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

Hi Carla, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I am always trying to do better. I think anyone who thinks as much about doing what they do better as I do would naturally be successful.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I first went to cosmetology school for hair styling, then joined an apprenticeship program at a salon where I could do more school and more hands on training. I quickly attached myself to mentors and sought out the best. I stayed under the wing of at least 4-5 people for about 3 years. Just as I began work in a makeup store my colleagues began to ask me to do more and more special occasion hair so I focused on makeup knowing the two would go well hand in hand. I feel like this is the moment I started to go my own way and had something different than everyone I was working with. I could do a complete makeover for someone and people were searching for an artist like me. The challenge at first was to just be ok at something..My peers were specializing and quickly becoming amazing at things I was just ok at so far. I was even told by a mentor that I should focus on something. After all that time spent learning so many things I feel like focusing on everything is really what has made me successful today. The challenge at that time was to not let people steer me but to understand what it was that made me happy. Follow your instinct and your heart. If something comes naturally to you, explore it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would love to show my guests Washington DC. Maybe finally go to the African American History Museum which I have not explored. Depending on the time of year we could take some amazing nature walks, admire the cherry blossoms and walk amongst the monuments in DC. The area is a very outdoorsy and the people are active so I’d tell anyone visiting to get ready to move around and possibly bring your bike or kayak! After all that walking and activity we could then head over to a brunch spot like Commissary. Due to covid, no matter what the plan is, catching up safely is a priority for me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have had a lot of administrative help but nothing like the help I’ve had for the last 4 years. My shoutout is to Erin from @maybely_q. She sees all the inquiries that come in from beginning to the end. She has been a part of me experimenting and exploring. She is flexible, reliable, and knows what she is doing. Everyone who has come and gone has left a lesson, whether it be never to work with friends, only hire qualified people, etc, but from Erin I continue to learn and lean on. Everyone needs an Erin!

Website: carla@carlapressley.com

Instagram: @carlapressleyhairmakeup

Other: We are undergoing some changes this year so please connect using our website.

Image Credits
@ajanitruth for the headshots | @tillyblairphoto for the black and white while I’m workin shot

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