Meet Mikee Castaneda | Self employed hairstylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mikee Castaneda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mikee, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I work harder for myself than I’ve worked for any other employer. When I first became self employed, I worked every minute I was awake. I became a little obsessed with making as much money as I could. I soon realized that wasn’t the way to go. I had to make sure that I took time out for myself. I needed to rest so that I could produce better work. Now I make sure I have a very healthy balance of work and home life. When I’m at work I give my clients my best, and in between appointments, I try to reply to emails and inquiries. When I’m home I dedicate that time to my daughter and my own hobbies and interests. Sometimes I still work from home but I always catch myself before it becomes too unbalanced.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think what sets me apart from others in my business is that I never forget that although I am an artist, I’m a commissioned artist. I’m working to provide the client with their vision for beauty. I’m here to coach and give tips but ultimately I want the client to feel the most comfortable with their new look. I pride myself on my listening skills and comprehension of what our goal is for the appointment.

Getting to where I am came with challenges including having to build a new clientele in a city I just moved to. I saw this as an opportunity to start fresh and build my business through word of mouth. I gave every client a unique and amazing experience that they told all of their friends about.

One of the lessons I learned was to always keep the client’s vision above my own ego. I would collaborate with them to give them an enhanced version which blew them away.

The reason I got into this business was to make everyone feel special. Everyone deserves to feel like the best version of themselves.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Whenever a friend is visiting from out of town I’m so excited to show them around. We have to go to the Griffith Observatory first to see the gorgeous view and the Hollywood sign. After that we have to go on a mini tour of the local beaches. They are all so unique and have something different to offer from The luxurious shopping and dining in Manhattan Beach to the nostalgic Redondo Beach pier.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be here at all had it not been for the amazing cosmetology school I was lucky enough to belong to. From the very beginning they treated the students like future successful business owners. They didn’t just give us the bare minimum education, they provided us with specialty classes and guest speakers to encourage and inspire us. They even sat down with us monthly and asked for our feedback. I still refer back to the business skills I was taught. I’m very grateful for Elite Cosmetology School in Yucca Valley. Out of this tiny desert town, they’re sending out so many success stories like my own.

Instagram: @bb_Mikeemarie

Other: All of my links can be found at https://poplme.co/mikeecastaneda

Image Credits
Bree Tagle TNP Photography