I had the pleasure of interviewing the owner of Hair Factory Saturday, which is a local hair salon facing the daunting task of staying open amidst hard financial times. The owner of the hair salon is Christine Carlino, the daughter of Katherine Carlino who founded Hair Factory in 1986 and passed away in 2011. The shop has served a “plethora” of customers over its 27 year tenure, as Christine described. Students, teachers, coaches, athletes and everyone in between it seems has visited Hair Factory over the years.

Christine is an extremely personable woman who cares deeply about what she does. Her passion for community and helping others is undeniable, only rivaled by the thing she cares about the most, which is her mother and continuing the legacy she created so long ago.

Christine was more than happy to talk to me about Hair Factory and the different people she has come in contact with throughout the years. It was easy to interview Christine because she is full of life and has so many stories to share. Topics ranged from the quality of hair product she uses to her dog Pepper that greets customers as they walk through the door.

The conversation eventually shifted toward Katherine and the role she played in Hair Factory. Christine paused several times while speaking of her mother, struggling to keep tears back and to stay composed. Though after each pause, she would recount a memory that would incite laughter and the conversation would carry on.

Before leaving Christine gave me a huge hug and thanked me for being there. She said she hopes the article will bring in more customers so that her financial burden will ease a bit and she will be able to remain open. A story such as this one is the reason I want to become a journalist. Meeting these great people and having them open up to you in such a way that brings them to tears makes you step back and take a look at the world form a different perspective.