We had the good fortune of connecting with Callie Skinner and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Callie, how do you think about risk?
The journey of my brand all began with a very large risk. We were looking for small town life as it suits our lifestyle and hobbies, and we landed on the beautiful town of Pagosa Springs, Colorado. At the time we owned a successful small business in Arizona and lived a comfortable life there surrounded by friends and family, however something was still missing. I grew up on a small ranch in Casa Grande, Arizona where I lived the rodeo life with my parents. Spending time with the horses, and riding with my father became what I lived for and brought me so much joy. That country life engrained in me and it was what was missing for our family. So we made the decision to sell our business, fit as much as we could in a single moving truck, sold everything that didn’t fit, and start over where we felt our family needed to be. It was exciting and terrifying at the same time. We embarked on that journey with a future of uncertainty but also endless possibilities. It was the best decision we could have ever made. I then made the decision to open my own little studio and offer my services to this beautiful town and wanted to make sure I remained true to myself in the process of branding and the treatment of my clients who have all now became close friends. I’m so blessed to have each of them in my life.
What should our readers know about your business?
I wanted my brand to be as authentic to myself as possible, so my clients feel they have a kind and positive environment to relax in. I want them to know how important they are to me. I enjoy tailoring each service to their individual needs while we spend our time sharing our life stories with each other. I value the relationship I’ve built with each of them. I genuinely enjoy getting to know them and hearing about their lives. I feel that I have been successful in creating a warm and welcoming environment and I am proud to be in my studio every day.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite thing to do in my free time is fly fish! Colorado has some of the most beautiful land and waters to explore and recreate. I would definitely take a friend out on the creeks and rivers for a couple days of fishing and hiking. I fish any chance I get!
In the winter Wolf Creek is the place to be for some killer skiing or snowboarding. In the warmer months, there are lots of opportunities to mountain bike close to town as well, so you have many options to get outside and enjoy this beautiful state!
In the morningI love to stop by Root House for some Avocado Toast and either an iced Maple Pecan Latte or a Mimosa depending on what mood you’re in!
My favorite place to eat in town is Riff Raff on the Rio. I could eat there every day. Everything on their menu is delicious! You can’t make a wrong choice!
And if you have the time, always stop by The Springs Resort to enjoy the relaxing hot springs.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to send a shoutout to my colleagues Natalie and Trish. Without them and their support I wouldn’t have grown as quickly and as much as I have.
I would also have to send a super sized shoutout to my husband, Luke Skinner. He supported me and our family while I went to cosmetology school when our son was 6 months old. He worked night shifts and multiple jobs to make sure I had everything I needed to be successful and more. He supported me spending so much of our income towards supplies and education as I built my skills and services even when the return didn’t outweigh the cost. Which was often in the beginning. He supported me when I wasn’t sure this was my dream anymore. He supported me when I shifted focus to make up artistry and was hired as a make up artist for MAC Cosmetics where I quickly became the Product Specialist for our location. He supported me when I shifted my focus back to cosmetology and decided to combine all my education to offer a wide array of services to my client. His patience with me is endless and I’m so blessed to have him as my rock, wouldn’t be where I am today without him.
Instagram: @thestudio.callie
Facebook: @thestudio.callie