Atakan Romano, From Humble Beginnings to Global Hair Icon, GLAMHAIRARTIST Memoir, was recently interviewed by TheCelebrity.Online Magazine and below is the Q&A session we had with Atakan.

Viral Stylist Atakan Romano Opens Up About Fame, Creativity, and His Memoir – December 2025 Magazine Edition

Take us through your journey – from your upbringing to becoming the author/celebrity you are today. What were some defining moments?

I grew up in Australia as a kid who never quite fit the mold—but I always knew I was meant for something more. From an early age, creativity was my language. Hair wasn’t just hair to me; it was identity, transformation, and power. Long before social media or celebrity access, I was already visualising the life I wanted—one built on talent, resilience, and courage.

My journey wasn’t linear or easy. There were moments of rejection, invisibility, and deep personal hardship that nearly broke me. I faced obstacles that most people never see from the outside—moments where the dream felt impossible, and walking away would have been easier. But those experiences became my fire. They taught me discipline, self-belief, and the ability to rebuild myself again and again.

The defining shift came when I stopped waiting for permission. I created my own lane—refusing to dilute my vision or identity. As my work began to circulate, my artistry caught the attention of the world. Social media became an unexpected catalyst, transforming my craft into a global platform and turning my story into something others could see themselves in. Overnight, my work went viral—but the years of sacrifice behind that moment were anything but overnight.

Becoming a recognised celebrity stylist wasn’t just about fame; it was about impact. It meant representing those who are told they don’t belong, and proving that your beginnings do not define your destination. My memoir, Becoming Glamhairartist, is the unfiltered truth behind the glamour—a story of ambition, survival, and self-reinvention. My first blow up was when I was 16 years old, overnight on the internet going vira,l and then after getting into authorship, that all beginned since i started travelling to Thailand Asia, which i love the most in the world to visit and living. 

One of the most defining turning points was when Huda Kattan of Huda Beauty shared my work – in a single post, my art leapt from my feed to the world, and my life split into a clear “before” and “after.” That viral moment opened doors to global tours, celebrity requests, and the chance to refine what would become my signature “Crystal Grey” shade – a look that later broke the internet and cemented my place as a true viral hair artist.

This book is for anyone who has been underestimated, overlooked, or told “no” too many times. It’s proof that dreams don’t have an expiration date, and that courage, when paired with relentless belief, can rewrite any narrative. 

“Every time life tried to break me, i accidentally built me and more.” Atakan Romano.

What’s the story behind your book/memoir? What inspired you to share this part of your life with the world?

Becoming Glamhairartist Memoir was born from the space between who the world thought I was and who I actually had to become to survive. Behind the visibility, the success, and the public image, there were years of silence, pressure, and personal battles no one ever saw. This memoir is the truth behind that transformation, and this is the new edition of the one with my legal name change where people seem to get confused. 

I was inspired to share this part of my life because I realised my story wasn’t just about achievement – it was about endurance. About being underestimated, misunderstood, and repeatedly tested, yet choosing to rise anyway. I reached a point where protecting my image mattered less than telling the truth. Silence no longer served me – and I knew it didn’t serve others either.

Writing this book was an act of courage. It meant revisiting moments that shaped me, confronting vulnerability, and reclaiming my narrative on my own terms. I wanted to show that success doesn’t erase struggle – and that the two often exist side by side.

This memoir is for anyone who has ever felt invisible while fighting to become visible. It’s proof that your past doesn’t disqualify you—it prepares you.

“You don’t rise because life was easy – you rise because you refused to stay silent about how hard it was.” Atakan Romano

How does your brand reflect your personal style and values, especially in the world of celebrity hair styling and international fashion?

My brand is inseparable from my personal story, my discipline, and my values. It reflects not just how I work, but why I work the way I do. In an industry driven by speed, visibility, and constant reinvention, I’ve built a brand rooted in intention, craftsmanship, and emotional intelligence. For me, personal style is not about excess or trend-chasing – it’s about clarity, confidence, and presence.

At the core of my work is the belief that hair is a form of identity. Every look I create begins with understanding the person, not the moment. Whether I’m working with a celebrity, a public figure, or a creative collaborator, my approach is always the same: the hair must amplify who they are, not overshadow them. True glamour, in my world, is quiet confidence paired with undeniable strength.

In international fashion and celebrity styling, there’s pressure to conform – to repeat what’s already proven to work. My brand resists that. I value originality over replication and longevity over virality. I draw inspiration from global fashion, editorial storytelling, and lived experience, blending structure with fluidity and polish with rawness. The result is a signature style that feels elevated but human – luxury that breathes.

My values show up not only in the final image, but in the process behind it. I believe in professionalism, respect, and discipline behind the scenes. I protect creative integrity, collaborate with intention, and choose projects that align with my voice and ethics. Success, to me, isn’t defined by how often my name appears—it’s defined by consistency, trust, and the impact my work leaves behind.

