Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Alexis.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started in hair over two decades ago, but what kept me in it wasn’t just the artistry, it was the psychology.
Very early on, I became fascinated with how much identity is tied to appearance, and how a shift in someone’s hair could unlock something emotionally or psychologically. Over time, I started to explore that more intentionally through studying yoga, somatics, and psychoanalytic frameworks.
That’s really what shaped the direction of my work. I stopped seeing beauty as something surface-level and started seeing it as a process of integrating how someone feels in their body, how they see themselves, how they move through change.
That led me to step away from a more traditional salon structure and co-create Alchemy Loft, which is a more intimate, luxury space designed to support that kind of transformation.
In parallel, I’ve been developing KnowYourKris, which is my personal platform for exploring those deeper ideas—bridging beauty, psychology, and embodiment.
So where I am now feels like the result of layering technical mastery with a much deeper understanding of the human experience
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?
The road had not been smooth it’s actually been pretty layered.
I’ve gone through phases of deep self-doubt, especially when I was pushing myself into new levels of technical mastery. There’s a kind of imposter syndrome that comes with growth, you’re no longer a beginner, but you’re not fully established at the next level yet.
I’ve also experienced environments earlier in my career that didn’t always support growth in a healthy way. There was competition, miscommunication, and moments where I felt like I had to make myself smaller to fit into systems that weren’t aligned with where I was going.
Stepping into building something of my own brought a different kind of challenge. Navigating complex situations behind the scenes while still showing up for my clients and continuing to evolve professionally. That required a lot of emotional resilience and clarity.
But I think those experiences are what shaped me the most. They taught me how to trust myself, how to hold boundaries, and how to create something that feels truly aligned.
Alchemy Loft exists because I was no longer willing to compromise on the kind of environment I wanted to work in or offer to others
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Alchemy Loft?
Alchemy Loft is a luxury, intimate salon experience that blends high-level hair artistry with a more intentional, holistic approach to beauty.
At its core, we specialize in advanced color work and extensions focusing on custom, natural-looking results that prioritize hair health, longevity, and seamless integration. But what really sets us apart is how we approach the experience as a whole.
We don’t see beauty as surface-level. We see it as something deeply connected to identity, emotion, and transformation. A lot of our clients come to us during pivotal moments in their lives, whether they’re reinventing themselves, moving through a transition, or simply ready to feel more aligned in how they show up.
Because of that, we’ve intentionally created a micro-salon environment that feels more private, grounded, and personalized. There’s a level of care, attention, and presence that’s hard to replicate in a traditional setting.
My background in yoga, somatics, and sound healing also influences the space in a subtle way. We’re very mindful of the nervous system, the energy of the experience, and how someone feels while they’re with us, not just how they look when they leave.
What I’m most proud of is that Alchemy Loft feels like an extension of our values. It’s a space built on integrity, refinement, and intention, where clients feel seen, taken care of, and elevated in a way that goes beyond just the service itself.
Ultimately, we’re known for delivering beautiful, high-end results and for creating an experience that feels transformative, not transactional
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
While I love to consume various learning and media options the greatest resource is the relationships I’ve built with my clients. Hearing their life experiences and connecting with them behind the chair has exposed me to knowledge that can not be captured or contained.
Pricing:
- Haircut- $175
- Color- by consultation
- Extensions- by consultation
Contact Info:
- Website: HTTPS://www.book.alchemyloftnj.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knowyourkris/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alchemyloftnj/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-alexis-a2087493
- Other: HTTPS://www.knowyourkris.com
