Carlos Valenzuela grew up along the Douglas/Agua Prieta border in the 50s the son of a Spanish-only speaking ranching family. He learned English and eventually earned a master’s in international management and was a successful young manager in Argentina, Brasil, Venezuela, and Mexico City before leaving it for the lifestyle freedom allowed to him as a hairdresser. He moved to London and studied with Vidal Sassoon and later was the global spokesperson for major beauty brands. Carlos adopted Tucson as his American hometown and retired here ten years ago. He continues offering live seminars, workshops on personal development and is the author of Letters to Young Carlos, a five-time award-winning novella loosely based on his experiences growing up along the border as a gay boy.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My family owned a ranch dedicated to the export of cattle to the USA. my mother ad two sisters married and became wonderful wives and mothers. My brother was a loving misfit
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am convinced I was meant to share my pride in being gay with the world through my career, my writings, and my communication. This is why I was born. I’m so sure of it
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
The Cup at the Congress Hotel. Kingfisher Bar and Grill
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Off an on all my life.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
My trans friend Erin
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Paris because of its culture and food
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The English Patient. Jeopardy
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Live like today is your last day
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Spend a summer in Mexico City
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Beatles
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Hotel Congress
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Anderson Cooper to listen to his life story. Patio of Congress Hotel
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
It’s unique blend of pride, privacy and discretion
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Authoring at least two more books about being your best self.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My life’s routine is extremely private and simple. I have few possessions.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
A Tucson sunset after the rain.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
November. I love the Christmas and the spirit of the holidays Favorite day December 24th, Nochebuena
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The Tucson Museum of Modern Art.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Anyone who does a simple act of kindness
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Pinto beans boiling on the stove. Toasting flour tortillas on the grill.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Chilling, safety, beauty