Ultimately, my brand stands for transformation without compromise. It represents the courage to be visible without losing yourself, and the strength to evolve while staying rooted in truth. In an industry that often rewards sameness, I’ve built a brand that exists to remind people that individuality is the ultimate luxury.

“Luxury means nothing if it costs you your identity – true style begins where self-belief stays intact.” Atakan Romano 

What’s the most challenging part of balancing your professional success with your personal life?

The most challenging part of balancing professional success with personal life is learning how to protect your humanity in an industry that constantly rewards overexposure. Success, especially in high-visibility worlds like celebrity culture and fashion, doesn’t arrive quietly—it demands time, emotional energy, and constant presence. The line between dedication and depletion can disappear very quickly.

For a long time, I equated success with availability. I believed that saying yes to every opportunity was proof of ambition. What I learned—sometimes the hard way—is that ambition without boundaries eventually costs you peace. The pressure to remain relevant, creative, and emotionally present for others can slowly pull you away from yourself if you don’t intervene intentionally.

Another challenge is that growth changes your relationships. As your career expands, your inner world needs space to evolve as well—but that evolution isn’t always understood by everyone around you. There’s a quiet loneliness that can come with success, especially when your personal life happens behind the scenes while your professional life unfolds publicly. Learning how to stay grounded, present, and emotionally honest has been one of my greatest ongoing lessons.

Today, balance looks less like perfection and more like awareness. I’m intentional about when I give my energy, who I share my time with, and how I recover after intense periods of work. I’ve learned that rest is not a reward—it’s a responsibility. Protecting my mental and emotional health isn’t a luxury; it’s essential to sustaining creativity and longevity.

Ultimately, success means nothing if it costs you your sense of self. The real achievement is building a life where your career can thrive without eclipsing your well-being.

“Success will take as much of you as you allow—balance begins the moment you decide not to disappear.” Atakan Romano

What’s next for you? Any exciting projects or collaborations on the horizon?

What’s next for me is intentional expansion—creatively, professionally, and globally. I’m entering a chapter where everything I build is rooted in purpose, longevity, and impact. The release of Becoming Glamhairartist is not an endpoint; it’s a foundation. It opens the door to deeper storytelling, broader creative direction, and projects that extend beyond hair into culture, media, and education.

On the creative side, I’m developing high-level collaborations that merge beauty, fashion, and narrative. These include international editorial projects, select brand partnerships aligned with luxury and innovation, and visual storytelling concepts that push beyond traditional hair artistry. I’m focused on collaborations that respect craft and elevate identity—projects where artistry is not diluted for speed or trends.

I’m also expanding into education and mentorship, creating platforms that support emerging creatives who come from unconventional backgrounds. Sharing knowledge, access, and real-world insight is something I take seriously, because representation and transparency are essential for the next generation of talent. This includes masterclasses, speaking engagements, and curated creative experiences that bridge artistry with entrepreneurship.

In parallel, there are developments in film and long-form media currently in progress, allowing my story—and the stories of others—to be told with depth and honesty. These projects are about legacy, not momentary attention. They’re built to last.

Everything ahead is about alignment. I’m no longer chasing visibility—I’m building something sustainable, meaningful, and globally resonant.

“The next chapter isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what actually matters.” Atakan Romano.

How do you stay motivated and inspired, especially when faced with tough times or criticism?

I stay motivated by remembering why I started—long before recognition, validation, or visibility existed. Tough times and criticism are inevitable when you choose to live loudly, create boldly, and build something of your own. I’ve learned not to take criticism as a stop sign, but as information. Not all of it is meant to be absorbed, but all of it teaches you discernment.

When things get difficult, I return to discipline rather than emotion. Inspiration doesn’t always arrive on time, but commitment does. I show up, refine my craft, and stay connected to the work itself. Creation has always been my anchor—it grounds me when outside noise tries to pull focus away from my purpose.

Criticism, especially public criticism, can be confronting. Early on, I learned that not everyone will understand your vision, and that’s not a failure—it’s proof that you’re doing something original. I protect my mental space by limiting access to my energy, choosing constructive voices over loud ones, and staying aligned with my values. Growth requires a strong filter.

I’m also inspired by resilience—my own and that of others. Every obstacle I’ve faced has sharpened my clarity. I remind myself that the hardest moments often precede the most meaningful breakthroughs. Staying motivated isn’t about avoiding struggle; it’s about trusting yourself enough to move through it with integrity.

At the end of the day, my motivation comes from legacy. I want my work, my story, and my presence to stand for courage, authenticity, and possibility—especially for those who feel unseen.

“Criticism only has power when you forget why you began—remembering your purpose turns resistance into fuel.” Atakan Romano

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self or someone just starting out in your field?

