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Karla is coiffing and creating it all at KASA!

Karla Vazquez

Karla Vazquez is the owner of not one, but two, local salons. We recently caught up with this busy mom and second-generation stylist to learn more about her success and what she recommends for a good hair day.

MOMSTOWN: Tell us about Karla Vazquez!

KARLA: Hi, my name is Karla and three years ago I moved back to California and called San Elijo Hills my new home after living overseas.

After having to start all over again, I am so thankful for the support and trust of my past clients as well as the new clients and friends I have made while opening my first salon, KASA here in the Town Square in 2020. I recently opened my second salon ARTEZA in the village of Rancho Santa Fe and I’m excited to see what the new year brings!

MOMSTOWN: How did you get started in the beauty industry?

KARLA: I started working at a hair salon when I was 15 years old because my mom was a hairdresser. It just came naturally to me and I would practice on all of my girlfriends hair. I started beauty school two days after graduating high school and the rest is history!

MOMSTOWN: What is it about your work that brings you the greatest joy?

KARLA: One of my greatest joys is making people feel good. I also love that I get to go through life events with my clients from the bad to the good, it really helps create a special bond. The more you get to know someone, the better you can create the hair style that fits them best.

MOMSTOWN: What is the most difficult part of your business?

KARLA: Aside from the balancing act of running two salons, being a mom to a threeyear-old, and taking time for myself, I think the hardest part is having to separate the creative and business side. Sometimes, I have to make decisions based on what would be best for business and less on my passions.

MOMSTOWN: What advice do you have to help others follow their passions and dreams?

KARLA: In order to do what you love I’ve realized that you’re going to have to master a lot of things that you do not like. For me, it’s math, I’ve always hated it. But in order to be successful I had to step outside of my comfort zone to learn how to run the financial side of my businesses.

MOMSTOWN: What are the best tips to look our best this Spring and Summer?

1. GET CLEAR. Keep a clarifier in the shower. Use a clarifying shampoo for your hair weekly to remove any kind of chemical/environmental build up (especially to help against chlorine damage during the summer)

2. DON'T GO TO SLEEP WITH WET HAIR! Some people do not realize this but hair is at its most fragile state when it is wet.

3. MAKE THE SWITCH. Switch from elastic hair ties to satin or silk scrunchies to avoid breakage.

4. BE BOLD. Don’t be afraid of using hair product, the right product can make all the difference. For example, heat protectant spray and a leave-in conditioner could really help save your hair.

5. CURL UP WITH A GOOD GEL. If your hair won’t hold a curl, use a good amount of gel prior to blow drying and it will have your curls lasting all day even in the heat.

MOMSTOWN: Tell us about your studio. How would you like readers to contact you? Plus, any other information you’d like to add, please let us know.

KARLA: My hair studio Kasa in San Elijo Hills is located inside of the same building as The Lost Abbey and I think it is such a fun and unique place to be in the heart of the community. Feel free to stop by to say hello, buy your favorite salon product, or ask any questions.

Alternatively, text at 760-825-1860 or follow the studio Instagram at @Kasa.HairStudio

5 Outdated Fashion Rules

The other day I walked by a woman talking with her husband saying very matter-of-factly, “You don’t wear navy & black together, ever, it’s a no-no!” I, so desperately, wanted to interrupt and say, “Yes, yes you can!”

When working with my clients, questions about certain fashion “rules” always come up. Each time I eagerly explain that all of those old archaic rules about matching, not wearing specific colors together or during a certain time of year, etc. are all out the door. I’m not saying you can’t follow them anymore, I'm saying you don’t have to.

This article is for that woman and anyone who thinks fashion has hard & fast rules. We’re living in a time where personal style and expression is the rule. Have fun with your clothes, if you love what you’re wearing and feel confident, go for it!

For more fashion and personal styling tips and advice, please stop by CarrieHarkin.com

Which Should Absolutely Be Broken For Moms

Karen Stowe

CARRIE HAS BEEN ON A FASHION ADVENTURE FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY AS A BUYER, STYLIST AND CONSULTANT IN VARIOUS CORNERS OF THE WORLD (NEW YORK, SINGAPORE, EUROPE AND CALIFORNIA). CARRIE SAYS HER TRUE PASSION IS WORKING WITH PEOPLE TO HELP BRING THEIR FASHION PERSONALITY TO LIFE, AND THAT FINE-TUNING A CLIENT’S STYLE IS WHAT BRINGS HER JOY.

1 DON'T WEAR NAVY & BLACK TOGETHER This is one of my favorite color combinations! It is so chic.

2 AVOID WEARING WHITE IN WINTER That Memorial Day/ Labor Day rule is out the window. Summer White to Winter White; white is beautiful all year round.

3 ALWAYS MATCH YOUR SHOES TO YOUR BAG Matching your shoes and bag isn’t a bad thing and will always look good, however, you don’t have to. Feel free to mix and match.

4 DON'T MIX PRINTS I love mixing prints, it’s a fun way to add your personality to an outfit. Just be sure both prints are in the same tonal range so your outfit still looks cohesive.

5 DON'T WEAR DENIM ON DENIM Yes, it’s the Canadian tuxedo and it looks great! Don’t be afraid to go full denim. Wear it with confidence and you’ll look so stylish.