Krista Champions For Charitable Causes

While most families pass down cherished recipes or heirloom jewelry from generation to generation, Lee Frederickson shared her giving spirit with her daughter Krista Stier.

Lee founded Andra K Salon and Spa in Clearwater, Minnesota, 46 years ago, and today Krista is the owner and continues to champion charitable causes that are near and dear to her mom’s heart—most notably Wigs For Kids.

“We have been working with Wigs For Kids for years and selected this organization due to not only the type of individuals who receive the wigs, but also because the families are not charged for their wigs,” says Krista. “We have had the pleasure of working with hundreds of donors over the years and we are now thrilled to be working with the recipients as well.”

In addition to Krista, the salon currently has two other Certified Affiliate Stylists for Wigs For Kids on staff: Kacey Justin and Abbey Ness.

Well known in the community, the salon attracts donors from all over who come in to get their hair cut so they can donate it.

“We just had a man donate 20 inches of hair that he grows out every four years just to be able to donate for wigs,” says Krista. “We also had a woman in her early 20s who was diagnosed with breast cancer and before she started treatment came in and donated her hair to help children. The support in our community is awesome to see.”

Krista says it typically takes five to 10 donations to make one wig, so it really is a community effort. “We just ask that you have a minimum of 12 inches of hair that has not been chemically treated with hair color or perms,” she says, noting that both men and women of all ages with different hair color and texture have donated hair.

When someone donates hair, the stylist takes a before-and-after photo to post on the salon’s social media to show how others are making a difference and to help spread the word about Wigs For Kids.

The stylists also work with the kids, who are going through cancer treatment or have alopecia (natural hair loss), to help them improve self-esteem with a custom wig.

“We meet with wig recipients to measure their scalp and help them select hair color and length,” explains Krista. “Once the hand-tied fitted wig is ready, we fit it and style it for the child. We can add some layers or style it to make it look even more natural.”

The stylists at Andra K Salon and Spa are well versed in all the latest hair design trends and cutting techniques. Always with a nod to well-being, the full-service salon uses natural and organic products whenever possible for skincare, makeup and nail polish to ensure its clients feel good both on the inside and out. 

Though the salon focuses on its clients’ well-being, it also has a big-picture focus on the entire community.

“We love working with Wigs For Kids and seeing the joy a new wig brings to every child,” says Krista. “But the impact is more far-reaching than just one person as it also affects the entire family and radiates to all.”