Meet Kristina Francisquini Centino

We recently connected with Kristina Francisquini Centino and have shared our conversation below.

Kristina, so great to have you with us today. There are so many topics we want to ask you about, but perhaps the one we can start with is burnout. How have you overcome or avoided burnout?

I overcame burnout by completely changing how I viewed my business and my life. I realized burnout wasn’t just a result of working too much — it came from working in ways that didn’t align with the life I actually wanted. So, I started doing things differently.

I let go of outdated practices that weren’t serving me, like rigid pricing structures, unrealistic schedules, and blurred boundaries with clients and employees. I transitioned to time-based pricing, created healthier boundaries, and built a salon culture that values freedom and fulfillment over hustle.

Most importantly, I reconnected with my “why.” Burnout happened when I was stuck in a scarcity mindset — believing I had to sacrifice everything to be successful. I overcame it by shifting to trust and abundance. I learned that I could run a profitable business without sacrificing my life, my family, or my happiness. That mindset change was the key to everything.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m passionate about creating spaces where people can transform — whether that’s in my salon chair or through coaching. My work is all about empowerment, alignment, and freedom.

At Opalescence Salon, we’ve built a culture that challenges outdated beauty and business standards. We’re a commission-based salon that prioritizes inclusivity, sustainability, and transparency. We run on time-based pricing, give stylists unlimited time off, and create boundaries that allow everyone — clients and stylists alike — to feel seen, respected, and valued.

As a coach, I help salon owners and stylists break free from burnout and traditional mindsets. I work with those who are ready to disrupt their businesses and embrace new approaches to leadership, strategy, and mindset. My coaching is centered on creating profitable, fulfilling businesses that give stylists the freedom to enjoy life beyond work.

The most exciting part of my work is witnessing transformation in real time. Seeing clients leave the salon feeling like their true selves or watching coaching students step into their power is what drives me.

I’m currently accepting both salon clients behind the chair and coaching students who are ready to take their businesses — and their lives — to the next level!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

My journey has been shaped by three key traits: resilience, leadership, and intentionality. These qualities have been pivotal in my success as both a salon owner and coach, allowing me to create a life and career that truly reflect my values. Here’s how each of these traits has played a role in my story — and how others can develop them in their own journeys.

Resilience

My path hasn’t been without challenges. I’ve faced burnout, navigated the complexities of building a business while raising my daughter, and continuously questioned industry norms that didn’t align with my vision. My ability to adapt, pivot, and keep moving forward — even when things felt overwhelming — has been one of my greatest strengths.

Advice:
• Resilience comes from learning to trust yourself, even when the outcome is unclear.
• When challenges arise, pause to ask yourself: What is this teaching me?
• Build a strong support system, but also trust that the hardest, most transformative decisions often require inner reflection and self-trust.

Leadership

I’ve redefined leadership by creating a salon culture that prioritizes freedom, trust, and empowerment. Through my coaching, I help salon owners break free from traditional practices and step into leadership roles that feel aligned with who they are. I believe leadership is about showing others what’s possible by living it yourself. For me, that’s meant creating mutual respect, setting boundaries, and encouraging open communication.

Advice:
• Great leaders start by leading themselves first. If your life and work are out of alignment, your leadership will feel forced.
• Focus on creating mutual respect within your team by building trust through open communication and autonomy.
• Leadership isn’t about control — it’s about embodying your vision and inspiring others to step into their own power.

Intentionality

Every decision I’ve made — from implementing time-based pricing to building a culture of transparency and freedom — has been intentional. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about designing a business that aligns with my vision of creating a fulfilling, balanced life. That intentionality has helped me avoid burnout and stay focused on what really matters.

Advice:
• Get clear on your non-negotiables. What do you want your business to give you, and what boundaries do you need to put in place to protect that vision?
• Question anything that feels heavy or misaligned. There’s always a way to do things differently.
• Don’t be afraid to say no to things that don’t serve your values, even if it feels risky.

These three traits — resilience, leadership, and intentionality — have been at the core of my success. I believe that when salon owners and stylists lean into these qualities, they can create careers that aren’t just profitable but deeply fulfilling and sustainable.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When feeling overwhelmed, it’s essential to take a step back and use strategies that ground you. Here are some approaches that help:

1. Prioritize and Simplify

Overwhelm often comes from juggling too many things at once. Break down your tasks and identify what truly matters. Focus on the most urgent or impactful tasks, and delegate or eliminate the rest.

Action:
• Categorize tasks; urgent vs important
• Break large projects into smaller, manageable steps.

2. Set Boundaries and Protect Your Energy

Sometimes, overwhelm is a result of not having clear boundaries. Say no to tasks, clients, or projects that drain you or don’t align with your goals.

Action:
• Schedule “buffer time” between meetings or tasks to reset.
• Create firm limits with clients and your team about expectations and availability.

3. Take Breaks and Practice Self-Care

It’s easy to power through, but without breaks, you’ll only burn out faster. Taking regular breaks helps your mind reset, boosting productivity and clarity.

Action:
• Step away for 5-10 minutes every hour.
• Engage in a calming activity like a walk, breathing exercises, or stretching to refocus.

4. Revisit Your “Why”

Overwhelm can cloud your purpose. Take a moment to reconnect with your vision and values. Reflecting on why you started can provide clarity and reignite your motivation.

Action:
• Write down or visualize why you’re doing what you do.
• Remind yourself of the bigger picture and how the current moment fits into that journey.

5. Delegate and Lean on Your Team

As a leader, you don’t have to do it all. Trust your team, family, or support system to help carry the load. Delegating frees you up to focus on what truly matters.

Action:
• Identify tasks you can delegate — and trust others to handle them.
• Empower your team by letting them take ownership of certain responsibilities.

6. Mindset Shift: Embrace Imperfection

Overwhelm often stems from trying to be perfect or do everything perfectly. Recognize that not everything has to be flawless to move forward.

Action:
• Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them.
• Focus on progress, not perfection.

7. Breathe and Stay Present

Overwhelm can often stem from overthinking. Slow down and focus on the present moment. Grounding yourself in the here and now helps reduce anxiety and regain clarity.

Action:
• Practice deep breathing exercises (like 4-7-8 breathing).
• Refocus by listing three things you’re grateful for or grounding yourself in your environment.

8. Play Fear or Fact

A strategy I use when taking risks is to write down my fears and then balance them against the facts of the situation. It helps me separate irrational thoughts from reality and focus on what’s actually at stake.

Action:
• When faced with a risk, make a list of your fears (e.g., what could go wrong, worst-case scenarios).
• Then, counter those fears with the facts (e.g., what’s likely to happen, potential benefits).
• This exercise shifts your focus from fear to clarity, helping you make empowered decisions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.opalescencesalon.com
• Instagram: @kriscentino_
• Other: https://bio.site/kriscentino

Image Credits

Gyms Dunbar
Jeff Mondlock