Check Out Clarissa Mari’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Clarissa Mari.

Clarissa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been an artist and doing hair has always been art to me. I started doing hair around the age of ten when I had a thing for playing with scissors. I would cut my dog’s hair and doll’s hair until finally started cutting my mom’s and sister’s hair. I then entered a cosmetology program at a vocational school and got licensed at 16. I didn’t come from much and I saw how debt affected my family, so I knew I didn’t want to go a traditional route with college, but I wanted to work for myself and own a business. So cosmetology felt like the best way to go, and because I enjoyed art and creative tasks, it never felt like work.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I decided to move to Los Angeles at the age of 18 from Boston, Massachusetts. I moved here with nothing and hardly any savings, but had a goal of owning a salon in California. It has definitely not been a smooth road however I’ve learned so much about myself and life and met the greatest clients and friends here in LA. I spent my first three years here working hard for survival and fighting to stay afloat financially in this city. Through this and the covid lockdowns, I still persevered through and finally became self-employed and a full-time stylist, as my first three years I held restaurant jobs to keep a roof over my head. And today, almost seven years into my time in LA, I’m so proud to announce that I just signed my first-ever retail lease, and will be opening ClarsHairs, the salon I dreamed of and worked towards my entire life!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love all kinds of art, but doing hair is my main creative skill. I specialize in balayage and blondes, but I also do cuts, creative color, and men’s hair… I am most proud of my ability to innovate & grow and learn new skills. I recently started a clothing brand called I’m Boring Baby (imboringbaby.com) and I’ve had a lot of fun learning and growing in the fashion industry as well. My ambition sets me apart from others, I’ve always had a plan and high goals for myself as far back as I can remember. I always pushed myself harder and wanted a better life for myself and my family. I wanted to prove that it doesn’t matter where you came from, my past is my explanation, not my excuse. It is what has strengthened me and made me resilient. I use my time behind the chair to inspire and motivate others, I share my stories on the daily if it means I can reach others in a different way. It’s so much more than just the hair.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I have been so inspired by Ed Mylett’s podcast, The Ed Mylett Show. He touches so many amazing topics and speaks to some of the most influential individuals out there. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to grow or overcome personal obstacles.

Contact Info:

• Website: clarshairs.com
• Instagram: clarshairs
• Other: imboringbaby.com