At just four years old, Ciarra O’Reilly was cutting Barbie’s hair and crafting new looks, foreshadowing her future as a hairstylist and makeup artist. Now a thriving business owner, Ciarra’s passion lies in more than just aesthetics—it’s about making people feel confident, seen, and beautiful in their own skin. From her early beginnings in Downers Grove, Illinois, to running her own boutique, her story reflects a deep commitment to her craft and the people she serves.

Ciarra’s journey into beauty was anything but conventional. By the time she graduated high school, she already had her cosmetology license, a feat made possible through a dual-enrollment program at the Technology Center of DuPage. At just 18, she was working in salons, navigating the challenges of being taken seriously as a young professional in an industry dominated by older stylists. “I had to grow up quickly,” Ciarra shares, explaining how her maturity and dedication helped her thrive.

For Ciarra, beauty isn’t just a job; it’s an emotional connection. “I love making people feel beautiful and confident,” she says. Whether she’s perfecting a bride’s wedding day look or teaching a client how to master contouring, Ciarra’s goal is always to uplift. “I’ll teach my clients exactly what I’m doing and why. They appreciate that—and they remember me for it.”

Despite her natural talent, Ciarra emphasizes the importance of personality in her line of work. “You can be the best makeup artist out there, but if your personality isn’t there, no one’s going to want to work with you.” This philosophy has been a cornerstone of her success, allowing her to build trust and rapport with clients.

Ciarra’s work extends beyond the salon chair. She’s ventured into weddings, events, and even networking to break into film and print work. “It’s a busy industry with a lot of talented artists,” she admits. Finding her niche is an ongoing process, but she’s clear about one thing: “I think my personality sets me apart. It’s what draws people to me.”

Her artistry is rooted in simplicity and authenticity. “Less is more,” she advises, explaining her preference for natural, understated looks that enhance rather than mask features. Whether it’s a bride preparing for her big day or a client learning to manage acne, Ciarra’s approach is to highlight individuality. “I want people to look like themselves, just a more confident version.”

Balance, however, remains one of her biggest challenges. Running a business while staying present in her personal life is no small feat, especially for someone as driven as Ciarra. “I’m still learning how to separate work from life,” she admits, adding that she prioritizes moments that truly matter to her.

When asked about the best advice she’s received, Ciarra’s response is simple yet profound: “Stay true to yourself. Don’t change for anybody.” It’s advice she not only lives by but also shares with others, encouraging them to embrace risks and pursue what they love.

For those interested in learning more about Ciarra’s work, her business, CFO Beauty, is a reflection of her creativity and expertise. Whether through social media or word of mouth, her growing clientele is a testament to the energy and artistry she brings to every project.

Mireya Villarreal didn’t set out to create an international brand; she simply followed her instincts, trusted her passions, and took bold steps when others might have hesitated. Today, she’s the CEO and founder of Pink Pewter, a global beauty accessory empire that started with a simple idea at her kitchen table. Her story isn’t just about business—it’s about resilience, creativity, and the unshakable belief that challenges can be transformed into opportunities.

Growing up in a close-knit Latino household, Mireya watched her mother turn a humble porch into a thriving salon. “My mom was a social butterfly who could connect with anyone,” Mireya recalls. Her mother’s drive and determination left a lasting impression. Mireya quickly learned that hard work was non-negotiable, whether it was helping at the salon, juggling college classes, or attending beauty school—an endeavor her mother enrolled her in without asking. “I didn’t want to be a hairdresser,” Mireya admits, “but my mom always said, ‘You need something to fall back on.’”

What started as a reluctant journey into hairstyling eventually became a love for making others feel beautiful. Yet, Mireya’s path took an unexpected turn when she began designing hair accessories for her daughter, who was born with little hair. Frustrated by the lack of appealing options, she channeled skills learned from her grandmother and started crafting her own. “I made them at my kitchen table and sent my daughter to school wearing them. People loved them and wanted to know where to buy them,” Mireya shares.

That spark of interest led her to create samples and approach local boutiques and salons. “The first shop said no, but I kept going. By the end of the day, I had purchase orders and no inventory to fill them,” she laughs. What seemed daunting became her motivation. She worked tirelessly, creating accessories by hand and fulfilling orders, knowing she was onto something special.

