Kristi colby
Professional Makeup Artist | Educator | Beauty Coach
Kristi Colby brings over 25 years of professional experience to the Hair and Makeup Box team, specializing in radiant, natural beauty looks that highlight each client’s individuality. Known for her calm, intentional energy, Kristi helps women look and feel their best — whether for weddings, special events, or branding shoots.
Her career began in the beauty pageant world, where she discovered a passion for artistry that naturally led her into freelance work. Kristi then went on to work for leading brands like MAC Cosmetics and Bobbi Brown, where she refined her technical skills and developed her signature approach to timeless, polished beauty. Over the years, she has built a loyal private clientele and has worked extensively with brides, corporate clients, and brands seeking camera-ready looks.
Beyond her work behind the brush, Kristi is a dedicated educator. She began her teaching journey through the San Diego Unified School District, bringing makeup education to high school students. Her work expanded into the South Bay Union School District and South Bay Community Services, where she continues to provide makeup education to middle and high school students in underserved communities. These experiences inspired the creation of Beyond Beauty, a program designed to mentor aspiring artists and help them build both skill and confidence through hands-on, intuitive training.
Kristi is also the founder of Colby Cosmetics, a vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand offering multipurpose products designed to simplify real-life routines without sacrificing quality or performance.
She lives in San Diego with her husband, Justin, and their son, Colby, whose name inspired her brand. Kristi’s work is driven by a love for authentic connection, a passion for education, and a belief that beauty should feel empowering, effortless, and real.
Stacey
Stacey is a California licensed Cosmetologist. Her passion for hair began at a young age, learning to braid and style for her friends and family. She spent 20+ years as a classically trained dancer and continued her mastery of braiding and styling for her fellow dancers' performing events. In 2011, Stacey was inspired to start her career in the beauty industry at Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School in San Diego. Her education and experience on the school’s design team gave her the tools and latest techniques to further her mastery of styling. She was able to refine her skills on hair models and in fashion shows as part of her schooling.
With a passion for event and commercial styling, she jumped into the wedding industry soon after graduating and hasn’t looked back. Stacey's work has since been featured on wedding magazine covers, blogs and styled shoots, including Exquisite Weddings Magazine, San Diego Style Weddings, Wedding Chicks, Style Me Pretty, Magnolia Rouge and Borrowed & Blue. She specializes in braided, textured styles and loves to bring her client's vision to life. Her years of experience in the industry allow her to create exactly what her clients are looking for.
Outside of work Stacey values family, friends and healthy living. She resides in Encinitas, California with her husband, three young kids and rescue pup. She still enjoys ballet class weekly as well as yoga and pilates. She remains inspired by the art of movement and music.