Check Out Darien Carrillo’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darien Carrillo

Hi Darien, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

After my first year of college, I realized I wasn’t passionate about the path I was on. Searching for something I’d truly enjoy, I found my way to cosmetology school. From day one, I knew I wanted to specialize in event hair, particularly bridal styles. I dedicated extra time to perfecting braids, updos, and styling techniques, determined to turn my passion into a career.

Once I graduated, I joined a salon and immediately expressed my interest in joining their bridal team. After gaining valuable experience, I decided to start my own bridal hair business while working out of a barbershop. Building my brand required effort—creating a portfolio, networking in local wedding vendor groups, and relying on word-of-mouth referrals.

Today, I work at Dapper Barbershop North in Colorado Springs doing men’s and women’s hair, and run my bridal business on the side. After nearly 9 years, I’m proud of the career I’ve built. Helping brides feel beautiful on their special day is my passion, and I truly love what I do.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There were definitely challenges early on. When I first started doing hair, I didn’t have much experience, so it was common to face doubts from clients. Occasionally, someone would be unhappy with the results, or I’d look at my work and know I could have done better. It also took time to build trust—both with the salon where I started and with the brides who booked me during those early days.

Managing my own inquiries and bookings has been another learning experience. It’s a constant work in progress—there have been times when I’ve lost clients because I took too long to respond or my style didn’t align with their vision. But I see every challenge as an opportunity to grow and improve, both in my craft and in how I handle my business.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At the beginning of my career, I focused primarily on women’s hair—cuts, color, and styling—but I also had some experience with men’s cuts. After transitioning to a barbershop, I stopped working on men’s hair entirely to concentrate on women’s services. Over time, I realized I wanted to shift away from spending as much time on hair color, which led me back to refining my skills in men’s cuts. Today, my work includes a mix of cutting men’s and women’s hair, doing occasional hair color, and running my bridal business.

Out of everything I do, bridal hair is where my passion truly lies. While I enjoy working behind the chair every day, traveling for weddings, getting to know brides and their bridal parties, and creating styles for such special moments brings me the most fulfillment. Bridal hair is what I’m most proud of and known for—it’s what I share most with friends, peers, and clients.

What sets me apart is the heart I put into my work. I’m not just there to do hair and earn a paycheck; I genuinely love connecting with the people I work with. Seeing a client’s face light up when I’ve brought their vision to life is the most rewarding part of what I do. I take pride in being genuine, reliable, and easy to communicate with, and I bring that energy into every service I provide.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
This industry is constantly changing, with new trends emerging often. I believe staying ahead of these changes is essential, and it aligns closely with my career goals. I am committed to ongoing professional development through activities such as taking relevant courses, attending industry conventions, and staying informed about new trends. I genuinely enjoy these opportunities to expand my knowledge and adapt to the industry’s advancements.

Pricing:

• Bridal Hair: $200
• Bridesmaids: $100
• Mother of the bride/groom:$100
• Flower girl: $70
• Travel fee: 1$/mile round trip

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_dolledupbydarien_?igsh=MW82NTA2czlpdXAzZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18LYPS5m9y/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
Vintage Violets Photography

Kasitimbay Photography

Rebecca Ashley Photo

Homeland Photography