When someone sets out to purchase a high-quality, natural-looking wig for themselves, the circumstances that led them there bring a variety of emotions and situations. Acknowledging and understanding that, and still making their experience a positive one, is an art and a skill that Kristine Halverson-Martin has mastered over the years. She owns - and changes lives at - Aurora Wellness Center, a full-service wig salon located between Richmond and Cold Spring.
“Though I have not lived in this area my entire life, a good percentage of it was spent here in Stearns County. I’ve lived in Alaska, Colorado, and many years in the Twin Cities, but like so many others who are from this area, I eventually migrated back. Retail fashion management and sales were my career for over 30 years. In the late 1990s, my husband and a partner opened over 20 Wig salons throughout the states,” shared Kristine.
“In the early 2000s, my husband and I ventured off into a solo business where I incorporated my love of fashion, sales, wigs, and beauty. I realized after opening our 3,000+ square foot space that is now Aurora Wellness Center Salon & Spa that in order to be a manager of the spa and salon, I needed to be a cosmetologist with the corresponding credentials. So, I went to school at Regency Beauty Academy in St. Cloud and graduated from a 10-month program just after my 50th birthday.”
“The business has morphed over the last several years. I lost my husband in 2013, and he was an integral part of my business. As I was restructuring, I relocated to Rochester, but in 2017, I settled into the location we’re at now. My love of people and my desire to help them in any way that I can, has never changed,” shared Kristine. “I’m still here plugging away, loving what I’m doing!”
Finding a great wig that is just right is often daunting, and Kristine works with each and every one of her clients so that the process is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. “My type of business is quite rare. Most of the time, you need to go to the Twin Cities or a larger city to find wigs and similar products. Some people test the waters on the Internet but are often very overwhelmed by what they see and what they read. I take the time to get to know my client and what their needs are, and then make sure that I’m the right fit. In our meetings, I patiently work with them to give them all the education they need to have a satisfactory and pleasant experience with alternative hair.”
A few stories from Kristine’s clients include:
“I took my Mom for a wig at Aurora Wellness Center due to her cancer. Because they’re by appointment only, Mom felt comfortable with the situation, and Kristine put her at ease with this process. Her awesome personality made this a great day for Mom and the rest of us. Highly recommend!” – Judy F.
“Kristine is amazing! She is very knowledgeable and truly cares about you as a person. She will set up a private appointment with you so you can have her full attention to find exactly what you are looking for. She had me send her pictures of myself ahead of time, and she had some wigs pulled before we arrived. As someone about to have chemotherapy, she made me feel so comfortable. It was a true gift to have found her!” – Deb Y.
“Very friendly and helpful! Great selection to choose from. Couldn’t be happier! Thank you for your professional service and kind heart!” – Jodi L.
“I had the most positive experience I could have imagined! Kristine is a pro, she knows what she's talking about. She asked for a picture of myself before I came to see what would look best for the shape of my face. She asked for pics of styles I liked. When I walked in the door, it was obvious that she had given my appointment some thought. She provides a ton of customer service that other shops charge for. She explained in detail how to take care of my new hair. We had some lively conversations and good laughs. I really thought I would feel weird going in there, but I left feeling confident and prepared. Thanks, Kristine!” – Kathleen S.
“I went into the wig shop with a friend who is currently going through chemotherapy for breast cancer. The owner was so amazing! My friend cried tears of happiness when she found the right wig. She said she finally looked like herself for the first time in months.” – Shelley M.
“Even though I am a fully licensed cosmetologist, I primarily just do wigs now. Every client brings a new story, a new dynamic, and a new challenge. I like to get to know my clients. We have a great time together, no matter what their story is. I like to be a bright spot in people‘s lives, especially when they might not be in such a great place.”
“The Central MN Community is great. Being a small business owner, you tend to also buy locally whenever possible. It’s a beautiful network to be a part of. I am always thankful for my business being shared with many small communities - word of mouth is so impactful!”
You can follow Aurora Salon & Boutique on Facebook or set up an appointment by calling (320) 260-6865 or emailing aurorasalonandspa@gmail.com.
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