Meet Karinna Fischer: Hair Artist, Salon Owner, and All-Around Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karinna Fischer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karinna, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have been interested in many aspects of “the arts” for as long as I can remember. I participated in theater, orchestra, band, gymnastics, and various art and writing clubs growing up. Although I did very well academically, I knew that I would not pursue your standard “9-5” career. My interest in hair stems back to my childhood; cutting and coloring the hair of my Barbie dolls. That interest only intensified as I began to experiment with my own hair in my adolescence . After touring a local hair school during my senior year of high school, I knew instantly that hair artistry was what I was meant to do.

Much of my creative energy is fueled by other artistic outlets. I enjoy painting and drawing; I have an Etsy shop that sells homemade apothecary items (bath teas, smudge bundles, candles) etc, and I’m an active student of the aerial arts. I have been practicing aerial for almost 2 years, specifically in sling, lyra, and pole. Recently I have dived into fire spinning, as well.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Hair is one of our greatest tools of self-expression. When I reveal a color creation to a guest and see that instant boost of confidence ignite within them…*that* is why I do what I do. There are so many things that can hold someone back from trying something new with their hair, whether it be a job, a spouse, or just the fear of how it will look on them. Having the courage to step out of your comfort zone and into the person you’ve always wanted to be is such a strong act of self-love, and one of the most rewarding parts of my job is lending a hand in that journey.

It wasn’t until 2020’s unforeseen circumstances when I made the decision to open my own salon. When you’re given 2+ months to sit with yourself, a lot of things come into perspective. My interest in witchcraft and spirituality expanded greatly during this time. With that, my etsy shop All Hallows’ Apothecary was born. My shop’s motto is “encouraging self-love through magic,” and it didn’t take long for me to realize that this resonated with my hair artistry, as well.

Going to a salon isn’t just about getting your hair done. For a lot of guests it can be a little getaway. However, it is common for salons to be bright, loud, and fast-paced, which can be the opposite of relaxing.

I wanted to create a space where my guests felt safe (pandemic or not); a space that was personable and 100% judgement-free. My studio is designed to provide a luxurious one-on-one salon experience, without the “stuffiness” that can be associated with an upscale salon. The walls are a dark grey with ivy and plants scattered about, the lighting is warm and welcoming, and there is a faint aroma of incense and essential oils. I want my guests to feel at-home when they walk in, but ready to take on the outside world when they leave.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My salon is located in Grant Park. There are so many amazing spots to visit and almost all of them are within walking distance of All Hallows’! Firepit Pizza Tavern serves some of the best pizza I’ve ever had. Full Commission and Woodward & Park have wonderfully handcrafted cocktails and their brunch and dinner menus are delicious. These restaurants provide outdoor seating, as well. A few blocks up is Six Feet Under, a wonderful seafood restaurant with seating on the roof. Right across the street is the gorgeous Oakland Cemetery, which I tend to stroll through frequently. One of my favorite things to do is grab lunch at Grant Park Market and have a picnic in the cemetery. If I’m craving an afternoon coffee I’ll walk to Java Cats Cafe (which is right down the street from Six Feet Under), grab a lavender latte (iced of course) and say hello to the kitties (they’re all up for adoption, by the way!) Another favorite coffee shop is Revolution Doughnuts in Inman Park. I will usually stop by there in the morning for coffee, and sometimes grab doughnuts for myself and my clients. Their menu changes each month (aside from a few staples) and their doughnuts are to die for. Plus the staff is always incredibly welcoming and kind. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my very own superhero and number 1 fan: my father. He provided a lot of influence in my decision to pursue a creative career. He is a graphic designer and all around incredibly gifted artist. He taught me the importance of remaining true to who you are, even if others see you as “weird.” I 100% have him to blame for my admiration for Halloween and cosplay, as well. We even attend Dragon Con together (his Instagram is @years_of_odin and I highly recommend you check out his amazing Odin cosplay). Needless to say he has always been supportive of my artistic endeavors, and it was no different when I decided to open my own salon last year.

I would also like to give a shoutout to my husband Lucas for always being so supportive of everything I do. Thank you to Kat Luzny for guiding me in her fabulous feng shui ways and Erin Jackson for taking photos of me and my salon for this article. Last but not least, thank you to my clients for their love, support, and trust over the years. Thank you for giving me the privilege to express my creativity through you.

Website: allhallowshairstudio.com

Instagram: @karinnamagic @allhallowshair @allhallows.apothecary

Facebook: Facebook.com/allhallowshair

Other: Etsy.com/shops/allhallowsapothecary

Image Credits
Smudge stick photo: SecondtoNunn Photography Headshot and Salon shot: Erin Jackson Apothecary Box photo: SolitaDPhoto Lyra over the lake: Extraordin.aerial