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

Hi Cassandra, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I would say the most important factor behind my success is building solid, trusting relationships with my clients and co-workers.

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.
I am a professional hairstylist and makeup artist based in San Diego, CA. I have worked all over Los Angeles County, Orange County and surrounding areas of San Diego. From editorial photo shoots, weddings, all sorts of events, studios, big salons, small salons… I’ve had my fair share of work in this industry and I love all the options that connect us to other artists and forms of creativity that remind us why we love what we do so much and the endless platforms we have to express ourselves. I learned early on that building strong relationships was the key to success because of how small our industry is and yet, how many other people are capable of doing the same job. When you begin to build trust and people realize they can rely on you to give them what they want, when they want it, that is what helps you stand out amongst the competition. It is one thing to be good at your job, it is another to take special care of it and deliver your best 100% of the time. People notice when love and detail are given and it’s also important for yourself to enjoy your time doing it and allowing yourself to be open to new opportunities. I want the world to know that I care for each one of my clients with the utmost respect, time, and detail. From the moment they sit in my chair, I listen. I take everything into consideration and I have a genuine conversation in order to help them relax, feel comfortable and trust that I will do all I can to make sure we are on the same page before we even begin. I get to know my clients on a personal level to understand who they are and what they need. I don’t rush, I don’t take the easy ways out and cut corners. I deliver my best work each time and it means just as much to me to get it right and send my clients off happy, as it does to them. I appreciate and respect my client’s time, their support and their wishes. It is not about me, but about us and our ability to work together as a unit.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a San Diego native, born and raised and I will always be the biggest cheerleader for my city! I did long distance with my current boyfriend for almost three years so I kind of consider myself a pro when it comes to showing people around the city and delivering the best time! It’s super hard to narrow it down but there are TONS of things to do here and the fun can really feel endless in my opinion. First things first- Brunch! Duh haha. The fact that it’s almost impossible to check off all the breakfast spots on your list should already tell you how SD gets down. Once you choose the location you’d like to spend your day at, the search narrows down. Let’s say we start with a beach day because hello, it is Sunny San Diego. My ultimate favorite spot for a delicious, homestyle breakfast with an ocean view definitely has to go to Kono’s Cafe in Pacific Beach. Can’t go wrong with either one of their “Big Breakfasts” and that outdoor deck that sits right on top of the sand on the surfer’s side of the pier. Once you finish your food, you’ll want to walk it off. Check out the old wooden pier that sways when you walk down to the end of it for an effortless epic picture and then continue your walk down the boardwalk towards Mission Beach’s Belmont Park. Stop in for a drink at any one of the local bars and maybe even rent a beach cruiser or paddleboard for a couple of hours. You could seriously spend the rest of your day here soaking in the sun and maybe finishing the day with a burrito from any of the taco shops along the way or sushi because you can never really go wrong with either one here, while catching Sea World’s fireworks if you’re visiting in the summer or ending the day with a bonfire on the sand next to The Bahia Resort Hotel. If the beach isn’t your thing, check out North Park and all the surrounding communities in the area. Start your day with some bomb breakfast and yummy drinks from Breakfast Republic or The Mission, both on University Ave. But beware of longggg wait times, no matter the day. Catch a game or fight at any of the lounge bars and come with an empty stomach because breweries, coffee shops and great food are everywhere you look when you hangout here and it’s also a place meant for fun anytime of the day or night. Take an Uber or Lyft to Southpark, Adam’s Ave, Normal Heights, Hillcrest, Balboa Park, Downtown or even the zoo! These are all huge parts of the local communities and not far from each other at all! Don’t forget to take a cruise around the bay and get a different view from the water, feel like a complete tourist while visiting Harbor Island, Point Loma, Coronado Island (stop at the Hotel Del Coronado and have a drink outside on their deck) and last but definitely not least, Old Town has to be on your list for dinner, charm, history and rich Hispanic culture that San Diego thrives on! I have to give a quick shoutout to City Heights, my neighborhood for the last seven or so years. It is by far the most diverse area in SD and it is rapidly changing and growing everyday. Small businesses are popping up on every corner and I know this will be the next up and coming area if it isn’t already. If you find yourself nearby, you have to stop into City Farmers Nursery to get your plant fix and then walk on over to their restaurant called Nate’s Garden Grill for phenomenal food, service and live music! They even offer vegan options that are so tasty. I couldn’t say more positive things about this place and it really became my favorite thing to do on my days off while living here. I can literally go on and on depending on what part you’re staying in and what your interests are but I guarantee that one week is not long enough to soak it all in. I didn’t even mention all the hikes and walking trails that offer beautiful views all over the place! Even living here your whole life doesn’t feel like enough time to see and do it all!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to give a shoutout to all my wonderful clients who have supported me throughout the years and all the amazing stylists I’ve had the honor and pleasure of working with while building my career, specifically the ones I’ve worked alongside for the last six years at Studio 99 Salon & Wellness Center. Thank you for pushing me to be my best even when I couldn’t see my potential myself. For providing a safe and loving work environment and for allowing me to set my own boundaries on my own time while teaching me how to learn more, grow more and be more for myself and my business. I will forever be grateful to the ones I’ve shared my time and space with. I couldn’t have gotten any luckier.

Website: www.beautybycassrico.com
Instagram: beautybycassrico
Facebook: Beauty by CassRico