Daily Inspiration: Meet Jill Castaneda

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Castaneda.

Hi Jill, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
In 2003, I was an eager kid about to graduate high school and take on the world. After a few college visits, I decided to take a look at cosmetology school. My visit was great but there was one phrase that really stuck with me… 10 months and you will complete the program and be out on your own! 10 months I thought, my friends are getting 4 years, at least!

So it was at that moment I decided, this was for me, but not right then. Fast forward to 2010, I was a college graduate, who had been working as a management trainer for a retail clothing company, traveling around the country helping build businesses, and meeting lots of great people. My time in the retail world was great but I just did not feel fulfilled, I was missing something.

After one of many a 1000 conversations with my mom, my mom did what any great mom does, she listened and then offered her advice… she said “kid, just do it, go to cosmetology school, explore that passion” and just like that here we are… I am the proud owner of The Salon 515. I had a great start at a small local salon in my hometown of Emporia, then a move to Overland Park, which I landed an amazing rental opportunity at Lulu Salon, and a stellar position with Chanel at Nordstrom, which all led me to be able to open The Salon 515.

The Salon 515 is a tribute to my mom who is born on May 15th. Hustle, hard work, and great support from my clients and family have afforded me the opportunity to share my passion every day.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Just like any road, there have been a few potholes and sometimes poor road conditions… but those things don’t last and I feel like I’m on the sunny side of the street!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a hairstylist, it is my main goal to help people feel their best. If you ask any of my clients I think they will all say the same thing, I am a straight shooter. My career in cosmetology did not spark from being a little girl always doing my hair, or always helping friends get ready for school dances, it came from a TV show.

In high school and college, I loved to watch What Not to Wear. Although the clothes helped, it was the moment when the woman sat in the chair and had her hair and makeup done. In a matter of hours, even minutes, confidence, happiness, a part of her that had been lost, or maybe she didn’t know was there was brought to light. It was watching these moments that made me want to be able to do that for women.

So when you are in my chair I am always listening, paying close attention to my clients wants and needs, but I am going to always offer my professional opinion on what is going to make you feel your best, because sometimes people don’t know exactly what they need or want, and it is my job to help them discover it.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I love all things live, local and old! My husband and I share a passion for adventures! We love to pack up and hit the road and combine seeing some of our favorite musicians with antique malls and thrift store stops along the way. I love the history that something vintage comes with, whether I know the true story or I make one up in my mind, I love keeping the life in something that was once someone else’s.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @The Salon515
• Facebook: The Salon 515