Today we’d like to introduce you to Carla Castagna.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Carla. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m from Puerto Rico, where we call -or used to call- hairstylists ‘beauticians’. Just like that but more like ‘beeyouteeshian’. I would tell everyone thats what I wanted to be when I grow up. It is really the very first thing I wanted to be. And I would do my moms hair when I was 6 or 7. I did the ‘rolos’ or a ‘dubidubi’ on her after blowdrying it. I also loved doing her makeup. But growing up I started caring more about having a job to help my mom.
I moved to Texas when I was 20, that was 13 years ago. I had to work, so I started at Starbucks as a barista. Made so many good friends there. But I remember looking at flight attendant jobs and thinking “that would be so dope”. However, most airlines do NOT pay for FA training… That would be a month or two with no income and I just simply couldn’t afford it. So one job led to another, I brought my mom and my aunt with me to TX. We lived with my brothers for a short period of time, then it was just us three ladies. I was financially responsible for them. But my mom always told me that 30’s are the best decade for a woman…
At the age of 26, I finally moved by myself, my mother and my aunt get settled on their own. I still help them a little bit but I have more financial freedom. A bit after I started reading the book ‘The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. I didn’t finish it but I really recommend it! I believe it was chapter 4 that asked what was the first thing I ever wanted to be. I remembered.
I enrolled in Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell Schools at the age of 30. Next year I applied for a FA position with American Eagle just to see what would happen and I got it!
Has it been a smooth road?
Everyone wants to do hair and makeup. Lol, So it definitely takes some time to show that I deliver a good product, especially because the best way for a creative in this industry to prove ourselves is with our consistency. I tried a couple of times to invest 100% of my time to do hair, but I had bills to pay! So I found myself almost resenting a job I loved and had to go get second (sometimes third and fourth) jobs.
Flight attending is one of those jobs where you either love it instantly or you’re out after your first trip. All the time in the air has definitely affected me physically, but it’s pushing me to take care better care of myself, so we’re good. My husband, however, had the hardest time getting used to it. lol
So, as you know, we’re impressed with @beastycastagna – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’ve found I love cutting hair. I love blunt cuts, pixies, and shags… modern cuts! I even found myself going through a bowl cut obsession. I work at Art On Hair. We used to be Studio 410. Miriam Ortega was my mentor from day 1 and now I’m lucky to also call her my friend.
We offer everything your hair needs, except the Brazilian blow out products. I don’t believe in permanently straightening your hair like that. But we offer healthy ways to be blonde, fashion colors, treatments, updos for all kinds of hair. We also offer makeup and brow maintenance.
I offer hair services only. Color, cut, treatments for everyone.
I take pride in our commitment to keep your hair healthy or to take your hair to a healthy state. Thats always our number 1 priority.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Oh, man. I moved to Texas in 2006. I moved to Arlington, then North Dallas, then Euless then Oak Cliff 6 years ago. Oak Cliff is so real. I really hope and pray gentrification stays in the bishop arts and Jefferson BLVD stays as unique and happy as it is. Dallas to me was diverse, then I was introduced to all the scenes, yes, all the scenes. And it was beautiful, man. If you think about it so many of the good, talented, contemporary artists came from Dallas (Leon Bridges, St Vincent, etc.). Every scene I was introduced to was so unique… I had a lot of fun in my 20’s.
And when I moved here it wasn’t so expensive. lol
Pricing:
- Haircut Start at $65
- Blunt Cuts Start at $75
- Blondes/Fashion Colors starts at $245
- Updos Start at $75
Contact Info:
- Address: 211 S Adams Ave
Dallas TX 75211 - Phone: 214-735-9731
- Email: beastydoeshair@gmail.com
- Instagram: @beastycastagna
- Facebook: Beasty Does Hair
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
