Corina Carrillo-Claxton grew up in the predominantly Hispanic community of Bakersfield, Calif.
“It’s a big melting pot for everyone from around the world. … That was my life,” she says. “That was my bubble.”
Her mother was a stay-at-home mom. Her father was an entrepreneur. Extended family lived nearby. When she was five, her mom bought a yard-sale book about hair, makeup and clothing. Carrillo-Claxton was smitten and from that day forward, planned to pursue cosmetology.
As the time grew near to make a career choice, however, people encouraged her to consider other options. She acquiesced, enrolled in school to become a nursing assistant, wasn’t happy, and eventually shifted back to her original plan: beauty school. She met her now-husband during the final year of cosmetology school, married in 2013 and opened her first salon a year later.
Cancer Diagnosis
Four years later, business was thriving when she was diagnosed with stage 3 uterine cancer and put everything on hold to undergo chemo and radiation. Later that year, she opened a spa. Then, she “got a little bored” and decided to open a third location. She also started providing education for others in the business.
“I was a workaholic,” she says. “It was affecting my marriage, my friendships, my attitude.”
A Pandemic
When the 2020 pandemic rolled around, she had employees and booth renters and little work to offer them.
“I was worried for my team,” she says.
She began creating online tutorials on how to do hair and Facebook Live videos that evolved into selling clothing, attracted a huge following, and suddenly could pay the bills. But as California remained shuttered, she grew restless and asked online where she and her husband could go for a week to unwind. A friend in Monument reached out, suggesting they come for a visit.
“I swear I saw time slow down,” Carrillo-Claxton says. “Everyone was talking slower. Everyone was walking slower. Everyone was enjoying God’s creation. I fell in love.”
She cried when they left and began visiting regularly, establishing herself at a local salon and building a client base. Soon after, she and her husband moved to the Pikes Peak region and she opened her own salon and boutique just down the hall from the salon which had graciously offered her space during visits.
Corina’s Salon and Boutique
The transition from southern California to Colorado was a bit of culture shock. Bakersfield was filled with curvy Latina women who loved heels, fragrance and “full-glam makeup.” The women strolling into her Monument salon and boutique were often white, tall and slim and outdoorsy.
“It was a learning curve for me,” she says.
She expanded her clothing selection to include sizes ranging from XS to XXXL and started carrying flats as well as heels–something for everyone. Her inventory ranges from flowy casual and denim to structured business chic to sexy, night-out looks.
“I get to throw a little bit of California flair and my Latina spice on them,” she says, laughing.
These days, Corina is transforming women from top to bottom, helping them develop their signature looks (wardrobe, hair, makeup, skin care) at whatever stages their bodies are in.
“It is the biggest blessing,” she says. “Making them feel beautiful and worthy and loved. It’s so cool.”
Looking to the Future
Carrillo-Claxton has become a force in the community.
She is cancer-free and she and her husband are pursuing options for having children. She strongly supports other local businesses, carrying items from Thrive & Thread Boutique, Ziba Kimonos and Lovely Uprising in her boutique. She also holds regular events and has partnered with SoCo Facial Esthetics, which has a location in the same suite.
Corina’s has become a hub for women to come together and feel confident. And pssssttttt… changes are coming this fall. Stay tuned.
Address + Phone: 153 Washington St., Suite 104, Monument | 833-263-4169
Website: http://www.corinadoeshair.com/#/
Facebook: @CorinaSalonBoutique | @CorinaDoesHair
Instagram: @Corina_Salon_Boutique | @TheSignatureByCorinaClaxton