We’re looking forward to introducing you to Charlinie Ragoonanan. Check out our conversation below.
Charlinie, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
Yes, I wandered at the start. I think we all do when we’re brave enough to build something from nothing. I tried, I failed, I learned and most importantly, I grew. With time, I created a path, not one that was given to me, but one I carved and fought for with intention.
But everything happens for a reason and true growth isn’t a straight line. Eventually, I found myself wandering again, not because I was lost, but because I chose to. Creating balance between work and life has given me the freedom to wander the world, to stay open, to be reinspired.
Wandering has allowed me to connect with people from all walks of life, to see new perspectives, to learn, to grow and to evolve not just as a stylist, but as a person. There is nothing more beautiful than letting life take you places you never imagined. To me, wandering is not the absence of direction but the presence of possibility.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Charlinie but most people know me as Char, the owner and founder of Booking With Char, a luxury traveling hairstyling company based in Houston, Texas. I started my business at a time when on demand hairstyling was still niche and it quickly became clear there was a real need for it. What makes my brand special is that it’s not just about luxury or convenience, it’s about artistry, longevity and connection. I’m known for effortless, lived in styles and blowouts that last, but also for creating experiences that feel elevated and personal.
Over the years, my work has taken me from doing celebs like Paris Hilton, sponsoring and working the Miss Texas & USA pageants, to teaching on main stages and even doing what I love most, in countries around the world. Those opportunities have been incredible blessings, but for me, success isn’t just about the career milestones it’s about balance. I believe life is meant to be lived and my work gives me the freedom to travel, connect with people from all walks of life and embrace new perspectives.
Being from the beautiful islands of Trinidad and Tobago, keeps me grounded in what matters most: love, culture, tradition and connection. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle in America, but I’ve learned that true success is building a career you love while still creating space to live fully. At its heart, my brand is about more than hair. It’s about reminding not just others, but also myself, that balance and human connection are what make life not just beautiful but also meaningful.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was just an island girl from Trinidad and Tobago; curious, creative and full of possibility. I grew up in a Hindu household where kindness, respect and tradition shaped me and my world was simple; get good grades, be a good daughter and stay grounded. I wasn’t exposed to much, but I had love, culture and a natural pull toward creativity. I was doing nails, henna and makeup before I even realized it was a gift.
When I moved to America, the world tried to tell me who I should be; safer paths, conventional careers. But at my core, that same girl remained the dreamer, the creator, the one who refused to settle for a life that doesn’t set her soul on fire. She’s the reason I said yes to risk, yes to artistry, yes to building a life entirely my own.
And who am I now? The same girl but with a voice, with vision and with the courage to keep shaping life on my own terms. I’m no longer just dreaming; I’m creating with purpose. My hope is to make an impact and to inspire others to believe in what’s possible for them, too. And when challenges come, don’t be mad at them or think life will fail you because has life ever failed you? For me, every obstacle has been a level up. Each one leaving me stronger, sharper and more certain of the woman I am becoming. To me, that’s the beauty of this journey. Life doesn’t break you, it builds you.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. There have been several times I almost gave up. Being an immigrant in a country that wasn’t my ‘normal’ came with its own set of challenges. Financial struggles, being far from family and not always feeling the support I grew up with, all of that was heavy. And then there was the pressure of building a business as a young woman in an industry where it can feel like you’re constantly having to prove yourself.
But even in those moments of doubt, I held on to the belief that every challenge is temporary. Hard seasons don’t mean failure. They’re lessons, tests and level ups. Each one gave me more resilience, more grit and more clarity about the life I was building.
So yes, I’ve had moments where I almost gave up, but I didn’t. And that’s what makes this journey so meaningful. I didn’t let those challenges define me; I let them shape me into someone stronger, braver and more unstoppable than I knew I could be. Let’s call it the gift of struggle. One that refines you into the version of yourself you were always meant to become!
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
The cultural value I protect at all costs is connection. I was born and raised not only in Trinidad and Tobago but in a Hindu household, where kindness, respect and community were everything. Those values shaped me and they’re still the foundation of who I am today.
Connection is the reason I am where I am now. It’s not just about building a career it’s about building relationships. A friend’s support is the reason I stayed in Houston, which allowed me to create the life I have today. And my clients? They’re more than appointments in a chair. Through them, I’ve met people from every walk of life, from stay at home moms to multi million dollar entrepreneurs and each connection has taught me something new. I love being able to see that no matter what someone does, life is always relatable.
For me, hair is just the vehicle connection is the mission. Whether it’s a bride on her wedding day, a stylist learning in my class, or a client in another country, it’s never just about the style. It’s about creating an experience that feels meaningful, lasting and human.
I also protect balance. In America, it’s so easy to get caught up in hustle culture and wear burnout like a badge of honor. But my roots remind me that life is meant to be lived. Success means nothing if you can’t enjoy it, share it and stay true to who you are.
At the end of the day, I believe the real legacy isn’t the titles or the milestones it’s the love, culture and connection you carry with you and pass on.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Yes, I’ve absolutely experienced that. For a long time, I believed that once I hit a certain financial number, all my problems would be solved. But the truth is, more money often comes with more responsibility and sometimes, more problems. While I’m incredibly thankful for the beautiful life I’ve built, it still doesn’t come without its struggles.
The difference now is perspective. Struggles are relative and when I think about everything happening around the world, I realize how blessed I am to even have the opportunities I do. What I’ve learned is that true fulfillment doesn’t come from numbers in a bank account. It comes from balance, from connection, from knowing your work has meaning.
So yes, I’ve gotten what I thought I wanted and realized it didn’t completely satisfy me. But that realization was a gift, because it pushed me to redefine success. Today, success is not just financial stability; it’s freedom, purpose and living a life that feels aligned.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bookingwithchar.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: @bookingwithchar
Image Credits
Todd Terrell
Neil Jou
CS Visuals
Lily Flores
