MEET CRISTINA,
Cristina was born in Barcelona and grew up in this capital of modern, art, creativity, the ebb and flow of the ocean. Her neighbourhood had been Gaudi’s and, as a child, her daily walk to school was inspired by his incredible and ground-breaking architecture. Her father was a jeweller who crafted the most beautiful pieces in his studio in the heart of the gothic quarter having learned his trade in Brazil and he too sowed the seeds of creativity in his daughter.
Before she was 20, Cristina had moved to New Zealand to start a new life. Her travels from Central and South America to Africa, India, Vietnam, Fiji and many other beautiful and colourful countries had a huge impact on Cristina’s outlook and the creativity she developed in her career.
In 1993 her travels brought her to Oxford and a planned short stay turned into a family with 3 sons and a business that has gone from strength to strength. Barely speaking English on arrival, Cristina found that she was warmly embraced in Oxford and she values hugely not only a long and loyal client base but clients who have become great friends over the years.
The salon and Lotte
The salon has been open since 2003 and, like Cristina herself, has gone through several creative metamorphoses becoming Cristina Oliver in 2017.
Her colleague Lotte has worked alongside Cristina for 14 years – further testament to the loyalty and solid working relationship that this team has developed. Like Cristina, Lotte loves both sides of the business – cutting and colouring. The two love working together, consult closely and always discuss the best styling options for an individual as a team. Lotte has a great sense of fashion and an enviable shoe collection whilst also being an avid football enthusiast! She is extremely professional and has a long-standing and loyal customer base.
THe team
Another crucial member of the Cristina Oliver team is Salleanne, a long-standing friend of Cristina’s who joined the team as the much-valued front of house/receptionist. Salleanne’s background was in retail and she enjoyed a career as a costume-maker in the West End and touring around the country with shows. She is a natural for front of house with her unique sense of style, dedication and great customer-facing manner. With six children between them, they also understand the juggle of being working mothers and support one another to excel at both. The salon has gone from strength to strength and more than found its identity over the years.
Cristina’s inspiration
Hair is the only dress that nature gave us.
Dream it
Whilst travelling I really learned the importance of hair and the difference our natural ‘dress’ can make to the presentation of ourselves. Historically people wore head-dresses, coloured their hair and wore wigs to present their individuality.
A GIFT
Someone’s hair can reveal their cultural persuasions, their taste in music, their political persuasions.
My job is a gift because it allows me to give someone a boost, some confidence, some time to feel indulged and nourished. Nothing gives me more pleasure than watching a client walk out of the salon, head held high and happy with the reflection that looks back at them from the mirror.