Today we’d like to introduce you to Antje Kastner-Panya.
Antje, please share your story with us.
I’m an immigrant. Born and raised in former East Germany. Both my parents and grandfather were hairdressers. I stepped right into their shoes. Though my passion always lay in art. I went to beauty school in Germany. After that made my master craftsman diploma and ran our family studio in my hometown. In 2000, I came to the US as an au pair to a great family in Deerfield IL. Just needed a change and wanted to learn English. I fall in love with Chicago and thought I would give it a try for a new path.
In 2002, I got a job as a stylist at a Chicago Salon, built a bit of a clientele and got a feel for the American salon experience. I learned a lot. In 2005, I opened with a fellow stylist a salon in Lincoln Square.
In that time, I found a passion for cycling, photography and helping people in need.
I hiked the Inka trail in Peru and cycled for charity in Africa and Asia. Raised money and visited some of the most vulnerable children and communities.
At our salon, I built a great client community but found I needed to be able to develop creatively a bit more. The desire to run a bigger salon subsided and I wanted to focus on fundraising, photography and just have a quite space to work with my clients and give 100% of my attention. It is not easy to do that at a busy street location.
In 2010, I hooked up with Viva Vintage Clothing and we found a great, bright and of the beaten path space to share in Ravenswood corridor. Antje Kastner Studio was born and I can’t be happier at this location.
I have room to work on various projects, work on clients, have a space for other stylists as well.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
How boring would a smooth road have been? I think if you really live life, it won’t be easy, nor smooth. It’ll be challenging because you grow and learn every step of the way. I have never been on to take the easy way and I have no plan to change that.
Some struggles:
– I didn’t come here with much
– having no family here
– learning to speak English here
– culture shock
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Antje Kastner Studio – what should we know?
Antje Kastner Studio helps fashion-forward clients to confidently embrace their own perfect look with personalized color, cut, and make-up that beautifully enhance their unique features and fit into their lifestyle. We create customized and unique looks, one person at a time — from vintage-inspired hair that turns heads at weddings and special events to casual easy-to-manage on-the-go styles. Because, after all, what is hair but the best expression of one’s own true identity and dreams?
We do cuts, colors, perms, makeup, up-styling, headshots and portraits, education for fellow stylists and work offer vintage inspired wedding hair and makeup.
You come here, you will be listened to and we will create whatever you are looking for in a relaxed and calm atmosphere.
We are here by appointment only.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Determination, discipline, flexibility, patience and the ability to laugh about one’s mistakes.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4222 N Ravenswood Ave
- Website: www.antjekastner.com www.akastner.com
- Phone: 773-880-0388
- Email: antjekastner.studio@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antjekastner.studio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AntjeKastnerStudio/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheAKastner
Image Credit:
Antje Kastner Studio
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
