Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Luger.
Hi Christina , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always had a deep passion for beauty—it started early for me. I actually began my cosmetology journey in high school. But after graduation, I took a different path and worked in bookkeeping and management for several years.
In 2014, my world changed when my brother passed away. That experience made me realize how short life can be and pushed me to go back to what truly made me happy: hair. I re-entered the industry with a fresh perspective and a strong drive to build a meaningful career.
Then 2020 came along. I was pregnant with my second child and, like many others, was laid off during the COVID shutdowns. That time off gave me the clarity I needed—I realized I wanted more freedom in my schedule and more time with my family. That led me to start renting a chair at a local salon.
But the dream had always been to open my own space. So I began looking at properties and creating a business plan. I knew I wanted to build a salon that combined everything I had learned from my previous experiences—a place where stylists could truly thrive, have the freedom to design their own schedules, and work toward financial independence.
That’s how Connor James Salon was born. We opened in July 2023, and it’s named in honor of my brother and my sons. We’ve built a hybrid model with both renters and employees, and in less than two years, we’ve grown into a team of 8 stylists, a massage therapist, and an esthetician. It’s been such a rewarding journey, and I’m proud of the supportive, inspiring space we’ve created.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Dreaming and planning are the fun parts—but the startup process? That’s where the real work begins.
We found a space that had great potential, but it was actually a commercial kitchen, so transforming it into a functioning salon came with its fair share of challenges. From navigating permits to making sure our furniture and layout met city and state codes, there was a steep learning curve. Thankfully, my husband works for Carter Construction, and he, along with our amazing friends and family, really stepped up. With their help, we were able to do a full build-out and open the doors just two months after taking over the space.
Then came the process of choosing the right product lines and building a team that aligned with the vision. There have definitely been some growing pains—lots of learning and pivoting as we figure out what works and what doesn’t. But every challenge has pushed us to evolve. In fact, we recently did a mini remodel and added another styling chair to keep up with growth. We are always looking for new stylists to join our team!
It’s all been part of the journey, and even through the tough parts, it’s been incredibly rewarding.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In addition to running Connor James Salon, I’m still very much behind the chair—it’s where my passion truly lives. I love all aspects of hair, but I specialize in lived-in color, extensions, and modern-day shags. Creating effortless, custom looks that suit my clients’ lifestyle and personality is what lights me up.
What I’m most proud of personally is how far I’ve come over the past 10 years. I’ve faced a lot of challenges—both personally and professionally—and I’ve used every one of those experiences to grow and push forward. Today, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
Professionally, a huge milestone for us was being named Best Salon by The Citizen in 2024—that recognition means so much because it reflects the hard work and love we pour into everything we do.
At Connor James, we’re creating more than just beautiful hair. We’re building a space with organic, high-quality products, a laid-back rock n’ roll vibe, and a team culture that celebrates freedom, creativity, and authenticity. What sets us apart is the environment we’ve created—it’s professional yet cozy, supportive, and genuinely fun. We want our clients to feel like they’re hanging out with friends while walking out with the best hair of their lives.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think the quality that’s been most important to my success is my work ethic. I’ve always been a hard worker—whether it was juggling two jobs or constantly pushing myself to learn and grow. That drive and motivation have been with me from the start, and I truly believe they’ve helped shape not only my own journey but also the culture of our salon.
I’m passionate about lifting others up and helping them succeed. I love coaching and encouraging our team to dream big, keep learning, and never settle. To me, no dream is too small—and I believe we all rise together. Creating an environment where people feel supported, inspired, and celebrated is something I take great pride in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.connorjamessalon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connorjamessalon
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connorjamessalon
