STU Woman: Aissa Castillo

by Mikka Padua July 04, 2016

It's hard to imagine how a mother of two boys with a full time job in retail, a blog and a career as a stylist manages to make it home in time to cook dinner and on top of it, look good while doing all that.

Meet Aissa. She's a lot of things and to us she's every bit of an STU Woman.

Can you describe yourself in a few sentences.

I spend most of my days juggling motherhood, a full time job, and several side hustles. I am living the dream working as a Store Director for a women's retail store where I am surrounded by curated assortment home furnishing, accessories, and apparel. After work hours is when I carefully schedule out client meetings and  photo shootsfor my freelance styling business.  

Since weekends off are hard to come by in the retail world, I yearn for spontaneous adventures with my family. We enjoy exploring new cities and finding hidden gems waiting to be discovered. 

Menton Off-the-Shoulder Linen Dress

What is a normal day like for you?

Everyday is different, really. My work schedule differs from week to week, so getting a routine down would be challenging.

On work days, I'm usually up by 5am to try to squeeze in a little studio time {Barre is my workout of choice}, before heading to work at 7. My work day typically ends just after 4, and is usually followed by a quick trip to the grocery for dinner essentials before heading home. Family catch-ups during prep, giggles at dinner, then tucking in the boys at about 8pm rounds out my day. More often than not, I try to squeeze in a couple of hours for Aislerchic; catching up on e-mails, creating content, or simply seeking inspiration. Then it's off to bed for me by 10pm at the latest. 

Beyin Printed Linen Cullotes

What makes you smile in the morning?

On work days a cup of freshly brewed coffee. On the weekends, seeing the boys at the foot of our bed makes my heart sing.

What is your FASHION/BEAUTY/HOME philosophy?

I like to mix things up when it comes to fashion and home. I love creating looks with highs - lows. Pairing a glitzy blouse with a pair of distressed denim, a velvet chesterfield with a thrifted chair. I like things to be little bit undone and never stiff or sterile.

Praiano Printed Long Robe

What are 5 pieces you cannot live without (FASHION/BEAUTY/HOME)?

In complete honesty, I can live without most things, but if I had a choice I would like to always have a moisturizer, a Lamer lip balm, my Mom's pearl earrings, pen and paper.

Warska Black Long Wrap Dress

What is your favorite travel destination? Why?

As silly as this may sound, I would have to say the Philippines. Although born and raised there, I feel like I took the country's beauty for granted when I lived there, and opted to explore elsewhere. There is so much to see. I can't wait to go back. 

Beyin Printed Linen Culottes 

What is the one thing you must bring with you when you travel?

A camera.

Where do you ‘seek’ for your personal FASHION/BEAUTY/HOME finds?

I love a good flea market, thrift or antique shop find.  Estate sales are huge treasure chests. I love giving older pieces new life and putting my own spin on them.

What is your most treasured UNIQ find from around the world? Why?

It would have to be the brass and white onyx lamp that my husband and I found at a local Estate Sale. I changed the shade that came with it and paired it with a more quirky print. 

What does the word “UNIQ” mean for you?

A signature. A trait that make something/someone stand out among the rest. 

Such a refreshing take on life, family, and personal style. Her effortless approach to creating an inspired world for her family and herself is special and admirable.
Aissa sure defines our idea of an STU Woman. 
Your Purveyor of the Uniq,



Mikka Padua
Mikka Padua

Author



Also in Purveyors of the Uniq

A Seeker's Spin: Aliza Apostol Goco
A Seeker's Spin: Aliza Apostol Goco

by Nasia Cammayo Reyes November 21, 2023

A Seeker's Spin: Lia Andrea Ramos
A Seeker's Spin: Lia Andrea Ramos

by Nasia Cammayo Reyes August 01, 2023

At Home With Ces Drilon
At Home With Ces Drilon

by Japs Medina December 03, 2022