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

Hi Troy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted to start my own business, because I really wanted to have control over how well my business does. I really wanted to make sure that it was going to be in my hands. I’m gonna make sure it’s successful because I’m gonna put all the hard work I can into growing my business and seeing my career through.
As they say, necessity is the mother of invention. I had always worked for other people up until that point. And I was ready to sink or swim by my own efforts. In other words, I really wanted to test my own drive and talent to propel me to see what I could do. Sink or swim it was going to be up to me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Having been a part of the film and television Hair And Make Up Union for 25 years now, I’ve had some very memorable experiences. One of my all-time favorite shows I’ve ever worked on is the sitcom, Everybody Loves Raymond. I’m still in touch with so many of the cast and crew from that show. We had such a blast shooting the show. And I know a lot of people say this, but we really were like a family. In my career I’ve met many amazing actresses, all who have meant so much to me. Some of my favorite clients with whom I have worked with are Jacki Weaver, Stockard Channing, Jessica Lang, Doris Roberts, and Judith Light.
I remember having a hair test with Doris Roberts. I started by washing her hair and blew it dry. After I blew it dry, I curled it and put it in clips. And then they called for us to go on our lunch break. We are at Warner Brothers Studio. And she asked me if I would like to join her for lunch in the Studio’s cafeteria And I said sure. As we were walking to lunch she said do you want this job? And I said oh yes, I would love to have the job. And she smiled at me and said, okay then it’s yours. And I said but you haven’t even seen your hair styled yet. She smiled at me said, I don’t need to see my hair finished, I can already tell I’m gonna like it.
She was such a sweet person. I continued to see her for her hair long after the show ended.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I do love to explore the city. I think LA has so much to offer. I love the ocean and I love the mountains.
I’m a big fan of Topanga Canyon, Ojai and Malibu. I just find it so peaceful by the water. I would probably spend part of the day walking along the strand in Venice or Malibu. I really love that restaurant in Malibu that has the chairs and tables on the beach in the sand. And I also love the restaurant that’s on the pier in Malibu. It’s called Malibu Farm Restaurant.
There’s a Mexican restaurant in Ojai that I love. I can’t always remember the name of it but it’s two guys names and sometimes I have to look it up. It’s called Jim and Rob‘s Fresh Grill.
And my favorite place to see any live event is the Hollywood bowl. I recently took my kids to see Bugs Bunny at the Hollywood Bowl with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. We had a blast. I’ve seen my favorite bands perform there. It’s always a fun show. I think the acoustics and the layout of the Hollywood bowl as an amphitheatre is just incredible.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am a long standing member of Local 706, the Hair And Make Up Union. I feel that most of our union brothers and sisters lift each other up and support each other. I get a lot of commercial and TV work and work on big budget films thanks to many of the Hair And Make Up people in our Union.
I’m also newly married and I credit my partner for being supportive and loving. Otherwise it wouldn’t be possible for me to work the long hours that the demanding film and television industry can present. And as a father of twin boys, I feel they also drive me to want to do well and take good care of them. They also inspire me every day.
I feel like life can throw challenges at us all, and staying inspired is something from which we can all benefit, otherwise work can get stagnant.
I find inspiration by using my imagination in books and magazines and traveling. The last two summers, my family and I went to a few different islands in Greece.

Website: https://Chroma-style.com

Instagram: Zestoscolorstudio

Facebook: Zestos Color Studio

Other: I’m also discussing all things hair care as a guest on the recent podcast the Dork Forrest with Jackie Kashian.

Image Credits
Alanis Morissette and me on the set of Get Him to The Greek. Photograph taken by. Make up artist Jenni Clark..

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.