Daily Inspiration: Meet Carisa Arellano

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carisa Arellano

Hi Carisa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in Mexico, lived 2 blocks from the Great pyramid of Cholula until I was about 6 years old then immigrated to Chicago with my single mother. She later married causing us to live in an abusive household. I was bullied at home and in school mainly because my hair was down to my butt & super curly! My mom had straight hair and because of that she didn’t know how to care for my extremely long and curly hair so she would brush my curls out leaving me looking like Cousin Itt from the Adam’s family. In High school I was stopped by a hair straightener kiosk saleswoman where they straightened my hair and they made me feel beautiful and I remembered that feeling for YEARS! One day the opportunity fell in my lap to work at one while I was finishing my bachelors in psychology and I loved the feeling of giving people confidence through finding their own definition of beauty that I dropped out and enrolled in the cosmetology program at Tricoci University of Beauty Culture. While I was in school i became Student Council President. I co owned the kiosk and with that I was able to live and obtain my cosmetology license. I immediately got my dream job at a high end salon downtown Chicago and quickly realized I needed more! 5 months in I moved to LA, went back to cosmo school at Paul Mitchell to transfer my license. That’s where I met Andrea Samuels, she believed in me and taught me makeup and brought me onto set. I loved it so much! I became addicted to creating! I later met my partner Matthew Freiheit who’s an incredible Film Director. We began working together on music videos, commercials, Fashion Editorials & our very own Feature Film (ICONIC) that’s currently running through the film festival circuit. Not only did I do hair and makeup for it, I casted and produced it! We’re now starting our second feature while juggling my music artist clients, high profile commercial clients, along with content creation! I have fully learned the world is mine.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I grew up poor and in an abusive household which later led me to be in an abusive relationship. Luckily the beauty industry called my name and I followed! I truly just followed the opportunities and if not I made my own!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am primarily a Cosmetologist, but normally they make you pick one thing to specialize in. I made it my mission to do it all. Hence my brand Carisa Does It All. I began with hair styling then found my love for color and extensions then cuts, then Makeup, then wigs, then producing, now content creation! I take pride in constantly learning more and more about each individual category. I take classes and work with many talented artists that love sharing their tips and tricks with me. The beauty community is extremely supportive! What sets me apart is my extremely outgoing, positive, and ever growing personality. I always strive to do better while having a great time! I’ve made it this far I have to enjoy it!

What’s next?
I’m looking forward to a few upcoming projects that are fun and inspiring. Rumors are true Matthew Freiheit and I have started on our second feature film! I plan on growing my skillset per usual. I can’t say too much just follow along bc everyday with me is an adventure!

Pricing:

• One hairstyle $250
• One Makeup look $250
• Both Hair and Makeup $350
• Half day $500
• Full day 1k

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Carisadoesitall.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/carisadoesitall

Image Credits
Dyl Corral
Getty
Brian Doherty
Drake Hackney
Reinhardt Kenneth
Rob Hankins
Koury Angelo
Simone Niamani Thompson