Meet Rachel Castaneda Ciriaco

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Castaneda Ciriaco.

Hi Rachel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It all started with my aunt. She had five boys, and I was the niece that loved to stay the weekends and convince her to let me do the best “clown” makeup on that beautiful face. It wasn’t my best work considering I was only about five years old, but we always had so much fun! Fast forward to years later when I started to be much more expressive and creative with my own hair and makeup, as well as experimenting on friends. The fact that this had turned into a passion wouldn’t click until the day my sister-in-law called me in tears. Her waist length hair was cut into a short pixie. I wasn’t sure why she decided to do that when she’d never had short hair in her life, but I did know that I could help. As I was re-styling her new do and applying some sassy makeup, she says “Rachel, if you have so much fun doing this stuff, why don’t you just do it for a living?” BOOM! It clicked! The continuous debates going on in my head finally ended… this was IT!

Salon life was foreign to me and I had questions. How do they run? What really goes on behind the scenes? How do I know this is the right thing for me after all? In order to answer these questions, I jumped right in and got a job at the salon I frequented for my own hair as a receptionist. It didn’t take long to realize that this was my jam… I belonged here! Creativity expressed on a different kind of canvas and in an environment that was fun! Here is where my adventures in hair would begin.

This journey of mine in the hair industry has been full of fun, achievement, struggles, and discoveries, but all of these years have helped me to blossom and grow in ways I never could have imagined. When I say this has been a journey, it’s not only my own but of everyone else that has grown with me. The relationships with the incredible people that sit in my chair and trust me enough to share their life stories and struggles. The fellow stylists I’ve worked with and learned from. The incredible support of friends, family, and guests. The experiences and opportunities from having work published in Orlando Bridal Magazine to doing photoshoots and working with celebrities. These only name a few things to season my career, and I am especially grateful!

Now, on to the next journey. I have recently opened my own salon, it’s cozy but perfect. This at times still feels surreal, but when I come in for a full day of making people beautiful, what strikes me is that it’s not! This IS real and am surrounded by a team that can truly be known for nothing short of talented, supportive, and a joy to work with. Truly, I am blessed to be so fortunate to be able to change how people feel about themselves. To give confidence and self-esteem back, to empower and strengthen. All in a day’s work of loving what I do!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There is no progress from one phase to another if there were no struggles. Struggle is what makes us human and humble and from that comes experience, wisdom, and confidence.

My mom said something to me once at a time I was ready to give up, to quit hair for good. Something that changed my mindset completely. She said, “What you do is something very special, you make people feel good about themselves. But there will be times when it won’t matter how good your work is, they won’t feel good. There will be times when your skills will not be enough. Life can at times cause you to be unhappy, and you might be blamed for that but it won’t be your fault, even when they say it is.” Her wise words changed how I would continue dealing with the struggles of others. There are a lot of talented artists out there, and what makes us even better artists are the challenges that we have overcome.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My passion for hair varies in the vision. I absolutely LOVE complete makeovers. When my lovely ladies allow me to completely change their color, style, and brows, it’s gonna be a great day! I specialize in enhancing natural beauty, dimensional color, short haircuts, extensions to create length and fullness, and soon, microblading.

Growth doesn’t happen without continuous education, so I avail myself to that often. Our industry is constantly changing, and changing with it is crucial. Being proud of how far I’ve come is definitely special, but I’m most proud of the fact that people can trust me with their confidence. It can be an easy thing to shatter, so it is not to be taken lightly.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
If there is one vital thing this pandemic has taught me, it is how incredibly important it is to create a safe space for those who put their trust in us. Not just in a physical way, but mentally as well. Yes, my reputation precedes me for being obsessive about cleanliness and sanitation. Want to know how obsessive I am? Just ask any of my workmates and salon guests! They often joke about it, but make no mistake, they can relax here. Many have expressed appreciation that they can rely on the fact that they are coming to a clean and sanitized environment.

While the physical aspect is important, I truly believe that the mental is even more so. There have been struggles that often can’t be expressed. Sometimes, the only expression is in their tears. But that is ok. They know that I’m here for them, that I will listen, even help if possible. That has been the most profound lesson for me personally. People need a safe space now more than ever to express themselves. My heart goes out to them and even at times makes it feel heavy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. If coming to the salon makes you feel good inside as well as on the outside, then I am happy to help lighten the load at least for a little bit.

Contact Info:

• Email: info@rcstyles.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/getRCstyles
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/getRCstyles
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/J5krijWoMib
• Other: www.instagram.com/RCsaloncollective

Image Credits
Photos by Manny Peralta.