Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlo Krockel.
Hi Carlo, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
A Lifetime Behind the Chair: The Journey of Carlo Krockel
My journey in the beauty industry began in Germany, where becoming a hairdresser was not simply a career choice—it was a true profession, built on discipline, craftsmanship, and dedication.
As a young apprentice, I was hired by a local salon to train under a Hairmeister, a master hairstylist. The German apprenticeship system was rigorous, spanning three years and demanding complete commitment.
During my first year, my responsibilities centered around learning the fundamentals of salon life. I greeted clients, prepared them for their services, draped them, shampooed their hair, and ensured they were comfortable by serving coffee, tea, or refreshments. Most importantly, I observed the Meister closely, studying every movement, technique, and interaction. Those early years taught me that hairstyling is as much about caring for people as it is about creating beautiful hair.
First-year apprentices focused primarily on men’s haircuts and basic women’s cuts. We performed countless roller sets, shampoo services, color applications, and learned the science behind hair coloring and formulation. At the end of the year, we faced both written and practical examinations. The practical exam required us to demonstrate proficiency in men’s and women’s haircuts, perform a roller set on a live model, and execute a professional blow-dry.
The second year introduced more advanced techniques. We were required to master elaborate women’s styling, backcombing, permanent waving, chemical relaxing services, as well as manicures and pedicures. The expectations increased significantly, and so did our understanding of beauty as a complete profession.
By the third year, we were expected to perform advanced long and short haircuts for both men and women. One of the most memorable requirements was creating a hairpiece entirely from hair collected throughout the apprenticeship. Alongside the practical work, each year included extensive written examinations consisting of more than one hundred questions covering mathematics, chemistry, theory, and technical knowledge. Earning the title of hairdresser in Germany meant truly mastering both the art and science of the profession.
Life, however, had other plans.
When my parents decided to immigrate to the United States, my apprenticeship journey was interrupted. For nearly two years, my dream of becoming a hairstylist was put on hold.
Soon after arriving in America, I enlisted in the United States Army, an experience that taught me discipline, leadership, and perseverance—qualities that would later prove invaluable in business. After completing my military service, I attended college and earned an Associate of Arts degree in Aviation Administration. My dream at the time was to become a pilot. Unfortunately, the cost of flight training—approximately $250 per hour in those days—quickly exceeded what my GI Bill could cover. Reluctantly, I had to set that dream aside.
Never one to remain idle, I successfully passed the examination to become a firefighter. Yet, deep down, I knew where my true passion lay. I returned to the beauty industry and enrolled at the prestigious Robert Fiance Beauty School in Miami, where I completed the required one thousand hours to become licensed in the United States.
Upon graduation, I was hired immediately by a salon in Miami known as Ronnie’s Place. The salon was unlike anything I had seen before—an elegant, beautifully restored house transformed into a unique and artistic salon space. With twenty-four hairstylists working under one roof, competition was fierce. I was the newest stylist on the team, but through hard work, determination, and a relentless commitment to excellence, I quickly established my reputation.
Eventually, the opportunity arose to open my own salon, and I seized it.
My first salon, Hairchitect by Carlo, became a tremendous success. For five years, I led a talented team consisting of seven hairstylists, two manicurists, and two receptionists. During this same period, I also had the privilege of working for the Spanish television network Telemundo. Every morning, from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., I worked in the network’s green room, styling celebrities, television personalities, and special guests before beginning my day at the salon. Fortunately, my salon was located nearby, and my mother lovingly opened the salon each morning to prepare for the day’s operations. Family support was instrumental in my success.
After selling Hairchitect by Carlo, I embarked on my next and perhaps most ambitious venture: Ohlala Hair Colour & Spa.
Located in Miami Lakes, this magnificent 4,300-square-foot salon and spa became one of the area’s premier beauty destinations. At its peak, more than forty-two professionals worked alongside me, including hairstylists, aestheticians, massage therapists, nail technicians, and even a physician specializing in laser hair removal.
During these years, I also had the honor of serving as a Wella Platform Artist and Educator, traveling extensively to perform at trade shows, educate fellow professionals, and share my passion for hair artistry. My career took me across the globe—from England, Germany, Italy, and Mexico to China and throughout the United States. These international experiences enriched both my technical expertise and my appreciation for beauty as a universal language.
Ohlala Hair Colour & Spa thrived for twenty-five remarkable years. Even more rewarding than the business success was the loyalty of my team—many of whom remained with me throughout the salon’s entire existence. Eventually, when an interested buyer presented an attractive opportunity, I decided it was time for a new chapter and sold the business.
After taking a well-deserved month-long vacation with my family, I realized that retirement simply wasn’t for me.
I returned to the industry by purchasing a smaller salon, A’dazzles Salon and Beauty Supply. This unique concept combined a full-service salon with an in-house beauty supply store, creating a thriving business model that attracted both salon clients and retail customers. Located alongside popular restaurants and boutiques, A’dazzles quickly became a destination in the community and was featured on several television stations as an innovative example of combining salon services with beauty retail.
For eleven successful years, A’dazzles flourished.
Throughout my career, one of my greatest accomplishments has been mentoring and educating the next generation of professionals. I estimate that I have trained and influenced between 500 and 600 hairstylists—many of whom now own their own salons or have built highly successful careers. Seeing their achievements remains one of my proudest rewards.
Today, my journey continues at Ohlala Hair Studio by Carlo, an intimate private studio designed to provide a highly personalized experience. As a one-on-one stylist, I can dedicate my full attention to each guest, creating meaningful relationships while delivering exceptional service. The pace is different now—more personal, more refined, and deeply fulfilling.
