STUDIO23, hair and nail salon in downtown Albany, celebrates opening of expanded location
STUDIO23, the hair and nail aesthetic salon founded by sisters Crystal Mallett-Williams and Christina Mallett, celebrated the grand opening of its expanded location at 29 North Pearl Street in downtown Albany on Tuesday. Made possible with support from the Downtown Albany Retail Grant Program, this expansion marks a major growth milestone as the business moves from its original home at 46 State Street into a larger, newly renovated 1,150 sq. ft. space designed to accommodate increasing demand.
The expanded location allows STUDIO23 to serve more clients, welcome walk-in availability, and introduce new booth-rental opportunities for independent hair stylists and nail technicians creating more pathways for local beauty professionals to launch and grow their businesses.
The new space reflects the sisters’ vision for an inclusive, upscale, and community-centered beauty destination. With modern décor featuring sleek black and white finishes, gold accents, and STUDIO23’s signature soft-pink branding, the renovated storefront blends luxury with warmth, offering an elevated experience for clients and creatives alike.
“STUDIO23 is a dream realized — built with love, creativity, and a whole lot of hard work,” said owners Crystal Mallett-Williams and Christina Mallett. “This expansion is growth not just for our business, but for our community. When we first opened, we envisioned more than a salon. We wanted a home for creativity, confidence, and connection. Moving into this larger space allows us to welcome more clients and create meaningful opportunities for others in the beauty industry. Downtown Albany has embraced us, and we’re excited to continue planting roots right here.”
In addition to their work at STUDIO23, Crystal and Christina are thriving freelance hairstylists and nail artists whose expertise spans Fashion, Beauty, and Entertainment. Their portfolio includes working backstage at New York Fashion Week each season, contributing in Daytime Television, and services for Celebrity and High-profile Clients. Their expanded presence in Albany further bridges the local beauty community with the broader Fashion and Entertainment Industries.
“STUDIO23’s expansion reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that’s driving downtown Albany’s revitalization,” said City of Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. “Crystal and Christina’s success story embodies creativity, diversity, and community investment — exactly the type of energy that strengthens our downtown and inspires others.”
“Christina and Crystal’s success and expansion of STUDIO23 should excite all of us because it represents downtown Albany's comeback and renaissance," said Senator Patricia Fahy. "I couldn't be more thrilled to see them continue to invest in downtown Albany as a black, women-owned business and to see their contributions to a revitalized downtown Albany continue. Congratulations to Christina and Crystal, and thank you for making your success not just yours, but your community's as well through your investment, perseverance, and dedication to your clients."
“The expansion of STUDIO23 is an incredibly exciting milestone for business owners Crystal and Christina, and for the Albany community at large,” said Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero (D, WF - Albany, Guilderland, New Scotland). “Supporting and investing in our local businesses is a critical part of revitalizing Downtown. I’m proud to see the partnership and collaboration between the City of Albany and this valued Black women-owned business. I look forward to STUDIO23’s continued success as a hub for creativity, community-building, and beauty.”
Made possible through the Downtown Albany Retail Grant Program, STUDIO23 received a matching grant award to complete renovations including equipment upgrades, signage, interior improvements, and design enhancements. The grant program is supported by the City of Albany Capital Resource Corporation (CRC) and administered by Capitalize Albany Corporation.
STUDIO23 originally opened at 46 State Street in 2021, and quickly built a loyal following for its premium services, from expert haircuts, natural hair styling, custom coloring and extensions to manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements. The newly expanded location at 29 North Pearl Street is nearly double the size of STUDIO23’s 600 sq. ft. original location and allows the salon to accommodate more clients and create new economic opportunities for stylists and entrepreneurs downtown.
“Supporting STUDIO23’s expansion is a strong example of how our retail grant program helps entrepreneurs strengthen downtown while pursuing their dreams,” said Capitalize Albany Corporation President and City of Albany Capital Resource Corporation CEO Ashley Mohl. “STUDIO23’s growth adds new vibrancy to North Pearl Street and highlights how creative local business owners are transforming our city’s retail landscape.”
"STUDIO23’s expansion is as wonderful for the owners as it is for Downtown,” said Downtown Albany Business Improvement District executive director Georgette Steffens. “Not only does it give sisters Crystal and Christina more room for their growing clientele, but it also creates more opportunities for budding hair stylists and nail technicians to establish themselves here in the heart of the city. As someone who has frequented STUDIO23, I can personally attest to the level of care and quality they provide. With this new space on Pearl Street, these entrepreneurs will continue to add to the vitality and vibrancy of Downtown. We thank Capitalize Albany for investing in this business’s expansion here in our District. We’re so excited for the future of STUDIO23!"
The Downtown Albany Retail Grant Program has supported more than a dozen new and expanding businesses in recent years, helping revitalize the city’s urban core. Since its inception, the program has leveraged more than $2 million in private investment and helped attract a diverse mix of restaurants, retailers, and creative spaces — including The Bevy Vintage Collective, Viva Empanadas, Loch & Quay, and Stacks Espresso Bar.
STUDIO23 is open Tuesday through Saturday.
