Meet Cari Medina | Salon Owner/ Stylist/ Comedian

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cari Medina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cari, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My mission creating The Crescent Salon was to provide a calm experience to guests who need an efficient and inclusive experience.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Salon Owner, Stylist, and Comedian. My journey began in 2010 when I started Cosmetology School. I had a traumatic experience as a teenager, leading me to develop PTSD. I was in an out of High School but ended up getting my diploma and Cosmetology License in 2012.

I received counseling services on and off until 2015 when I finally got serious about my mental health. Through healing, I was able to land a better job. I began working up the career ladder and starting managing my first salon at 24. After 4 1/2 painstaking years, I was proud of my accomplishments and plateaued. I decided to begin my career in a full service salon. Soon after beginning my new journey an opportunity came up to support a comedy open mic.

I went to the mic with full intention to support, when a local comedian dared me to get up and tell jokes. I decided to and I am forever grateful for comedy. I was so desperate for a community that got me outside of my house. Today, I am founder and producer of Caring Comedy and Co-Producer of Chicano Power Comedy.

Today I own my own salon, The Crescent Salon. My mission to provide a calm experience for guests who need an efficient and inclusive environment. As someone who has experienced PTSD and in the LGBTQ+ environment, I know others with my experiences are out there. I’m happy to take care of guests in a more tailored space.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I took out friends I’d love to take them to one of my comedy shows or The Womack. The staff is always so friendly and I love their music and food!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe my success to my parents being who they are, their experiences, and helping me develop into who I am. In addition my amazing friend, Saskia has done my amazing advertising. Lastly my friend, Sam has provided a Farmers Market Vendor Partnership, which has been instrumental in the success of my business.

Website: Thecrescentsalon.com

Instagram: Thecrescentsalon

Twitter: CrescentCari

Facebook: The Crescent Salon

Yelp: The Crescent Salon

Image Credits
Jennifer Giralo