Today we’d like to introduce you to Fiorella Castro.
Fiorella, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Oh man, oddly enough it started with the economy failing in 2008. I was in retail banking for about 5-6 years and dealing with acquisition to acquisition, I realized that being in this financial world didn’t provide me the stability I was looking for.
One of my co-workers was talking to me about her beauty school experience, and looked at me with a raised eyebrow and said: “Why don’t you sign up and come to hair school?!” Of course, I was confused at the suggestion but at that point in that economy, I had nothing to lose.
I went to The Salon Professional Academy in North Fort Myers, Florida. As they were touring me it looked like SO MUCH FUN. At the end of the tour, the admissions counselor sat me down and showed me two-year end W2’s. One of which was in the 30k range and the other broke six figures. The most important thing she told me was “This industry LITERALLY is what you make it. So, when you graduate remember, what you put in, you’ll get back.”
I signed up immediately.
I graduated 18 months later, and after getting divorced I moved across the state for a new feel. I landed in Wellington, Florida where I began to assist at one of the most locally elite salons there were. The salon was departmentalized; which means you don’t do both services. You either specialize in cut OR color. Since they were in need of stylists (cutting), I chose to do just that. They are HUGE on extended education which I loved and I grew EXPONENTIALLY in a short time frame.
January 2017, I lost my father unexpectedly. I mean WITHIN HOURS. It literally shook my world and my father is the reason I am a workhorse. I LOVE TO WORK. He owned is own business which in my eyes was his legacy. I wanted to do something to give me a spark that I needed.
After eight amazing years at the salon, I was lacking something. That’s where salon suites come into play. They’re essentially a huge building with mini salons inside of them. I signed a lease at Sola Salon Suites and began my color journey.
I am currently in year 2 and I am booked about 8-10 weeks out. I am expanding and will be hiring an assistant soon to allow to open my books up, but the freedom and creativity in working for myself have been nothing short of magical. Its HARD WORK, but it’s WORTH IT!
Has it been a smooth road?
Not at all.
Part-time hair school is SO HARD. You work all day to do school all night. You have to sacrifice SO MUCH personal time, social time, sleep, etc.
Then, hair school only really teaches you enough to pass the state board. There is so much technology that needs to be learned beyond those 1200 hours (in Florida) that cosmetology school doesn’t even come close to teaching. Only experience itself.
The salon I worked for had a rigorous boot camp. I mean I cried, A LOT. It was so hard being in a new town and learning new things, and not knowing anyone locally. I had to provide my OWN MODELS, to practice on. SO, I would do boot camp from 9-3, work from 4-9, and if I was lucky to sneak out 15 minutes early to RUN TO THE MALL (which luckily was behind us), TO scout models to PRAY that they would show up to boot camp the next day.
Of course, then, the loss of my dad. I am 100% a daddy’s girl so being without him, still has affected me in ways I didn’t realize would be possible. I opened a business ON A WHIM. Trust me when you don’t know what you’re doing, you’re pretty much riding the struggle bus every day.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Fiorella Castro Hair story. Tell us more about it.
I am a Bridal and Balayage specialist.
I have been doing bridal hair for six years and it is HANDS DOWN the most amazing part of this career. I get to be a part of one of the most important days of a woman (or man’s) life.
I also do hand-painted balayage. I LOVE living in color. We are in the state where if you’re outside enough, you’ll end up with sun-kissed hair. I think it’s SO NATURAL and beautiful. It’s really my favorite way to lighten hair.
I’m most proud of my growth. I jumped ship very last minute without understanding what I was really doing. I hit my first-year goal, and now, in year 2, I’m on target to hit this year’s goal.
I believe my genuine, honest attitude sets me apart. I keep it SO REAL. If something is not going to work or look good, you’ll know it from me. If I think something will be better, I will suggest it. I provide realistic expectations to all of my guests. I would never want to say I can, and then halfway through, run into the possibility of not being able to deliver.
Tell us about your favorite and least favorites things about our city.
I LOVE Miami for its diversity and just being a city. I grew up near NYC, so seeing skyscrapers and construction, and traffic oddly enough is nostalgic. Always great food, music, events, people. There’s nothing like it.
The traffic definitely is a buzz kill.
Luckily, the bright-line exists now! 🙂
Pricing:
- Bridal Hair – $125
- Bridesmaids – $85
- Haircuts – $65
- Balayage – Starting at $250
Contact Info:
- Address: 2515 S SR 7 Suite 100 Studio 5
Wellington, FL 33414 - Website: http://www.fiorellacastrohair.com
- Phone: (561)889-2379
- Email: info@fiorellcastrohair.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/fiorellacastrohair
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fiorellacastrohair
Image Credit:
Kendra Paige Photo, Kate Blake Artistry, Emily Rivera Artistry, Sweet Memories Photography, Emily Madelyn Photography, Oh My Occasions, Bacio Bacio Bridal, La Casa Hermosa, Zavier D’Angelo, Blue Orchid Events and Design
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