Meet Carol Castro: Visit Pasadena’s First Ambassador!

There’s a new face representing Visit Pasadena, and you might see her around town! Carol Castro is a local mom, small-business consultant, and social media aficionado who uses her Facebook and Instagram followings to showcase everything she loves about the community. Castro is the first ambassador for Visit Pasadena, sharing her recommendations and top tips to enjoy the city.

“I’m so excited and so happy – this has been an amazing opportunity,” says Castro. “I’ve lived here for 16 years and have had great experiences, and now I get to share them.”

Get to know Castro and what her role as a Visit Pasadena ambassador entails. See Pasadena, Texas, through her eyes and fall in love with our community. 

Castro is Inspired by Local Pasadena Business Owners 

Castro moved to Pasadena as a teenager and stayed in the area after graduating from Sam Rayburn High School. She works for her family business, World Tax Center, at 3222 Burke Road. When she’s not helping people with their taxes or celebrating local entrepreneurs, Castro travels around Pasadena with her three boys, trying new businesses and meeting other people who are excited to live here.

“I’ve been here for a while now and have watched the city grow,” she says. Working for a family business, it’s beautiful seeing how many new stores are opening and companies are growing.”

Specifically, Castro enjoys visiting The Pink Mat, a pilates studio that just opened on Fairmont Parkway. The owner, Jocelyn, is a young entrepreneur excited to run one of the first Pilates studios in Pasadena. The Pink Mat offers drop-in classes for people who want to try pilates for the first time or enjoy a few exercise sessions while visiting the region. 

She Explores Pasadena With Her Three Boys

Castro says her needs changed when she became a mom. When she goes out, she looks for family-friendly spaces where her kids are welcome and the employees are patient. Specifically, her middle child is on the Autism spectrum, so she often visits local businesses alone before bringing her kids. 

“It can be hard to find places that Nonan would like where he can also be himself, so I usually check out businesses alone first,” says Castro.

Kids Empire Pasadena is a favorite spot for her family. All of her boys love the trampolines and playgrounds, but Nonan especially loves the light room where he can relax and enjoy the visuals.

Castro also loves grabbing a drink at the Inspira Coffee Truck and letting her boys play at Holly Bay Park – anything to get their energy out!

“There’s a lot of love in Pasadena, and people are very kind and patient with us,” says Castro. “Most businesses are welcoming to my family.” 

As an Ambassador, Castro Will Celebrate Local Businesses

As she steps into her role as Visit Pasadena’s ambassador. Castro will make videos of the places she visits and highlight what she likes about them. Did we mention she loves coffee? Castro says she’s looking forward to showcasing some of her favorite spots, including La Tazita and Heavenly Brew Cafe.

“This is the perfect opportunity,” says Castro. “I have to go outside because of my kids, and now I can make videos that show everything we have to offer in Pasadena.”

Castro plans to use her platform to show off the beauty of the city. Not only does she want to profile small businesses, but also the parks, events, and activities that people might not know about. Everything she shares will be family-friendly to help other parents find things to do with their kids.

“People in Pasadena are very friendly, and we try to help each other,” says Castro. “This is a really supportive community, and I can’t wait to share it.” 

Tell Us What You Love About Pasadena 

Pasadena visitors and residents can follow Castro to enjoy tips and recommendations to get the most out of this community. On top of that, the Visit Pasadena team is always looking for tips and ideas to talk about. Submit your business to be featured or share an upcoming event.

You can also reach out to tell us what you love about living here, or share a great memory from your visit. Find Visit Pasadena on social media, including Facebook and Instagram, to see Castro in action and join the conversation about the community. Your next restaurant recommendation or annual tradition might be closer than you think!