Meet Alfredo Castro

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alfredo Castro . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Alfredo, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Learning to be unique has been a rollercoaster. I think the hardest part has to be taking that first step in whatever it is you want to do and owning that first step and being confident with it. Blocking out those who hate and always have something to say has been a big part in this. I think as human beings we all like to be reassured and reminded that what we are doing is right. But let’s be honest, are we here to please others or yourself?

Putting myself, my beliefs, my visions, ideas and dreams FIRST has been a huge reason of why I am where I am today. Believing in my ideas, in myself and my vision has gotten me where I am today. Now, do my supporters LOVE them? Yes. Does EVERYONE else love them? No. And that’s okay!

I’ve learned to continue to make myself and those around me who support and love me, happy. And if I am happy with my creation and empire, then that shows the confidence I myself have in my work.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hi! My name is Alfredo Castro and I am a 20 year old business owner, dancer, choreographer and rising social media influencer.

The most exciting part of my work title is being able to do so much and enjoy it with such passion. I grew up dancing competitively at local dance studios in my area and knew as a little kid that dance was my passion and wanted to pursue it. I also grew up filming mini vlog and challenges for my YouTube channel, in hopes of one day becoming a YouTuber and be able to create fun content.

I never really understood the “follow your dreams” phrase growing up because it always seemed so impossible. However, it’s now crazy to say that if you FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS, your dreams will become a reality. In 2022, I opened my own dance studio, AC 15 Choreography in the city of Anaheim. AC 15 Choreography is a specialized event choreographers company that caters to those in need of choreographers for events such as quinceaneras, weddings, sweet 16s and more. Our newest branch to AC 15 is our AC Boyz Chambelan Rental team which caters to those in need of teen professional male dancers for their events. Never in a million years would I expect my business to be TOP 2 in California for such events like this. A dream come true. The most exciting thing owning this business has to be seeing the numerous amount of families walk in and out the studio with big smiles on their face knowing that forever-lasting memories were created within their time here.

I am so blessed to also be able to consider myself a competitive choreographer for a dance studio in Fullerton Ca where I have earned so many dance awards. Being able to be the teacher I wish I had growing up for these kids is the best hard of it. Sharing my passion and watching my students evolve and become amazing dancer and yet alone amazing human beings is the biggest, most meaningful award I have earned.

The day I found out I was getting my own reality show on Youtube was the day I told myself that dreams do come true. As a child, I always dreamed of being able to share my story, my energy, my personality, my everything to those who needed a laugh, a smile or simply just something fun to watch. I am now able to do this on my own reality show “Quince Rent Boys” on Youtube! Being able to be a part of the YouTube space and share my work life and be followed on the ups and downs of my life is a blessing. No one is perfect and I love being able to share that with my following and community. Work hard, dream hard.

I am honestly just so blessed and thankful to be here this exact moment. Feels like a dream. Living in one. I cannot wait for what is to come and what is in store for me.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back at this amazing, beautiful journey, I think one of the skills that impacted this journey was being courageous and dedicated. Because I opened my business as such a young age, I had to make sure this was really what I wanted to do and make sure I was sure of doing it. Signing a lease at 18 was pretty crazy, especially to open a business. I wanted to take a risk. I felt like by taking a risk, I was going to learn a lot more. And I did. These past few years have been nothing more but a lessons and a rollercoaster. But a rollercoaster that I would not mind waiting for in line again and again.

Confidence has to be another skill that I believe has helped my brand grow to where it is now. Imagine having to put your trust into a 14 year olds hands. I am forever so thankful for my clients who believed and trusted 14 year old me and gave me the opportunity to prove to them who I wanted to be. I feel that because of my clients back in 2017 and 2018, I built the confidence I have today towards my brand and my life. Things may not always be perfect but with a little of confidence and a great mindset, you can go so far. Don’t give up!

Lastly, and most importantly to me, wanting to keep growing and constantly being inspired. To this day, I have the passion to keep doing what I do. To this day, I pop in and out of dance technique classes to be on top of trends to present to my company and any student I have the privilege of teaching. It’s all about wanting to keep growing and I feel like this is the hardest step. Once you hit the top of the mountain what’s next? Find something and make it bigger. Keep growing. But in order to do this, you need all the skills and learned lessons above. Dedication, confidence, courage, passion.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Owning a business comes with ALOT of stress and harships. Personally, I am constantly overwhelmed and stressed. Cry here and there but not a big deal. What do I do to overcome these times? Simply, just take a step back to reflect on how I’ve gotten to where I am today. And remind myself that NO ONE taught me how to be passionate for this job description. I love to remind myself of all the amazing things that have happened and reflect on memories and just feel so blessed.

Occasionally, time off, trips and vacation is my solution. Surround myself with my favorite environments, community and people that make me so happy. I also constantly remind myself that at the end of the day, I am human.I can’t deliver happiness to people if I myself have no happiness in me. It’s okay to take time to recharge and so important.

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