Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolina Camargo.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I always had a passion to do hair but it wasn’t till my 3rd semester of cosmetology school that I learned how to braid. I was so bad that I would grab my maniquíes and practice after a busy day of school & full-time job. I got to the point where the braids were decent and would show it on Instagram to my friends and one of them asked me to braid him.
When he said ‘I will pay you’ is when I said yes. I needed the money to pay all my bills and my school since I didn’t qualify for financial aid (I am a Dreamer). At first, it was for the money and then I fell in love with the art I can create with hair. A month before graduation, I quit my job at the restaurant and decided to be a full-time braider. The plan was to survive out of braiding for two months since my state board test to get my cosmetology license was not until July 2018. Once I got my license, I wanted to quit braiding and be a hair colorist assistant. Which at the moment, I thought it would help me be successful in life but it didn’t work out. All the interviews I went for the assistant position didn’t work. I felt like I was losing my purpose and I was failing in life, but giving up was never an option. I worked hard to promote myself on social media that my braiding clientele started to grow little by little. Within a year of learning how to braid, I braided the football player, Leveon Bell & just a few months ago, I braided Tokyo Styles which is Cardi B’s hairstylist. Which then lead for me to have the opportunity to braid Cardi B. Now, she is my biggest celebrity client.
Has it been a smooth road?
My biggest obstacle was going to cosmetology school for 27 hours a week and 40 hours on a full-time job. As well as still finding time to braid people either after an 18 hour day or on my little free time. I knew I had to sacrifice myself in order for people to see my work. Three years ago, when I was not in the beauty industry, I was just a regular woman working in restaurants and trying to make a living. So when I told people I knew how to braid they didn’t believe me. Mainly because I’m Latina. We usually only do French braids but not cornrows, dutch braids, or box braids. So proving to people I was able to do it professionally was hard. I had to post my braiding work every time on Instagram to show them I was capable of the job… In addition to posting work constantly on social media, I had a hard time building a steady clientele.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Latina Braider – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am a licensed cosmetologist that specializes in braiding. I am more known for the designs I create with braids. I do freestyle braids, which means I can create designs or even write words on someone’s head with braids. Also, I use the method of stitch braids which makes my work look neater and more professional. I feel that what makes me stand out more is my personality. I am a happy person that loves and enjoys building my craft that makes my clients come back for the full experience. I always said 60% is your customer service and 40% your work. Also, I recently came out with my own Lash Line ‘Latina Braider Lashes’ which I am so proud of and is selling good. There are five different styles that fit perfectly to any person’s style. I can say I’m doing what I love and working hard to archive the rest of my dreams.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
An advantage of living in one of the most popular cities is that I have braided many people with different backgrounds. This city is full of diversity which made me meet various type of people. Towards my two years of braiding, numerous clients have come to me from different cities just to get braided. I feel like if I wasn’t in LA, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to work with many popular artists. For me personally, I love Los Ángeles and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Latina_braider
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