Meet Our Founder & His Team of Stylists & Artisans
Christian is the owner and designer of Industry DTLA. His vision for a cohesive salon-boutique came together in early 2013 when he established Industry DTLA in downtown Los Angeles, California, USA, as a space for creative individuals. Fast forward to 2024, Industry DTLA has opened its newest branch in BKK. He continues to express himself as a hairstylist in his salon while collaborating with local artists and vendors.
Not limited to hanging pieces on blank and barren walls, art is an entity which isn’t looking for the acceptance of critics. Instead, art can be a moving, breathing and tangible being-formed by wisps of fresh-cut hair drifting to the floor, or by whimsical and graceful brushstrokes adorning eyelids.
Each brushstroke, whether it be on a bare canvas or a bare cheekbone, is art. Forging a collaborative space to create art through means of self expression collectively and independently is the purpose behind the salon Industry DTLA, a recent addition to the neighborhood.
Not only a salon, but a sort of arena for the arts, Industry DTLAconsiders the complete ability to express yourself as a pivotalcharacteristic of art. Without the freedom one feels from true expression everyday, art recedes.
“In order to really express yourself, you have to feel free,” Industry DTLA owner Christian said.
An important characteristic of Industry DTLA is it’s intentional purpose of being a sort of a creative work studio instead of simply being a place to get your hair done.
“We named it Industry because I didn’t want it to be limited to just
hair… hair is just hair, you’re not saving the world." However,
Christian realizes that hair is part of it. Hair is a branch of
stylized art and the way people express themselves daily.
“This is a creative work studio. It’s very relaxed and more of a
lifestyle place…we use it more as an umbrella for individuals. It’s a
concept studio and a collaboration where people can work underneath
one roof toward a common goal but still grow as individuals.”
Opened in early 2013, Industry DTLA is a product of Christian’s desire
to establish a place conducive for true expression in one of LA’s most
burgeoning neighborhoods.
“I wasn’t getting what I wanted where I was before. I wanted a space
with creative freedom and [to establish] more of a lifestyle brand,”
said Christian.
Already a resident of downtown, Christian was thrilled to find a space
in the blossoming area. “I luckily found this space. I looked in this
area because of all the growth coming here and I like being so close
to the fashion district.”
Chopping locks had been a good gig for Christian at notable salons
such as Nihule and Salon 6, but it wasn’t fulfilling his creative
desires.
“I wanted more control of my life and to go on my own. I figured,
'Hey, I want to open my own place, I want to be apart of the community
and I luckily found this place. It was an empty canvas, nothing was in
here so I was able to just create.'
Lofty, 15-feet ceilings frame the 600 square foot workspace with
exposed piping and modern features. Although-as the name implies-the
design is industrial, it also retains a certain amount of warmth and a
patina-like quality with worn, wooden pieces designed by local artist.
The blank canvas that was the space originally became Christian’s
project. Working tirelessly, Christian continued to work during the
day as a stylist and by night would work on his budding project.
“The space is the best. It was completely white and empty when we
started. Nothing was here so I was able to just create.”
Creating the feel of the space became an avenue for Christian’s
expression. For the first time in his life, he had full reign and no
need to compromise.
In addition to a superb design, the need to find the right people to
be part of the studio was imperative. Whether it be as a hair stylist,
a makeup artist, barber or one of the many designers showcased at
Industry DTLA, Christian wants to find people with a collective
mentality in regards to expression and being a part of the community.
“We need to have people that are a good fit, that are a part of
downtown, that want to be a part of downtown," and now "Phrom Phong -
BKK."
An example of a good fit is the Industry DTLA salon’s barber Shane. A
longtime resident of downtown, Shane was keen on being a part of
Industry DTLA for the chance to work among stylist as a barber and
also because of the location.
“It’s obviously different being a stylist than being a barber. It’s a
good environment because from watching them work I can learn a lot,”
he said.
From years of working and living in downtown, Shane has seen a great
deal of diversity and transformation in the area.
“The south side of downtown is really starting to come up. It’s
changed tremendously but still is gritty and edgy,” he said.
Fortunately the neighborhood hasn’t experienced full gentrification
which Shane said would be bad for the community. “Total gentrification
takes away from the true flavor.”
“Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they
remember the woman.” – Coco Chanel
Local designers like For Love and Lemons, Again Apparel, 8 Other
Reasons and Rewind are all examples of archetypal LA style, lending
way to the developing “downtown chic.”
“There is a lack of mid-end clothes and nice clothes downtown. There’s
a lot of cheap clothes-so we’re trying to change that. There’s going
to be creating a design studio downstairs to start our own line
eventually,” Christian said.
The intention is to design creative, chic and high-quality clothing
that will fit the LA sense of style.
“The most beautiful makeup of a woman is passion. But cosmetics are
easier to buy.” – Yves St Laurent
Bringing the glam to downtown is definitely part of what Industry DTLA
is working to do. Last month they had their first of what will be many
parties.
A chromatic display of every color imaginable, ornate fabrics from
velvet to leather and many of LA’s pretty things came out for
Industry’s first party on July 11. Throughout the night, there were
about 250-300 people. The idea is that by creating a space where
people have the chance to truly express themselves, the art will
follow.
“I don’t even really benefit from the parties, it’s just my way of
sharing back with the neighborhood,” Christian said.
Mini makeovers, flowing champagne and art aplenty are a few of the
features of Industry’s parties. The salon intends to have a party
about every three months. Each party will feature a local artist in
addition to clothing and apparel from local designers. Perhaps even a
fashion show down the line.
The point is just to bring the community together in the name of
expression and creativity.
