A Day In The Life: Christopher Wagner
Name: Christopher Wagner
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in rural Northfield, Minnesota on a sod farm. I attended Catholic school and graduated from high school there.
Where do you live?
I have lived in my townhouse in Farmington, Minn., since 2005, and my husband Tyler Wagner has lived with me there for the past seven years.
What is your occupation?
I have been a hairdresser in Northfield, Minn., since 1998.
When did you come out?
I came out as gay when I was 32 years old.
How’d that go?
I knew I was different from a very young age, however I felt it was an evil or sin that I could pray away. Finally, after a failed marriage and failed engagement, I knew I needed to quit hurting others and myself! It went surprisingly well. I regret the time I wasted but don’t regret the life experiences! My parents and family all were very supportive and my mother said she knew and tried to give me chances to say it. I guess I didn’t get the message.
When do you wake up?
I wake up most days between 6-7 a.m. on weekdays, depending on how long my husband hits the snooze button. Eventually I give up trying to sleep.
Phone alarm or old school alarm?
We both use an Amazon Echo Spot for an alarm clock.
What’s the first thing you do in the morning?
The morning starts with attending to two dogs and a cat, and then getting ready for my day and doing book work and chores so we can come home to a relaxing evening.
Breakfast?
My breakfast is black coffee and a yogurt.
How do you spend your commute?
I usually spend my morning commute on the phone with my mom or my younger sister catching up.
If your job were like a yearbook, what would you be voted? (Class clown, best dressed, most annoying, etc.)
I think that if my job was like a yearbook, I’d like to think I’d be voted Best Dressed, as I spend plenty of time deciding what outfit looks cute and fussing with hair and makeup.
What inspires you?
What inspires me most is watching and learning from other people’s drive in life and hard work! I thrive off of others’ great work ethic and discipline and love for their clients and career.
Do you eat your lunch while working or take a break?
Lunch doesn’t fit well into a busy stylist schedule, so a handful of almonds or peanuts get me through my day sufficiently.
Is your work space tidy or a hot mess?
My work space is always organized so my clients are provided with a clean service atmosphere.
What’s been your favorite job?
This has been my favorite job, as I’ve done this since I graduated from cosmetology school right after high school.
Who are your heroes?
My heroes in my life are my parents and grandparents. They have worked so hard self-employed in their lives coming from very little. Seeing what great providers and hard workers they always are and never giving up gives me so much drive to be just like them. All while raising families and taking time for others.
Favorite weeknight meal: Go out, take out, or cook in?
My all-time favorite weeknight meal when there is time is relaxing with my husband on our patio grilling out! My favorite is grilling wings on charcoal and serving them with B-Dubs sauce! If you asked my husband, he’d definitely say my BBQ ribs!
Most embarrassing moment:
My most embarrassing moment was when I wore white shorts to an outdoor wedding and my spray tan sweat through on my rear while seated! It was a hot ceremony! Thank goodness it wasn’t a long drive for a change of clothes.
On a usual weeknight, you are doing what?
On a usual weeknight, my husband Tyler and I get dinner ready together, clean up and enjoy our favorite shows on Netflix or Hulu. We also have our designated vacuuming nights which goes so fast with two at it.
Bedtime:
If I go to bed before midnight, I can forget a solid night’s sleep. I enjoy being a night owl and having some quiet time to myself.
Favorite weekend activity:
My favorite weekend activity is taking our camper out and enjoying camping and cooking out with family and friends! We try to get it out on most weekends when we are free.
What are you most proud of and why?
I’m most proud of my home. I’ve worked hard to make it a comfortable safe place like my parents provided for me, and I’m proud of how hard I’ve worked as a stylist doing what I love to get where I am today.
Words of wisdom to share:
My words of wisdom are definitely something we’ve all heard but don’t always adhere to: take life one day at a time! Be the best you can be each day and try! If you’ve put forth the best you can while being good to others and to yourself, you are truly a success.
