We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rosario Castorena. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rosario below.

Rosario, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the best boss, mentor, or leader you’ve ever worked with.

My first job after graduating from CSULA was at the trim manufacturing mill Labeltex, I was the sales assistant for the Sales Executive Stephanie Huerta. I had my share of bosses before, but Stephanie stood out to me more than all. She always made sure to thank you for my work at the end of the day, such a small gesture to some but it made me feel appreciated. Even though she was in sales she was never pushy, she made all her clients feel important even her smaller accounts. They all received her utmost attention, no one was made to feel less than.
One time I was in a car accident and Stephanie paid for my rental until my car was fixed. And when my mother was in her final days, she insisted I take as much time as I needed to be at my mom’s side. This was at the peak of our busy season but she reassured me work could wait, being with my family during that time was more important than anything.
Steph taught me so much about effective communication, patience during stressful times and kindness even during disagreements. She was even sincerely happy for me when I told her I wanted to apply for another department within the company. Her generosity is something I haven’t ever forgotten about.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a personal stylist with a passion for sustainable fashion, especially vintage and preloved clothing. I hold both an AA and a BA in Fashion Merchandising, but my true love for personal styling really blossomed during my time as a retail coordinator at a nonprofit thrift store. There, I had to get creative with our one-of-a-kind inventory, helping clients find unique pieces that truly reflected their individual styles. I believe that fashion can be both stylish and sustainable, and I love empowering others to express themselves. I have styled a city council woman, a magazine editor-in-chief and assisted styling in this year’s spring/summer OC Fashion Week but my proudest moments come from one-on-one sessions with clients, where I guide them toward discovering an authentic vision of themselves. To many, clothes are just what you wear, but for me, it’s about helping my clients feel like their outfits enable them to become their best versions of what they’ll see in the mirror.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to express ideas and emotions in ways that resonate with others. When my work sparks a connection, whether it’s through a unique outfit I’ve styled or a creative solution I’ve crafted, it’s incredibly fulfilling. I love knowing that my creativity can inspire confidence in others and promote a more sustainable approach to fashion. Seeing someone light up when they find that perfect piece or feel empowered by their style is what truly makes my work meaningful.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is deeply personal and is driven by a mission to promote sustainable fashion while honoring my parents’ legacy. I named my company Madeline Aubrey using their initials M & A as a tribute to their influence on my life and creativity. With both of them having passed on, this endeavor allows me to keep their memory alive while encouraging others to embrace their unique styles. By focusing on preloved and vintage clothing, I hope to inspire confidence in my clients and promote a more sustainable approach to fashion, creating a meaningful connection that reflects the values my parents instilled in me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.madelineaubreystyling.com
• Instagram: @madelineaubreystyling
• Facebook: Madeline Aubrey Styling

Image Credits

Western shots are by Wendy Williamson Photography