Reality show contestant opening luxury salon in College Station

College Station residents might have seen Michael Stribling as a contestant on the TV show Design Star. Or they might remember him from several episodes of Little Couple as an interior designer.

Or they just might have seen him around town, particularly near 2501 Texas Ave., where he is opening the Christopher Michael Salon.

The salon, which formally opens at 5 p.m. Friday, was initially going to be a smaller salon in College Station. But through Striblings mentor, Jason Backe, LOreal partnered with Stribling, providing products and instructors to create what Stribling calls a luxury salon.

Stribling, whose full name is Christopher Michael Stribling, made his reality-show career as an interior designer, but the stress of owning his own firm led him to seek a different profession. The revelation came to him during a Disney cruise with his family.

Whenever I was at my most stressed-out place in life, whenever I was over-worked and just burnt out, the place I found the most relaxation was at the salon, Stribling said. If I was able to do that for someone, if I can relax them, then my job is awesome.

Stribling was living in Houston, but decided to move home to College Station, where his parents, brother and sister-in-law live. Its also home to Striblings three nephews and niece.

My life is about those four kids, Stribling said. When Im not at work, Im with my nephews and niece.

Stribling pitches his salon as more than just a place to get a haircut. There are TVs on the ceiling above the sinks so clients can have a music video with their shampoo. Giant pictures of models cover several walls, and wine and chocolate are available.

I wanted it to feel like an art gallery, he said.

Backe, whose clientele includes Anne Hathaway and Angelina Jolie, said he has high hopes for Striblings salon.

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Reality show contestant opening luxury salon in College Station