Today we’d like to introduce you to Yasmine Perez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Yasmine Marian Perez, and I am a second-generation Latin American woman. I grew up in the sunny and beautiful city of Santa Monica, California. I am the eldest in my generation, which naturally placed me in a leadership role in my life. My grandparents moved from San Salvador, El Salvador in 1972 with a dream of providing their family with a better life. By the grace of God, they chose the greatest city in the world, Santa Monica. With all that being said, I have always felt in my heart, even as a young girl, that I needed to become the best version of myself.
As a young child, I possessed a strong mind, attitude, and drive. My nickname was “Wiseman.” At the age of 12, I began dancing and received classical training in ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance. This not only served as an outlet but also marked the beginning of my creative journey.
At 17 years old, after numerous moves due to my stepfather’s military service, I moved home to Los Angeles for college, where I studied business and leadership. Most of my life had been marked by instability, moving, parents separating, and a lack of consistency. So, at 17, I threw myself into the world to discover who I truly was. Like any other young college student, I faced challenges like paying rent for the first time, learning how to manage my finances, making new friends, being the best big sister I could be, and working full-time while attending school. It was a lot, but nothing could stop me. I remained steadfast in my dreams and beliefs.
While always having the mindset to grow, I attached myself and positioned myself to be around some of the greatest leaders in my life. They taught me leadership, business, communication skills, character, and how to discover myself. — Your community and friends are your greatest assets in life!
I knew that if I kept pushing, there would come a time when I would reap fruit. I constantly thought outside the box, aiming to build something bigger than myself, not only for myself but also for God and His people. Often, I felt crazy dreaming of such big dreams that seemed almost impossible to achieve. I came up with ideas like becoming a local dog walker, starting a jewelry business, creating a website to sell travel products, and launching a clothing brand. While these ideas didn’t fully materialize, I kept trying.
Just before the pandemic hit, I moved to a new city to learn and be a part of an incredible project. When the pandemic hit, I became even more creative! I had too! To think outside the box about who I was becoming, even though the world seemed to be falling apart. Moments like this is when your faith comes to play! This is when I came up with the idea of becoming a social media manager and brand strategist, which complemented each other perfectly. This marked the beginning of it all. I have always had the gift to build and develop brands, helping them reach their highest potential. I began securing the greatest clients, and years later, I continue to do the same. My business has always grown through word of mouth, with one brand after another trusting in me and sharing my information. This is how Salt Studio LA became my private creative agency. The name came from the book of Matthew, reflecting the idea that, like salt, we add flavor to the world. We need more brands and young entrepreneurs!
A year before Salt Studio, I founded the Beverly Hills Mom Club (BHMC). Each brand I have created holds a special place in my heart because they have meaningful stories behind them. BHMC is a mix of the future me and the current me. I am not a mom or a wife, but I am a strong and smart woman! If you have ever read Proverbs 31, the woman that is described is a Beverly Hills mom! I hope this read encourages the reader to never get comfortable and to never stop creating!
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?
This has definitely not been an easy road. Nothing is ever good enough and can always be better. It’s the battle of working hard but also giving yourself grace because you are only human and not God. Knowing the right people to share or not to share your dreams with. The in-between insecurities reminding you of where you came from and your past. You begin to build imposter syndrome. While also trying to be healthy enough to keep your body and mind strong for the hard work the next day. Balancing work life, friends, and family. This life is not easy but I would never change it for the world. After many failures, you begin to learn and grow from the trauma and mistakes. Life is a constant learning curve, and it is all about the attitude and body posture you have to handle it!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What sets me apart is that my house is not built on sticks but a firm foundation. I understand the meaning and purpose of life. It took some time and studying to get there but I am there!
I am a full-time creative director partnering with brands I believe in to help them become the greatest than they already are! Using social media management and brand strategy! Having an aesthetic to reach your audience by digital marketing!
I am known for keeping brands original and authentic! Keeping them different than other brands in the market.
I am most proud of the relationships I have built working with these brands. No matter how long the contract was I am still in good relations with them!
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Wow, risk-taking. YES and YES. Scary, but DO IT! It’s honestly scary to not risk at all. This life is your oyster! You can dream and do whatever you want. It may take hard work and determination but best to make the best of this life than to live scared in a box because you are afraid. This is why people come to America; there are tools that we have and a “freedom” to do whatever your heart desires! If someone encourages you to stay to be comfortable, they are scared and comfortable themselves. Never really living at their highest potential.
I took a risk at 17, choosing to move out on my own. Most people think I am crazy that I chose to move out at 17 but I don’t care because the life I have lived and built in my 25 years of living has been incredible. I have seen and lived through the most amazing and indescribable moments. I found myself and am running to the call over my life!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminemperez/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasmine-perez-b66695271/
Image Credits
Matthew A. Ramirez
