Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashtyn Castellon.
Hi Ashtyn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey began as a college student lacking direction. I wanted a job with independence and creative expression. My mom suggested hair school and instantly I could visualize a career path. I dropped out of college immediately and went to hair school in 2013.
Hair was an entirely new skill I had to learn. Our work is so intimate with clients. I had to build confidence to socialize, physically touch, and command an appointment as a professional. It took years to hone.
For me, it was important to serve a curl clientele. I lived the experience of going to the salon with curls and leaving disappointed. Since 2018, I’ve traveled cross country to learn from the best curl specialists in the industry.
In 2020, I learned that business education was a necessity to thrive in this industry. My boss, Rachel Rush, was someone I aspired to be. I jumped at the opportunity to work at her salon, Creative Culture Hair! My knowledge of curly hair and Rachel’s business mentorship have elevated the experience I offer to my clients. I’m so grateful for the support and resources provided at Creative Culture Hair!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It took a while to effectively use social media for my business. I wanted to be a consumer of social media, not the influencer. I also set impossible expectations for myself to reach overnight success and wasn’t putting in the work to earn it. It took A LOT of research and even paid education to finally understand how to use social media for my business.
I’ve learned to ask myself “How can I help my audience?” and it’s made creating content more enjoyable and effective!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a curly hair cutting specialist! Haircutting is my passion but I’ve become an educator to my clients showing them how to care for their curls at home. The education is invaluable to them!
My clients tell me they love the variety of curls shown on my IG page (@ashlovesyourhair). It’s a big reason why they choose to work with me.
I’ve worked hard to reach a target audience and offer something of value to them. I’m starting to see the payoff of this Long-term effort!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
More curl specialists. People are even going to hair school to become curl specialists!
The education is more diverse, and easier to find, and more people want to help a community that has been neglected in salons. Consumers will have more options to choose from!
Pricing:
- New Client Curly Cut $250 (Includes consultation, dry cut, and styling education)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://creativeculturehair.com/new-page-3
- Instagram: @ashlovesyourhair
- Other: TikTok: ashlovesyourhair
Image Credits
Nick Laning
Creative Culture Hair
