Kristine Gillen, Owner, Cosmetologist, Licensed Massage Therapist
Kristi attended The Academy of Creative Hair Design in Edwardsville, PA in 2003-2004. She took and passed the state exam for cosmetology in October 2004 and became a licensed cosmetologist. She went on to work in several salons first focusing on hair and then expanded to include nails. She went on to help open a salon in 2008, where she expanded her knowledge in skin care and new hair techniques. In 2011, she took a step back from cosmetology professionally due to family, military, and a change of pace, however, she did continue to study new techniques. In 2014, she reentered the cosmetology field and never turned back. She has taken several classes, studied and mastered new skills, and started to work in salons again. In 2022, Kristi was accepted to Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center's massage therapy program. She graduated June 2004 and passed her state board test. In September 2024, she became a licensed massage therapist.
Kristi is a military care giver and has gone through 2 deployments with her husband. She is also a volunteer at her local fire and ambulance company as well as a local water rescue.
Some of Kristi's hobbies, when she isn't studying the next "big" thing or technique in the industry include, crafting, sewing, cooking/baking, spending time outside including going on the side by side, swimming/boating, and anything that can utilizer her creativity.
Kristi has always had a dream of owning her own salon. After years of dreaming, an opportunity presented itself and she pursued it and Aurora Rose Salon and Spa was created. The salon name came from what she feels is a worldly beauty, the Aurora Borealis, as well as her favorite Disney princess, Princess Aurora, AKA, sleeping Beauty. Her grandmothers favorite flower is a rose, as well as being Kristi's middle name. Put together, she feels there is nothing more beautiful. She hopes to make you feel as beautiful as the name.