Meet Cindy G. Castillo

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cindy G. Castillo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cindy G., how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
In my 20s, I felt like I was constantly running—chasing every opportunity, fueled by the limitless energy, fearlessness, and ambition that come with youth. Coming from a small town, I was let loose into a big city on my own—a world where I could pursue anything and everything, which was a blessing in itself. I had the unwavering support of my mom, who cheered me on in every achievement, no matter how big or small. Those years were about pushing boundaries, exploring my passions, and carving out my path in the media industry. I was fortunate to find mentors, peers, and leaders who helped along the way. I poured myself into my work, striving to excel and make my mom proud.

However, as I transitioned into my 30s, my perspective on work-life balance began to shift. The drive to chase every opportunity is still there, but it’s now tempered with a deeper understanding of what truly matters in life. Health scares in the family and being laid off from a job I thought was my endgame have made me realize the importance of living in the present. Family became my number one priority, and the philosophy of “working to live, not living to work” started guiding my decisions.

Becoming pregnant in 2024 further solidified this shift. The desire to be present for my son, to be there for every precious moment, is now at the forefront of my mind. I still have dreams and professional goals, but now it’s about achieving a balance where I can continue to chase those dreams while fully embracing my role as a mother. To me, “making it” in life means finding that perfect balance between pursuing your passions and being present for the ones you love. It’s about creating a life where work supports your ability to live fully, not the other way around.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Content creation has always been at the heart of what I do, whether it’s through writing, producing for broadcast, or creating visual content for social media. What sets me apart is my deep commitment to detail and my genuine love for the craft. I believe every piece of content I create should not only inform and engage but also offer a little moment of escape or self-indulgence for my audience (treating yourself is never a bad idea!). Makeup and beauty have been therapeutic for me, and I want that passion to shine through in everything I produce.

My journey hasn’t been easy. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that sometimes, you have to be your own biggest cheerleader. Self-belief is crucial, even if it means being a little “delusional” at times (laughs). There were moments when I had to push myself out of my comfort zone—to put myself out there, send that email, knock on that door—despite the fear of rejection. Building self-confidence has been a significant part of my growth, and it’s something I’ve worked on continuously throughout my career.

I’m proud that my work has consistently spoken for itself, leading to opportunities where people have taken a chance on me. This has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey—knowing that my dedication is recognized and valued. However, I’ve also learned that reaching out for help is just as important. No one has all the answers, and being open to learning from others is key.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that it’s all about passion, precision, and positivity. Whether I’m creating a makeup tutorial, writing a beauty review, or producing a segment, I pour my heart into it. My goal is to create content that not only looks good but feels good to the viewer or reader—something they can enjoy, learn from, and maybe even find a bit of comfort in.

In the end, my story is about resilience, growth, and the relentless pursuit of a dream. I’m here to inspire others to express themselves, embrace their unique beauty, and take that leap of faith—because sometimes, the only person who needs to believe in you is you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Phoenix, we’d kick off the trip with some of my favorite eats, starting with tacos from Tacos Calafia in North Phoenix – my favorite tacos in the Valley, authentic flavors! But if we were in a more “wine-and-good conversation” girly kind of night, we’d relax at Postino Wine Café to enjoy some bruschetta and a glass of wine.

Midweek, we’d grab pizza and beer at Mellow Mushroom before heading out for some fun, like doing some shopping, catching a movie or even hitting targets at Top Golf.

Toward the weekend, I’d make sure we catch a live concert—I’m obsessed with concerts, and Phoenix has some of the best. To wrap things up, we’d explore local spots, maybe hitting up a farmer’s market or wandering through downtown Phoenix to admire street art and enjoy a bite at a nearby cafe. Simple, delicious food, and good times—that’s my kind of week!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My journey in media, journalism, and content creation has been shaped by the unwavering support of two incredible people: my mom and my husband. I’m a first-generation Latina in this country, so the world of media was completely foreign to my mom. Despite this, she supported me every step of the way. For her, ensuring that my family and I wouldn’t face the financial struggles she endured in her youth was undoubtedly her number one priority. She sacrificed her own dreams so that I could have a shot at mine. Her belief in me, even when the path was unclear, has been a driving force in my life.

My husband has also been a vital part of my journey. In him, I found the perfect teammate—someone who cheers me on, believes in me in times when I don’t, and challenges me to keep going, even when the road gets tough. Inspired by one of my favorite Disney characters, Dory, his encouragement to “just keep swimming” has been a mantra that helps me navigate the ups and downs of life and work.

I also want to express my deep gratitude to anyone who saw potential in me and decided to take a chance on my work. Whether it was a small opportunity or a significant break, each of these moments has shaped who I am today. I will always carry this gratitude with me, knowing that these acts of belief and support have paved the way for my growth and success.

Website: https://www.cindygcastillo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindyg.castillo/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindygcastillo/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CindyGCastillo

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cindyg.castillo 

Image Credits
Jassy McKinley IG: @jasberrymedia Cindy G. Castillo