Meet Teresa E. Craven | Visual Storyteller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Teresa E. Craven and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Teresa E., why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I embarked on an artistic and creative career because creating has always provided me with a sense of peace. Since childhood, I have been drawing and designing. As a shy kid, I often kept to myself, but art became my outlet for expressing feelings I found difficult to vocalize. Sharing my art and seeing its impact on others brought me immense joy. Although I never envisioned becoming a hairstylist—my initial dream was to be a fashion designer in New York City, working on the runway—I found myself at a crossroads after high school. Faced with creative and financial struggles, I knew I needed to make a change to pursue my dreams. After reflecting on my lifestyle and choices, I decided to return to school to become a hairstylist. My goal was to work in a high-end salon, and after a year as an assistant, I became involved in hair and makeup for local community theater. As I progressed to a junior stylist, I also began designing costumes for those productions. Ultimately, I realized that transitioning from fashion design to hairstyling didn’t mean leaving design behind; rather, it became another valuable tool in my skillset. I have created far more in my career than I ever imagined.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a native of San Diego and have been a dedicated hairstylist for nine years. My expertise encompasses Vidal Sassoon haircutting, curly hair, and styles for all genders, including alternative hairstyles, children’s cuts, blonde treatments, permanent waving, hair extensions, fashion colors, as well as hair and makeup for special events. I am also proud to serve as an ambassador for Wigs for Kids.

Beyond the salon, my passion extends to cosplaying and costume design. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with several local theaters, earning the Best Costume Designer Award for my exceptional work on “The Rocky Horror Picture Show: The Musical” at OB Playhouse in 2021. Most recently, I competed as a contestant in the 2024 Her Universe Annual Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con, hosted by Mattel.

I have faced numerous obstacles on my journey to this point. There were times when I felt like giving up, but I realized that I could not abandon my passion. Helping others feel confident in their own skin through hairstyling gives me immense purpose. I have always dreamed of being a fashion designer, but in the early years of my career, I found myself distracted by the party scene and not living up to my potential. Eventually, I recognized the need to refocus and return to my studies in the arts. After obtaining my cosmetology license, I discovered that being a hairstylist came naturally to me.

With the foundation of my education, I strive to maintain high standards in styling and care for my clients, and I cherish the opportunity to pass this knowledge on to newer stylists. This craft has experienced tremendous growth and will continue to evolve, and I truly love this field. I cannot envision myself pursuing any other career for the rest of my life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
San Diego is a vibrant city filled with a myriad of dining options and activities. Here are my top five recommended places to eat:

5) Hodad’s: Known for some of the best hamburgers in the area, this laid-back joint in Ocean Beach is a must-visit.

4) Great Maple: This spot serves the best breakfast, and I highly recommend their “Pigs in a Blanket,” which features a large breakfast sausage wrapped in a pancake and drizzled with maple syrup. The mid-century modern decor complements their generous portion sizes.

3) Surf Rider Pizza: Arguably the best pizza in town, Surf Rider is famous for its thin, crunchy crust and ample slices. They have multiple locations, all of which consistently deliver great quality.

2) City Tacos: Renowned for their flavorful, generously sized tacos, City Tacos also features a “Taco of the Month” that’s always a hit.

1) My ultimate favorite is Fortune Son, a Chinese restaurant known for its incredibly fresh offerings. Expect a two-hour wait with no reservations, but the stunning decor—complete with cherry blossoms adorning the ceiling and intimate lighting—makes it worth it.

In addition to dining, San Diego boasts some fantastic speakeasies. I particularly enjoy Youngblood in the downtown area, where bartenders craft drinks right before your eyes, explaining each step of the process. Another favorite is the Music Bar on Convoy, which requires a little adventure as you enter through an alley next to a dumpster. Once inside, you’ll experience a completely transformed atmosphere.

If you love Asian culture, Convoy is the place to explore, offering a wide array of culinary delights from Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, and more. There are also karaoke bars where you can rent private rooms and sing with friends.

For sightseeing, hiking at Torrey Pines and Cowles Mountain offers stunning views with relatively easy 30-minute trails. La Jolla is home to a fantastic aquarium, and Balboa Park is a beautiful spot rich in history, featuring museums, live theater, and the renowned San Diego Zoo.

For beach lovers, Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach provides breathtaking views. San Diego truly has something for everyone, making it challenging to list all the wonderful experiences available!

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 deeply grateful to the many individuals who have influenced my journey and contributed to my success in my career. First and foremost, I would like to thank my family and friends who have supported my passion for the arts from the very beginning. My family consistently encouraged me to pursue my dreams, while my friends, whom I consider family, have shown unwavering support for my craft, and I truly feel their love.

I would like to express my gratitude to my high school dance instructor, Mrs. Marta Jiacoletti, who provided me with the opportunity to design dancewear and costumes for our performances. Her encouragement to excel in design has been invaluable.

I am also thankful for my good friend Nate Khouli, who offered me the chance to collaborate with his clothing company, Damascus, in 2014. He now runs Neo4ic, a Cyberpunk Street Wear brand, and his support reignited my passion for design.

After obtaining my cosmetologist license, I worked as an assistant at DK Hair, where the team mentored me extensively. I acquired vital skills in haircutting techniques from Vidal Sassoon, styling and product knowledge from Bumble and Bumble, and color education from L’Oréal Professional. I am forever grateful for the knowledge I gained during my four years with them.

Additionally, I want to thank my good friend Mallory Johnson, the owner of The Palms Hair Studio. We worked together while I was an assistant at DK Hair, and she was a constant source of support. When I decided to become independent in 2020, she guided me through the process of starting my business, and her encouragement has been a significant source of positivity and inspiration in my life.

Lastly, I want to express my love and gratitude to my fiancé, Jose Regidor. He has believed in my craft even before we started dating, and he continually motivates me, collaborates with me on my creative ideas, and enthusiastically participates in cosplay. He brings out the best in me, especially during my creative endeavors.

Website: https://www.craven-beauty.com/

Instagram: @craven.beauty

Image Credits
Studio Photography from Jesslan Lee Photography

Salon chair photo from Lia Loo Photography

Grogu Photo from Rafael Santos Photography

Her Universe Fashion Show 2024 by Gettyimages