Fabulous People: Chris Knudsen

Chris Knudsen is the owner and senior master stylist at Mane Attraction Salon, a high-end destination in Biltmore. “Mane Attraction has remained on the cutting-edge of hair styling and technique since it was established in 1977.” Learn more about Chris Knudsen…

Follow at: @lifeasahairdresser

Hometown: Mequon, WI

First job: Sweeping hair at my parent’s salon. 

Favorite ways to spend your free time in AZ: I love going to the movies, spending time with my kids at soccer games and date nights with my wife. 

Your biggest accomplishment and why: Buying Mane Attraction Salon. I am now a third-generation hairdresser and a third-generation salon owner. I was hesitant to enter an industry that meant so much to my family. Now I can see why they devoted their lives to this amazing career, and I’m proud to give other stylists an opportunity to pursue their own. 

The biggest obstacle you overcame: Purchasing the salon was a big obstacle. It took three years of negotiating and compromising to land a win-win with the former owners.

Someone who inspires you and why: My wife. I know it’s cliche, but I admire her. She is almost always the most intelligent person in the room. She’s proactive, organized and honest. 

Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Be patient. There’s no quick way to mastery.  

Favorite quote: “What if you invest all this time and train someone on your craft and then they leave? Well, what if you don’t train them and they stay?” — Vidal Sassoon

Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I’m adopted. 

What makes someone fabulous? Someone who is authentically themselves. The kind of person who gets dressed in the morning and doesn’t need to look at themselves again.