I would tell my younger self to trust the timing, even when it feels unbearable—and to never confuse delay with denial. When you’re starting out, it’s easy to believe that success should arrive quickly, loudly, and with approval. The truth is, real mastery is built quietly, in moments no one is watching. Every long day, every rejection, every moment of doubt is shaping you in ways you won’t fully understand until later.

I’d also say: protect your identity as fiercely as you protect your ambition. This industry will constantly invite you to become a version of yourself that’s easier to market, easier to digest, or easier to replace. Don’t accept that invitation. Learn the rules so you can break them with intention, not desperation. Your individuality is not a liability—it’s your greatest asset.

Another lesson I wish I had learned earlier is the power of boundaries. Saying yes to everything doesn’t make you committed; it makes you exhausted. Choose growth over noise. Surround yourself with people who respect your vision, your time, and your evolution. Longevity is built through self-respect as much as skill.

Most importantly, I’d remind myself—and anyone starting out—that belief is a practice, not a personality trait. You don’t wake up confident one day and stay that way forever. You build confidence by keeping promises to yourself, especially when it’s hard.

“Don’t rush to be seen—build something so real that when the world notices, it can’t look away.” Atakan Romano

How have experiences shaped your view on success and fame?

My experiences have completely redefined what success and fame mean to me. Early on, I believed success was measured by visibility, recognition, or the size of the platform. Fame felt like the ultimate validation – a sign that all the hard work had paid off. What I didn’t anticipate was how fleeting and hollow external validation can be when it’s not rooted in authenticity.

Years of navigating the industry taught me that real success isn’t just about accolades or followers – it’s about consistency, integrity, and the ability to create impact without losing yourself. Fame can amplify your influence, but it can also distort priorities, expose vulnerabilities, and test your resilience in ways that money or recognition never could. I’ve learned that being known is one thing; being remembered for the right reasons is another entirely.

Personal hardships, professional setbacks, and moments of public scrutiny have all shaped my understanding. They showed me that the journey is more important than the applause, and that true success lies in transformation – both for yourself and for the people you touch through your work. Fame, if pursued without purpose, can be a weight; but when aligned with values, it becomes a tool for storytelling, representation, and impact.

Now, I measure success by whether my work inspires, empowers, and leaves a legacy. Fame is no longer a destination—it’s a responsibility. It’s a way to amplify messages of courage, creativity, and resilience to people who might otherwise feel invisible.

“Fame is loud, but success is quiet; the real triumph is staying true while the world watches.” Atakan Romano.

Most surreal moment of your career? How did you handle it?

One of the most surreal moments of my career was the first time my work went truly viral. Overnight, images I had poured countless hours into were everywhere—across social media, international publications, and celebrity feeds. It was thrilling, but also disorienting. Suddenly, the world was watching, and the weight of visibility was unlike anything I had experienced before. The dream I had chased for years arrived all at once, but with it came pressure, expectation, and the realization that fame can be as intimidating as it is exhilarating.

Handling it required grounding. I reminded myself that the work itself, the craft, and the discipline that got me there were my true constants—not the attention. I focused on what I could control: creativity, professionalism, and integrity. I also leaned on a trusted circle of mentors, collaborators, and loved ones who kept me anchored, reminding me that the moment didn’t define me—the process and persistence did.

That experience taught me an invaluable lesson: surreal moments are not just about the applause—they are tests of character. They force you to face your own ego, manage expectation, and stay aligned with your values when the spotlight feels blinding.

“The surreal moments don’t define you—how you hold yourself in them does.”

What’s the message you want to share with your audience? 

The message I want to share is simple, yet profound: own your story and never apologize for your journey. In a world that often pressures people to conform, the greatest act of courage is to embrace who you are, fully and unapologetically. Every obstacle, every rejection, and every risk I’ve taken has taught me that visibility without authenticity is empty – success without self-belief is hollow.

I want my audience to understand that their dreams, no matter how big or unconventional, are valid. The path to achieving them will not always be glamorous—it will test patience, resilience, and courage—but it is always worth pursuing. Representation matters. If someone sees themselves in my story and feels empowered to rise, then my work has fulfilled its purpose.

Above all, I hope people take away that strength is not the absence of struggle—it’s the choice to keep moving forward despite it. Life, fame, and success are transient; the impact you leave and the integrity you maintain are what endure.

“Your story is your power—own it, and the world has no choice but to notice.” Atakan Romano.

Social Media Links

• atakanromanobooks.com
• https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/57011364.Atakan_Romano
• https://www.facebook.com/glamhairartist
• https://www.tiktok.com/@atakanromanoauthor
• https://www.instagram.com/glamhairartist
• https://www.substack.com/atakanromanobooks
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/atakan-romano-487003276

Media PR contact; contact@atakanromano.com