Today we’d like to introduce you to Ciarrah Fittro.
Hi Ciarrah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I fell in love with the beauty industry early on. Growing up in competitive cheer, I naturally became the go-to for prom hair, styling right out of my house. What started as a fun passion quickly became something I knew I wanted to turn into a career and choosing to do so was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
I truly would not be where I am today without the unwavering support from my fiancé, kids, and family, who have been my biggest cheerleaders through every part of life, school, and business.
My journey hasn’t been without challenges. At a young age, I experienced the heartbreaking loss of two close friends, survived a life-threatening accident that left me in a coma for several days with a traumatic brain injury, and had to relearn how to walk while recovering from multiple injuries. Those moments changed me, but they also shaped me into the woman, leader, and business owner I am today.
That season of my life taught me resilience, gratitude, and the power of pushing beyond what feels impossible. It inspired me to build a team of incredibly talented, driven women who lead with passion, professionalism, and heart.
Building this brand has taken hard work, education, dedication, and a true commitment to excellence. I pour that same level of care not only into supporting my team, but into every single client experience we are honored to be a part of.
This past year, I’ve had the opportunity to pause and truly take it all in from being featured in British Vogue, What’s Up Wedding Magazine and Wedding Chicks, to receiving multiple industry awards. Every milestone is a reminder of how far this journey has come, and I remain deeply grateful every single day.
I’m proud of where we are, inspired by where we’re going, and committed to continuing to reach for the next level.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Something I always say is, if it were easy, everyone would do it.
Building a successful business comes with many layers and obstacles, from learning how and where to market your brand, to creating a seamless booking experience for clients, all while maintaining a positive and uplifting environment.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as a business owner is understanding that not every client is meant for you and that’s okay. The energy, intention, and experience you put out into the world is often exactly what you attract in return.
I truly believe people align with brands that reflect how they want to feel, and I’m incredibly grateful to say we’ve been blessed with the most amazing clientele. The trust, love, and support we receive from our brides never goes unnoticed, and it’s something that continues to make this journey feel so rewarding.
It’s a blessing to build a business surrounded by positive energy, genuine relationships, and clients who truly value the experience we create.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At BeyondTheUpdo, we specialize in luxury on-site bridal hair and makeup, creating a seamless, elevated beauty experience for brides throughout the DMV and destination weddings beyond. Our signature style is modern, classy, and romantic beauty with a soft, elevated finish that still feels true to each client.
What truly sets our brand apart is the experience we create from the very first inquiry to the final touch-up on the wedding day. We are known for our communication, attention to detail, professionalism, and the calm, positive energy we bring. We pride ourselves on creating a morning that feels organized, stress-free, and enjoyable.
The BeyondTheUpdo team is made up of talented, driven artists who share the same passion for excellence, education, and client care. We’ve built a brand rooted in professionalism, consistency, and love. I believe our clients truly feel that difference.
I’m also incredibly proud of the recognition in multiple magazines and multiple industry awards. Those moments are a beautiful reminder that the intention, dedication, and love poured into this business continue to resonate far beyond the wedding morning.
What I want readers to know most is that we are so much more than a beauty team. We are a brand built on experience, connection, luxury service, and making women feel their absolute best during some of the most meaningful moments of their lives. We are a true family!
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories was growing up in the world of competitive cheer. So many of my best memories come from the excitement of competitions, the friendships, the long practice nights, and the feeling of being part of something bigger. It taught me discipline, teamwork, and confidence at such a young age.
I also loved being the one everyone came to for hair before competitions, prom, dances, and special events. Looking back, those moments in my house doing everyone’s hair were some of the earliest signs of the passion that would later become my career.
Those memories are so special to me because they were the beginning of both my love for beauty and the foundation of the business owner I would eventually become.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.beyondtheupdo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond.the.updo
- Facebook: https://Www.facebook.com/beyondtheupdo
Image Credits
@smurrayphoto
@caitlinjoycephotography
@sidneyleighphoto
@hannahrosserphotography
@takkephotography
@thepostweddingphotographer
@taylorwebsterphotography
