ALBANY, N.Y.: Two sisters who have opened their first business were welcomed to downtown Albany with a ribbon cutting ceremony today, June 12, 2021. Joining the Co-owners Christina and Crystal Mallett and Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID) Executive Director Georgette Steffens in welcoming STUDIO23 to their 46 State Street location were Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan and Assemblymember John T. McDonald III.
STUDIO23’s name comes from the sisters’ birth order, what those numbers represent, and a beloved Bible scripture. Christina, 28, is the second child of the family, with the number two symbolizing balance, duality, and love; Crystal, 27, is the third born, with the number three symbolizing optimism, creativity, and manifestation; and Psalm 23 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” all came together to serve as a reminder to themselves and their clients to pursue the things you love.
The decision to open in downtown Albany came as a result of seeking out a centralized, convenient location for the owners and their clients alike. After coming across the 800-square-foot space that's nestled between Jack's Oyster House and Chase Bank on State Street last October, the pair was instantly drawn to it and immediately visualized their nail and hair studio in the spot that also features a back patio.
"It is a great time to see new investment in Downtown Albany as employees are returning to work, existing businesses are reopening, and Downtown is coming back to life,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. “Christina and Crystal wisely chose this State Street location for STUDIO23 because it is a centralized, convenient location that offers historic charm and features a back patio. I want to welcome Christina and Crystal and congratulate them on their new business endeavor and wish them both personal and professional success."
After having each previously earned degrees in different fields - for Christina, a Bachelor of Art in Sociology and Education at the University at Albany; for Crystal a Bachelor in Sports Management and Masters in Business Administration from American International College - the sisters transitioned their careers to focus on their passions. With an interest in beauty since they were young, Christina and Crystal decided to go into business together in Spring 2019 after Crystal earned her Cosmetology License at The Paul Mitchell School Schenectady and Christina enrolled in the Aesthetic Science Institute.
Services available at STUDIO23 include manicures, pedicures, natural nail care, acrylic, gel, dip powder nail sets, custom press on sets, haircuts for men and women, color services, natural hairstyling and haircare, protective styles, wig making and installation, and hair extensions including braided weaves, glue, fusion, and tape-ins.
"As a Downtown resident myself I am so excited to further embrace this area with our business and bring the services Christina and I offer to the people who work and live here," said Crystal Mallett, STUDIO23 co-owner. "I've made it my priority to offer services working with all hair types and textures, and I love to give my clients the hair style of their dreams. I get a thrill from bringing beautiful styles to life. It is the reason why I became a hair stylist."
“Going into business together has long been a dream of ours, and the last year has only fueled that goal. We followed our guts knowing that things would get better, and this opening proves that despite adversity, you can open the business of your dreams," said Christina Mallett, STUDIO23 co-owner. "It's been my duty to perfect my craft of nail art and customization, and I pride myself on being able to achieve most nail designs presented by my clients. I love a challenge, and doing nails allows me to push myself and my artistic abilities, while meeting the needs of my clients; this brings me great joy.”
"Congratulations to Christina and Crystal Mallett on the opening of your new salon,” said Assemblymember John T. McDonald III. “Faith and family are central to your business and as someone who shares those priorities, I appreciate your contributions to Downtown Albany. It is clear that you have put a tremendous amount of thought into your new business and I wish you success as your business grows!"
"When we talk about Downtown bouncing back from Covid, we are not only thinking of existing businesses reopening, but also the new investment that’s taking place. Christina and Crystal join a number of entrepreneurs who are choosing our District to call their businesses’s home, capitalizing on downtown Albany’s future, all while investing in their own," said Georgette Steffens, Downtown Albany BID Executive Director. "We are thrilled these incredibly talented and ambitious women have chosen to open their business here, and as employees are returning to the office and residential continues to grow, I am excited to watch your business grow and your careers flourish."
Located at 46 State Street in downtown Albany, STUDIO23 is currently open by appointment. For more information and to make an appointment, call 518.776.4002, or visit https://studio23albany.square.site/. For updates, follow STUDIO23 on social via facebook.com/Studio23Albany and instagram.com/Studio23Albany.