Looking back, I realize that my career has never been solely about hair. It has always been about people, relationships, mentorship, creativity, and the privilege of helping others look and feel their very best.
And as I look toward the future, I remain as passionate about this profession as the young apprentice who first walked into a salon in Germany all those years ago.
Carlo Krockel
Owner & Master Hair Artist
Ohlala Hair Studio by Carlo
305-820-8744
Ohlalahairstudiobycarlo.com
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
People often ask if opening and running a salon was a smooth road. My answer is always the same: not really. There is nothing smooth about building a business from the ground up. It takes determination, sacrifice, and a tremendous amount of perseverance.
First of all, you need capital—lots of it. As the saying goes, “money, money, money.” Before you even open your doors, there are countless expenses: securing a location, renovating the space, purchasing equipment, stocking products, and covering operating costs. Then come the licenses, permits, inspections, and all the legal requirements that every business owner must navigate. These administrative hurdles can be overwhelming and often test your patience.
But finances and paperwork are only part of the journey. A salon is nothing without the people behind it. You need a team that believes in your vision and shares your passion. Finding talented individuals is one thing; inspiring them to embrace your philosophy and work toward a common goal is another challenge altogether.
Most importantly, a salon exists because of its clients. Over the years, many of my customers have become much more than clients—they have become friends and part of an extended family. Their trust, loyalty, and willingness to return, year after year, are what truly sustain a business. Without them, none of it would be possible.
One aspect that was always extremely important to me was continuous education. I have always believed that our industry is constantly evolving. New techniques, trends, products, and technologies emerge every year, and I never wanted to stand still. I attended hair shows, educational seminars, workshops, and advanced training whenever possible. I also encouraged my staff to do the same and tried to help them see the value of education through my eyes.
That, however, was one of the greatest challenges I faced as a salon owner. People naturally become comfortable. Some reach a point where they feel they already know everything they need to know. I have always been the complete opposite. I consider myself an apprentice for life. That mindset has been one of the keys to my success. I remain curious, eager to learn, and open to new ideas, whether it is a new haircutting technique, an innovative coloring method, or the latest professional products.
Convincing others to embrace that same philosophy was not always easy. Yet I firmly believe that staying curious and continuing to learn is what keeps both the artist and the business alive. The moment we stop learning, we stop growing.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What truly sets me apart is my commitment to providing an individualized experience for every guest who sits in my chair. I have always believed that no two people are alike, and neither should their hair be. Each appointment is tailored to the person, their lifestyle, their personality, and the image they want to project.
Precision is at the heart of everything I do. Whether I am creating a sharp men’s haircut, crafting a customized women’s style, performing a complex color correction, or designing seamless balayage and highlights, I approach every service with artistry and intention. I often say that my shears are simply an extension of my eyes—every movement is deliberate, every line purposeful, and every detail matters.
One of the qualities I am most recognized for is my meticulous cleanliness and attention to detail. I work with exceptionally clean sections and precise lines. Clients often remark that I can wear a white shirt—or even white gloves—and remain spotless throughout the service. I do not believe in messy application techniques. Instead, I work with discipline, precision, and respect for both my craft and my guests. Clean work creates beautiful, predictable, and refined results.
Beyond technical skill, I am known for my calm demeanor, steady hand, and creative vision. I take pride in delivering clean, polished haircuts and customized color services that enhance each client’s natural beauty while reflecting their individuality.
Every appointment begins with my signature seven-step consultation process. I never rush this stage because I believe exceptional results begin with understanding. I take the time to listen carefully to my guests—their concerns, their desires, their daily routines, and even their past salon experiences. I have always believed that listening is one of the most valuable skills a stylist can possess. I prefer to listen more than I speak because truly hearing my clients allows me to create results that exceed their expectations.
Customer service is equally important to me. From the moment a guest arrives, I want them to feel welcomed, valued, and completely at ease. Every detail has purpose—from selecting the finest professional products for their hair, to offering a freshly prepared cafecito, sparkling water, or another beverage of choice.
My studio provides a private, intimate atmosphere where guests can relax, unwind, and enjoy a personalized luxury experience away from the noise and distractions of a traditional salon environment. For me, hairdressing is not simply about cutting or coloring hair; it is about creating an experience where artistry, precision, comfort, and genuine human connection come together.
Because in my world, every detail matters.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk is often what makes you—or breaks you. If you want to build a business, pursue a dream, or achieve anything meaningful in life, you have to be willing to take risks. There is simply no growth without stepping outside of your comfort zone.
That said, I don’t believe in reckless risk-taking. I believe in calculated risks. Before making an important decision, you have to do your homework, look at the numbers, weigh the pros and cons, and ask yourself if the odds are in your favor. If they are, then you move forward with confidence.
The truth is, life itself is full of risks. You take a risk every time you cross the street. You can even take a risk sitting in a chair if it suddenly breaks beneath you. If we constantly focused on everything that could go wrong, we would never accomplish anything.
I’ve learned that mindset plays a huge role. You have to approach opportunities with optimism and believe in a positive outcome. That doesn’t mean ignoring reality—it means having faith in yourself, being prepared, and moving forward despite uncertainty.
Yes, I am a risk-taker, but I am also a careful one. Life has taught me that courage and caution can coexist. Some of the greatest opportunities in my life and career came from taking chances, but they were always thoughtful decisions, not impulsive ones. In the end, growth rarely happens without risk, and I would rather take a well-calculated chance than spend my life wondering, “What if?”
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Contact Info:
- Website: https://Ohlalahairstudiobycarlo.com
