Meet Eli Carrillo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eli Carrillo.

Hi Eli, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have over 12 years of experience In the entertainment industry – with experience in front of the cameras, working behind the scenes, and learning all aspects of film, radio, and music both from a creative and administrative standpoint. I’m a social media personality, content creator, and producer. I have had the opportunity to work with a long list of Hip Hop luminaries and have formed a part of some amazing projects, such as working alongside record labels like Atlantic Records and Ultra Records, touring nationally with artists, and undertaking on-camera projects for legends such as Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube.

In my free time, I showcase my authentic Mexican family alongside my siblings and social media personalities Kassandra & Ebastian Carrillo where as a collective, we have accumulated an average of 1 million views on our social media platforms, accompanied by a dedicated following of approximately 125K individuals. I also own EliCarrillo.Shop, where I have successfully sold numerous branded items to my loyal followers and supporters who appreciate my work as a creative director.

In addition, I obtained my California Real Estate License where I have found a passion in educating my community in the importance of owning Real Estate. My clients range from fellow entertainers, musicians, and producers to the familiar faces I grew up with in my community.

A MORE DETAILED STORY OF MY JOURNEY:

At the age of four, I knew I wanted to work in the entertainment industry. I was fascinated with cameras, taking photos, I loved singing, acting, and modeling. There was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to be a part of that world. It came so natural to me. At 17, I landed my first gig on camera as a background actor. I was doing a lot of background work for Nickelodeon & Disney Channel amongst other networks like ABC and NBC. Around the same time is when I began to do a lot of modeling for local street brands, make-up artists and developing my skills as a creative director by creating my own sets and producing some of the most artistic shoots. It was then when my work began to get recognized, and I began to land on camera roles and being featured in some of the most influential music videos in the hip-hop world. Not as a video vixeon, I must clarify that, but having my own cameos.

All while being in college and studying arts, media and communications, I was given the opportunity to intern for Dj Skee’s radio department SKEE 24/7. There I learned how to produce on-air shows as well as host and interview. I formed a part of DJ Skees most listened on air show where I produced and co-hosted which later lead me to having my own radio show Mon-Fri on the Spanish Station FUEGO!

By then, I had already built a solid foundation in LA and was getting my name out there. I had built strong relationships and had worked with a lot of reputable talents in the music industry. My career then took a different direction and I got the opportunity to learn all aspects of the music industry, from working directly with record labels, management, going on national tours and learning how to built a solid audience. My following began to grow and I gained loyal individuals who day in day out would ask me to sell them items such as posters, T-Shirts, Face masks all with images of me from shoots I had created that they had completely fallen in love with. It was then when I decided to create EliCarrillo.Shop where I sold hundreds of signed posters and personalized items to my very loyal supporters.

Around the same time is when I began to showcase my authentic Mexican family where as a collective, we accumulated an average of 1 million views on our social media platforms, accompanied by a dedicated following of approximately 125K individuals.

I was then offered a job at one of the biggest record pool companies in the country as a Talent coordinator in which I helped artists develop not only their careers and stories but social media platforms as well. But then suddenly, the pandemic hit, and there was so much uncertainty left. I ended up losing my job due to the pandemic. I remember being extremely devastated. I never wanted to have that feeling again of having to depend on a major company for my next paycheck ever again.

Growing up, I was fortunate enough to accompany my father, who has over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, to different job sites allowing me to have firsthand insights into the development of some of California’s most extraordinary residences. It was then when I gained a love for interior design, architecture and real estate. I always wanted to be a part of that world but never committed myself to pursuing it or even knew how to link the two real estate and entertainment. However, we were now all on lockdown and I had more than enough time in my hands, so of course I did what I always wanted to do: I dedicated my time to gain knowledge and obtained my real estate license. However, my ambitions went beyond personal growth. I saw such a need in our community and within my peers to educate them in the importance of owning and investing in real estate. Once I got my license, I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to have my license hung under Compass the number 1 brokerage in the nation, and was mentored by some of the top producing agents in the country who have sold millions if not billions in real estate.

I now have two careers and work in both simultaneously. I am still very much a part of and affiliated to the music industry while also working on my personal brand as a creator/personality on top of being a realtor. While I don’t ever plan to detach from the entertainment industry, I found a lane where not only I can help educate and guide but also support my network of friends, family, and fellow entertainers in recognizing the significance of investing your money in real estate. Life has been one beautiful roller coaster, and I have been very blessed to have been given all the opportunities I have had in my career. I hope to one day be able to give back whether that be in helping my peers with any real estate needs they may have or simply inspiring someone else to chase after their dreams through my content or knowledge all around. #EveryoneNeedsAnEli

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Both of my careers, entertainment and real estate are male-dominated industries. Being a woman in both careers has probably been one of my biggest challenges all around. Having to prove that I am not just a pretty face but that I am respectable and knowledgable enough to be able to bring in business as a realtor and that I am talented enough to make moves in entertainment has been one of my biggest challenges, but most rewarding all at the same time.

I’ve been told in the past that I needed to focus on one or the other whether it’s entertainment or real estate and that I couldn’t do both. I am proud to say that I am able to handle both careers and thus far I’ve been successful in my own lane. At the end of the day, it all comes down to how much work you are willing to put in and the sacrifices you are willing to take. Nothing worth having comes easy.

I am extremely passionate about both careers, and whether I am here to educate my peers in the importance of owning real estate or whether I am here to put a smile on your face through my content as a creator, I do it from the heart.

#EveryoneNeedsAnEli

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a Latina in Music, A Personality, Content Creator & Realtor.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
The biggest risk I took was to bet on myself and my career. Detaching from a solid and secure 9-5 and chasing after my dreams and goals not knowing if I was going to be able to make it happen was on of the biggest risks I decided to take. And to be honest, I would do it all over again!

Contact Info:

• Website: ELICARRILLO.COM
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_elicarrillo
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itselicarrillo/
• Other: https://www.compass.com/agents/elizabeth-carrillo/?referrer=omnibox

Image Credits
Pink Real Estate Photo was taken by: Joseph Michael @Joseph_michael_ Photo with chains in hair taken by: Christopher Ortega @Imbecile_stud On-air Photo: I have full rights to it. Photos in white dress taken by: Yasmin Antonio @Yasmeanuh