The real turning point came when Mireya saved enough money to exhibit at a major trade show in New York—a gamble that paid off in ways she couldn’t have imagined. Despite feeling out of place among the larger, more established brands, Mireya's small booth caught the attention of buyers from major retailers, including Chico’s and White House Black Market. “I didn’t know how to handle their requirements, but I told myself, ‘I’ll figure it out.’ And I did,” she says.

Mireya’s determination has been the foundation of her success, but she emphasizes the importance of relationships. “Relationships are your biggest asset. Be honest, deliver what you promise, and always listen to your customers,” she advises. That philosophy has guided Pink Pewter from handmade hair accessories to innovative products like the patented Never Let Go comb, designed to meet the practical needs of stylists.

Her story isn’t just about business triumphs; it’s also about giving back. During the pandemic, Mireya launched the Pink Pewter Foundation to support struggling beauty professionals. She also designed headbands to ease the discomfort of wearing masks for long hours and donated over 10,000 units to healthcare workers. “When you give from the heart, it comes back in ways you don’t expect,” she reflects.

Mireya’s success isn’t about luck—it’s about preparation, persistence, and passion. She’s candid about the challenges of entrepreneurship, including moments when giving up seemed easier. “Life isn’t always pretty; it’s up and down. But if you stay focused and organized, you can overcome anything,” she says.

Through it all, Mireya remains committed to empowering others. Her books and workshops share lessons she’s learned, encouraging others to pursue their dreams with confidence. “Passion sells,” she says simply, “and hard work makes it possible.”

In the world of hair styling, there are artists who transcend the ordinary and create masterpieces with every strand. One such visionary is Anthony Cristiano, a renowned hair stylist whose passion and dedication have earned him a prominent place in the industry. Recently, Anthony had the opportunity to share his remarkable journey on The Alined Podcast, hosted by the charismatic Imran Khan.

Imran Khan, the star host of The Alined Podcast, knows how to create a space where guests can open up and share their personal stories. With his insightful questions, Imran delved deep into Anthony Cristiano's life, uncovering the secrets behind his success and the lessons he has learned along the way.

Anthony's journey in the world of hair styling began over a decade ago when he established his own salon. Reflecting on his entrepreneurial spirit, he shared, "I'm always looking to develop my brand further and just looking for other opportunities. We've been at our current location for 11 years, but I'm constantly keeping my eyes open for growth and creating opportunities for my staff."

One of the key takeaways from Anthony's story is the importance of gratitude and humility. Despite his accomplishments, he remains grounded and considers himself lucky to be doing what he loves. He emphasized, "My work doesn't make up who I am as a person. I'm just lucky enough to do the work that I do and do well at it. I try to be mindful of everything I accomplish and set new goals."

Imran was captivated by Anthony's work ethic and motivation. He acknowledged, "Your work ethic is unbelievable, and I admire that. It's clear that you truly love what you do." Anthony's passion for his craft shines through in every project he takes on, including his ongoing collaboration with Sports Illustrated.

He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with the best in the industry, saying, "I've been with Sports Illustrated for over the last 10 issues, and I'm thrilled to continue working with such a great company."

During the podcast, Anthony also discussed the unique approach of his salon, emphasizing the importance of mastery and individual expression. He explained, "We have a departmentalized system where each technician focuses on either color or haircuts. Through our rigorous two-year training program, we aim to create master craftsmen who express themselves uniquely through their own craft."

The personal connection between Anthony and Imran was evident throughout the conversation. Imran praised Anthony's dedication to his staff, saying, "I'm extremely motivated by your commitment to mentor your team and create opportunities for them. It's inspiring to see how you invest in their careers and futures."

Anthony's story serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs alike. Through his dedication, gratitude, and commitment to mastery, he has created a brand that continues to grow and inspire others.

As Imran beautifully summarized, "Anthony Cristiano's story reminds us that falling in love with what you do and constantly striving to improve is the key to success. He is a true artist, and his work speaks volumes."

In a world where trends come and go, Anthony Cristiano stands as a testament to the timeless artistry of hair styling. So, the next time you visit his salon or explore his work, remember the words of Anthony himself: "Fall in love with what you do, develop yourself, and never stop learning. The journey is just as important as the destination."