The Story behind Olivia's Salons
Olivia Lopez and Mary Carlin
Olivia Castillo Lopez
​Olivia Castillo Lopez, was born on March 27, 1937, in Round Rock, Texas, was the eldest child of Luz and Francisca Castillo. Her family, which included 14 children, lived a migrant lifestyle, spending 35 years traveling to Michigan to work on their family farm. It was during these years in the fields that Olivia developed a strong belief in her ability to achieve anything she set her mind to.
After graduation Olivia decided to attend Cosmetology school, where she discovered her passion for the craft. Upon completing her training, Olivia leased a detached room from a local family in Round Rock to start her own salon. Despite being one of the few female and minority business owners in the area, with only one other salon in town, she persisted and her hard work paid off as she built her dream salon at 411 N Lampasas St. Her salon not only became a symbol of her hard work but also showcased her inner creativity and connection to nature, incorporating gray stones from nearby Mayfield Ranch into its design.
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Olivia expanded her business by opening a second salon in Georgetown in 1975, which was successful. Encouraged by this success she purchased a site for her third salon on Williams Drive in 1980. The third salon thrived, leading Olivia to make the decision to sell the second salon. Additionally, she appointed her sister Mary Carlin to manage the Round Rock Salon.
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Olivia, a multi talented person also loved art and upon returning from a trip to Europe started to develop her art talents. She became an accomplished artist and much of her work won recognition. Her salons doubled as art galleries with her art in full display. She was a great hairstylist and just as great artist. Olivia wasn't afraid to try new things but her first love was hairstyling.
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She owned and operated Olivias Salons until her passing on December 19,2014. Olivia sold her Round Rock salon to her sister and longtime associate Mary Carlin, under Mary's ownership and management the salon contiued the service and tradition that was started and nurtured by Olivia.
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Mary Castillo Carlin
Mary Castillo Carlin, born on May 28, 1942, in Carson City, Michigan, embarked on a fulfilling career path after graduating from Round Rock High School in 1960. Following her graduation, she pursued her interest in cosmetology by attending beauty school. After completing her education, she partnered with her sister Olivia to co-manage and operate Olivia's Salons.
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Mary was an "Energizer Bunny" as her family often referred to her. She was creative, artistic, stylish, and hardworking. You could often find her at the salon cutting one persons hair, have another client under the dryer, another processing a perm, while answering the phone to book an appointment.
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Mary married the love of her life David Carlin on November 22, 1967. Together, Mary and David built a life based on faith and love. They had two children Mario and Christina. Family was very important to her, she loved spending time with them, especially her granddaughter Felicia, making many memories. She was a longtime member of St. Williams Catholic Church and served with the Guadalupanas for many years.
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In 2014 Mary took over ownership of the Round Rock Salon, that she continued to own and operate until her passing on February 19, 2023. Olivia's Salons continues to be owned and operated by her family.
Mary was a very generous and loving person. She always had a smile on her face and a servant heart, giving help to those in need. She will be greatly missed.