Meet Alyssa Arriaga

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Arriaga.

Hi Alyssa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story begins like many others, with two parents, except they were 17 at the time—definitely not your average starting point. The odds were stacked against them becoming yet another teen parent statistic. But then, a plot twist: my dad got hired at Pixar a few years later, and suddenly, I believed anything was possible. From day one, I aimed for the stars.

Growing up with teen parents molded me into the person I am today. Their determination inspired me to become something society couldn’t simply label as a result of reckless teen parenthood. My childhood was filled with love and support, but it was my teenage years that threw me for a loop. Bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression became my unwelcome companions. I struggled with weight fluctuations, teetering between being underweight due to anxiety and then struggling to eat because of it.

Amid this emotional whirlwind, I lost sight of self-love for an extended period. This is where my love affair with fashion blossomed. Even though I didn’t always feel my best mentally, I dressed myself in vibrant outfits that brought me joy. Colors, prints, and whatever made me feel good became my armor. I ventured onto TikTok, amassing nearly 30K followers in record time. I became happier— not because of the numbers, but because I no longer felt alone.

Ultimately, my passion for fashion became my lifeline. It led me to my current role as a Merchandise Coordinator for BoxLunch at Hot Topic’s headquarters. Additionally, I offer style bundles where I curate thrifted clothing ensembles for people, delivering them in cute packaging. My ultimate goal? To use fashion as a tool to make people feel good about themselves.

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?
As a short answer, no it has not been a smooth road. If my life was peanut butter it wouldn’t be creamy—it’d be crunchy.

However, it’s ok because I prefer crunchy peanut butter anyway. But a few challenges I faced were teen parenthood, mental health struggles, eating disorders, and seeking validation. Being born to parents who were only 17 at the time presented a unique challenge. Teen parents often face social and economic pressures that can impact a child’s upbringing as you can imagine. And the big 3 whammy during my teenage years of Bipolar Disorder, anxiety, and depression did not help— as you can also imagine. My mental health deteriorated, and eating disorders crept in. Except my case was unique in a sense because I wanted to gain the weight that I so desperately could not for the longest time whereas most people want to lose weight. I could go on and on about this, but with time more of these stories will come to light.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Let me just start off with I love my job right now, I really do. There’s no “but.” I’m a Merchandise Coordinator for BoxLunch on the buying team at Hot Topic’s headquarters. Finding a job in fashion in so cal was incredibly challenging, so during my time of unemployment, I took on a side gig of curating style bundles. That style bundle brand is called Dailey Lailey. However, although I love fashion, I feel as if I’m most known for my resilience. Despite facing significant challenges, including mental health struggles and the unique circumstances of being born to teen parents, I have stood tall. Or as tall as I can at 5 foot 3 inches. Instead of succumbing to the difficulties I have faced, I have found a way to use fashion as a means of self-expression and self-empowerment by making it my job and that is what I am most proud of.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Therapy has changed my life. Finding a therapist you connect to though is as hard as finding a romantic partner. Let’s be honest here.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.alyssaarriaga.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/alyssaaestrella
• Other: www.instagram.com/daileylailey