We recently connected with Krystal Henry and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Krystal with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic is something I credit to my father, Frank Valdepena, who retired as a Master Chief in the military. From a young age, he instilled in me the importance of resilience and responsibility. No matter what you’re going through or how you feel, he taught me to always show up because someone out there is counting on you just as much as you might be counting on them.
He led by example, working long hours and making significant sacrifices during his deployments, all to ensure a better future for our family. One of the most impactful lessons he taught me came when I needed a car as a teenager. He made me work hard to buy it and expected me to handle all the repairs even when the car seemed to have every issue imaginable. It wasn’t until the head gasket completely gave out that he stepped in to help me get a more reliable vehicle.
Looking back, I realize it was never about making me struggle it was about teaching me the value of hard work, sacrifice, and taking care of what you’ve earned. That lesson has stuck with me in everything I do.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My journey into the beauty industry started long before I ever picked up a pair of shears. I spent years modeling and even walked in New York Fashion Week, but it wasn’t until I met Dalbe that my true calling was awakened. Under her mentorship, I transitioned from the world of fashion into the world of hair, apprenticing, growing as a stylist, and eventually becoming a salon educator. That mentorship experience planted the seed for what would eventually become The Key Salon and later The Key Salon Studios.
Today, I’m the proud owner of both The Key Salon and The Key Salon Studios. A space intentionally designed to support beauty professionals in building sustainable, independent businesses. We’re home to some of the most talented women-owned brands in the region. From hairstylists and estheticians to makeup artists and holistic providers. I believe deeply in creating not just a beautiful space, but a sanctuary where both guests and studio owners feel seen, supported, and empowered.
What’s most exciting about what I do is that it’s never just about the hair. At The Key Salon, I’m focused on transformation inside and out. That shows up in everything I offer: from our luxury refill bar that helps reduce waste and save money, to my in-house sound therapy experiences that promote relaxation, mindfulness, and overall well-being. Through The Key Luxury Hair Care line, I’m providing clean, cruelty-free products that nourish the scalp and hair using essential oils and healing botanicals.
In addition to hair care, I’ve recently expanded into The Key Luxury Skin Care and The Key Luxury Body Care collections. These lines are infused with thoughtfully chosen essential oils to support not only your skin and body health, but your overall well-being. I believe beauty and wellness go hand in hand and my formulations are designed to bring out the best in how you look and feel.
One of the most meaningful parts of what I do is mentoring other beauty professionals at The Key Salon Studios. I remember how hard it was to open my first business. That’s why The Key Salon Studios was built to give other professionals the confidence, tools, and community they need to thrive. It’s incredibly inspiring to watch their individual brands grow while also contributing to something larger than themselves.
Coming up, we’re focused on education and expansion from hosting product knowledge classes for my full line of products to creative collabs between studio owners and local brands. We’ve recently revamped our lobby to offer a peaceful place to relax, recharge, or even read a book between appointments.
The Key Salon/ The Key Salon Studios are more than just salons. They’re a lifestyle, a community, and a reflection of everything I’ve learned about beauty, business, and purpose.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three things that have been truly impactful in my journey are: continuing education, strategic use of social media, and community connection.
First, never stop learning your craft. No matter how experienced you are, there’s always something new to explore. Whether it’s advanced techniques, industry trends, or business coaching. Staying curious and investing in education helps you evolve both creatively and professionally.
Second, simplify your approach to social media. It’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to post daily, but I’ve found that focusing on consistent, high-quality content is far more effective. Create a realistic plan each week. Something you can actually commit to and focus on content that reflects your brand and connects with your ideal audience.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of community. Attending local networking events and supporting others in your industry can open unexpected doors. Growth happens faster when you’re surrounded by people who inspire, challenge, and uplift you. You don’t have to do it alone and you’ll grow so much more when you don’t.
For anyone just starting out, my advice is: keep learning, stay visible with purpose, and get out into your local community. That’s where the real magic happens.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instill a deep sense of courage and confidence. From a young age, they always reminded me that anything is possible if I truly believe in myself. That mindset became my foundation. It gave me the strength to take risks, the resilience to face setbacks, and the perseverance to keep moving forward even when things felt uncertain. Their unwavering belief in me shaped the way I approach challenges and continues to guide me in both my personal and professional life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thekeysalon.com
- Instagram: The Key Salon
- Facebook: The Key Salon LLC
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thekeysalon?si=CJY3CfhvTYmW7q12
- Yelp: The Key Salon
Image Credits
Dexter D. Cohen
Will Hawkins
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
