it without him.
I was making a great salary, which made leaving difficult. But when COVID happened, it put things into perspective. My kids were growing up so fast, and I realized I was missing moments I couldn’t get back. Shortly after we reopened following the pandemic, I took the leap and left. To my surprise, I was making more money while working less. But more importantly, I was given the gift of time with my family.
Starting my bridal business wasn’t an overnight success. I launched after booking season, so my first year was slow. Thankfully, I had amazing vendor friends who gave me opportunities to assist them. The following year, my business took off, and demand grew quickly!
Opening Olive Hair Studio has brought an entirely new set of challenges. Between unexpected requirements, delays, and expenses, there were moments when I was so stressed that I wasn’t sleeping, and my hair was literally falling out.
Would I do it all again? Absolutely! I just wish I had known what to expect so I could have been better prepared. Despite everything, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
When I envisioned Olive Hair Studio, I knew I wanted something a little different. We’re a small, three-chair boutique salon in the heart of downtown Lancaster, and I like to describe our vibe as laid-back luxury. I wanted a beautiful, elevated space without the intimidating atmosphere. You don’t have to come dressed to the nines! We love a good laugh, catching up with our clients, and a little chisme (Spanish for spilling the tea)!
We offer everything from dimensional color and hair extensions to bridal hairstyling, keratin treatments, and curly cuts. One thing I’m really excited about is keeping extension hair in stock! Depending on the color and length, we can sometimes offer same-day installations, which isn’t something you typically find everywhere.
We’re also a Davines Concept Salon and a Green Circle Salon, both of which are Certified B Corporations. Sustainability is important to us, so I’m proud to partner with companies that share those values and help us take a more environmentally responsible approach to the beauty industry.
One of the things I’m most proud of is that we built this space from the ground up. When we first got the keys, there was no flooring or baseboards, we needed plumbing installed, and the entire space needed painting. Seeing everything come together after all the work we’ve put into it has been incredibly rewarding.
Beyond the salon itself, I want Olive Hair Studio to become a pillar in our community. I’d love for us to be involved in local fundraisers, community events, and finding ways to give back to Lancaster.
At the end of the day, I want people to know that you can have beautiful hair and a luxury experience without all the fuss. Come as you are, have a good laugh with us, and leave feeling amazing!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I actually asked my parents this question because who knows me better than they do? They described me as quite the little fashionista. I loved everything about clothes, makeup, and dressing up. I would put on fashion shows, walk around in heels, and change my outfit multiple times a day. My parents said that when I was about four, I changed outfits so many times that all my clean clothes ended up in the dirty laundry hamper. When they asked me why, I told them the clothes were dirty, even though I hadn’t even left my room! I also loved getting into my mom’s makeup, especially her red lipstick. As I got older, I was the type of girl who would go to three different stores just to put one outfit together.
I was always very social and had endless energy. I loved singing, dancing, and talking to just about anyone! But as much as I loved being around people, I also loved getting lost in a good book. I was a huge Harry Potter and Twilight fan and could spend hours reading those 600-page books. I’ve always been curious and genuinely enjoyed learning, whether it was something I was studying in school or asking my dad a million questions about our family history. I was definitely a daddy’s girl!
And apparently, no matter what I was doing, I always wanted to know what was for dinner! I’ve been a foodie for as long as I can remember, and some things never change.
It’s funny hearing my parents describe me because, in so many ways, I’m still that same little girl. I may have grown up, but my personality hasn’t changed much!
Pricing:
- Signature Haircut – $85
- Weft Extension Install – $250+
- Partial Highlight – $265+
- Root Touch Up – $140
- Express Keratin Treatment – $175
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivehairstudio
