Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolina Acuña
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was raised in Mexicali, B.C., Mexico, as the youngest of five siblings. My father was a criminologist, and my mother, a talented hair and makeup artist. As a little girl, I would sit beside her and watch in awe as she styled her hair and applied her makeup. Those moments sparked a deep love for creativity in me, and I knew from an early age that I wanted to become an artist.
After graduating high school, I took a leap of faith and moved to Paris to attend a fashion design school. It was there that I truly discovered the boundless possibilities of creativity, and I knew that this was my path. Eventually, I returned to the United States and settled in San Diego, where I was fortunate to be recruited by MAC Cosmetics as they expanded in the early 2000s. I spent 16 incredible years working with MAC, building my freelance portfolio and honing my skills. In 2004, I attended Paul Mitchell the School when it first opened its doors in San Diego. Becoming a licensed cosmetologist allowed me to fully embrace both hair and makeup, two passions that have shaped my career.
Throughout my journey, I’ve been lucky enough to work on music videos, with celebrities and artists on tour, and even at prestigious events like the Oscars, the Globe Awards, and LA and San Diego Fashion Weeks. I’ve also had the privilege of being part of incredible photoshoots that have allowed me to bring my vision to life in powerful ways.
However, my path took on a deeper meaning after my mother’s battle with cancer. In the midst of the grief, I wanted to honor her memory. I thought back to those moments when she would call me into the room as she got ready and yelled “traeme la pistola” which translates to “bring me the blow dryer.” In her honor, I named my salon Pistolas, a tribute to those moments that shaped who I am today.
Pistolas Beauty & Salon has not only allowed me to live my passion, but it’s also given me the chance to give back to the community that supported me throughout my life. We’ve partnered with Rady’s Children’s Hospital for their upcoming Celebration of Champions event, as well as organizations like the San Diego Sirens and the Los Angeles Charger Girls, providing beauty services.
I truly believe that I was born to serve, and I’m so grateful to do so through Pistolas Beauty & Salon. Each day, I feel honored to be able to share my artistry with the world and make a difference in the lives of others.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Opening Pistolas Beauty & Salon has been anything but smooth, but every challenge has shaped it into what it is today. Like any entrepreneur, I’ve faced my fair share of struggles, some expected, others completely unforeseen.
One of the biggest challenges was taking the leap from being a well-established freelance artist to running a brick-and-mortar business. While I had years of experience in the beauty industry, stepping into the world of business ownership came with a steep learning curve. Managing operations, finances, marketing, and a team while still being the creative force behind the salon required a level of balance and resilience I never knew I had.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Pistolas Beauty & Salon isn’t just a salon, it’s an experience!
At Pistolas, we specialize in luxury hair and makeup services designed to enhance natural beauty while embracing individuality. Our team is made up of passionate, skilled artists who bring expertise, creativity, and a personalized touch to every client. Whether it’s a flawless blowout, precision haircuts, color transformations, bridal and event styling, or professional makeup artistry, we take pride in delivering exceptional results tailored to each client’s vision.
What sets us apart is our experienced makeup and hair artists and legendary customer service! Beyond our salon services, we are proud to be deeply involved in the community.
Brand-wise, we are most proud of our authenticity and the connections we build. Our clients aren’t just customers, they’re part of the Pistolas family. We are known for our warm, welcoming atmosphere and our ability to make every person who walks through our doors feel seen, heard, and beautiful.
For those looking for more than just a salon visit, Pistolas is a place where artistry meets heart. Whether you need a fresh look, professional styling for a special event, or just a confidence boost, we’re here to make you look and feel your absolute best!
What matters most to you? Why?
From a young age, I learned that beauty is more than just appearance; it’s about confidence, self-expression, and the way we carry ourselves in the world. That’s why Pistolas Beauty & Salon isn’t just about hair and makeup, it’s about creating an experience where people walk out feeling like the best version of themselves.
I believe in the power of connection. Whether it’s with my clients, my team, or the community, I want every interaction to leave a positive imprint. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone light up when they see themselves in the mirror, realizing their own beauty.
Giving back is also at the core of everything I do. Partnering with organizations like Rady’s Children’s Hospital and supporting women in the beauty and sports industries is a way for me to pay forward the opportunities I’ve had. I want to build something bigger than myself, something that uplifts others and creates lasting change.
At the end of the day, what matters most is purpose. Knowing that my work, my salon, and my passion for beauty are making a difference in people’s lives. That’s what keeps me going!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pistolasbeauty.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pistolas_beauty
- Facebook: Pistolas Salon
