Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikee Castaneda.
Mikee, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I always excelled academically in high school, however, I could never decide on a career field that I felt I could be happy in. I’m my twenties, I supported myself by working as a server/bartender. After I had my daughter Madison, I began to crave more stability and a better work schedule that allowed me to be there for her after school and on weekends. Over the years, friends and family had always asked me to style their hair or apply their makeup for special events so I decided to look into cosmetology. I had always been afraid to venture into an artistic career because I didn’t believe it could be a steady and stable source of income. I took a tour at my local beauty school, Elite Cosmetology. After seeing all of the support they offered their students and alumni, seeing that they provided students with only state of the art professional tools and products, and how quickly I could complete the program, I decided to go for it.
I quickly developed a strong passion for cosmetology. I loved learning how I could express my creativity every day. There was nothing more rewarding than the expressions of happiness and gratitude from my clients at the end of a service.
Not everyone supported my journey, and I even ended my marriage within the first few months of school, but nothing was going to stop me now that I had found my passion. I moved into my own home with my daughter, which meant that I had to work full time at the restaurant to support us both and attend school full time to graduate as fast as possible so that I could begin my career. My days began at 6AM and wouldn’t end until 1AM some nights. It was not an easy year, but we made it through and I felt well prepared to begin my new career.
I researched salons in the South Bay to find a salon whose culture and style paralleled those of my own. I was given a chance by one of the top three salons in the South Bay. I was hired as an assistant and through more education and mentorship, I worked my way up and built my clientele. I now rent a space in the salon and fully control my business. I no longer have to work a second job to support myself and my daughter and my career is so fulfilling. I also have the means to volunteer my services for the less fortunate. I am always learning and my business continues to grow. I even did some on-site work at two music festivals this year! After accomplishing so much in so little time, I am so excited to see where else this journey leads me!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like anything worth doing, this journey was not easy. I struggled to stay on track during school. My marriage had fallen apart, and with taking on more shifts at the restaurant, I wasn’t able to spend as much time with my daughter, and our relationship was struggling. However, we pushed through it and made it to graduation. I made sure that in the little time we did have to spend together. She always had my full attention. I kept reminding her, and myself, that this was just a small part of our life and that it was an investment in our future. The investment has paid off exponentially and we are closer than ever. Now that I make my own schedule, I am able to be present for her like I had never been able to in the past.
Please tell us about your business.
I provide most beauty services ranging from hair and makeup to facial waxing, however, it is very apparent that I thrive when it comes to color services! Color projects are like puzzles to me that I have to solve. There are plenty of ways to get to the desired result but which will be the healthiest, quickest, and most cost-efficient way to get there? That’s the nerdy part of my brain, but the creative part of me always gets excited for color services as well. I get to express art by using color patterns and techniques to transform your look! I finish each day not drained from work, but inspired and looking forward to the next fun project I get to create!
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
People ask me when I fell in love with doing hair. It didn’t happen until I was already in school doing it. You don’t always know your passion until you get your hands a little dirty and try it out. When given the option, always go down the road that scares you a little. You may end up loving that journey more, and if not, then at least you learned something new!
Contact Info:
- Address: Sutra Salon
24235 Hawthorne Blvd
Torrance, CA
90505 - Website: www.sutrasalon.com
- Phone: 7607921293
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @bb_MikeeMarie
- Facebook: @MikeeMarieBeauty
Image Credit:
Danny Silva photography
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