We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Clarissa Karagosian. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Clarissa below.
Alright, Clarissa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
In the beauty industry, a lot of women are at competition with each other whether they show it or not. I always found myself in salon environments with weird competitive energy or felt unnecessary anxiety, like I walked on eggshells. I had met so many other stylists that had felt that way too. I wanted to open my own salon to provide a safe environment for artists to thrive and feel welcomed. My mission or purpose in life rather, is to prove to others that regardless of where or what you come from, you can achieve anything you set your heart and mind too, if you’re willing to sacrifice and put in the work. I come from nothing and was always told that the things I wanted were not possible. Against all odds I’ve achieved all of those things on my own. I use my own stories of experiences regularly to encourage others that they can do the same! This means so much to me because I know what it feels like to be purposeless, broke & afraid. I keep achieving and growing my business towards my mission to be an example for anyone in the spot I once was in.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I started doing hair when I was 13 but I was attempting far before that, cutting my dolls hair, attempting to cut my mom and sisters hair. I finished cosmetology at a vocational school at 16 and was working immediately after. I grew up being discouraged from any creative industry. I was told that it was a cute side job but would never support the “delusions” I had on where I wanted to be and how I wanted to live. I moved to la alone at 18 anyways, and without any help made my vision a reality. 7 years later, I’m fully self employed and own a salon in Echo Park. I’m so proud to be 25 with my own salon. My drive and vision sets me apart from others. More than doing hair, I enjoy the connections and conversations it brings on the daily. I love meeting new people and relating on so many levels. I love making woman feel beautiful
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When I was working multiple jobs to stay afloat in LA while trying to grow clientele , I worked at a high end restaurant that treated staff horribly. After a few months, I noticed the pay was so good regardless of how poorly we were treated and so I had quit another job to take more hours at this one. A day after I made that decision, I walked in and was fired mid shift with no explanation other than “ I was not needed, and not the perfect fit for the job.” I was devastated and went home. Concerned due to the fact that I was now two jobs down.. I didn’t know how I would pay my bills moving forward, and I was scared that everything was coming to a halt. In the end, it actually was the best thing that could’ve happened because I then took a job offer at a barbershop that taught me how to fade & cut men’s hair. I grew far more clientele in that job than any job I ever held. And those clients are still with me today! My lesson from this experience that I now share with my clients in similar situation’s, is that sometimes things happen to you, not for you.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
In my industry, social media is everything but word of mouth in my opinion is the best way to grow a wonderful clientele. Leaving a really good impression on others that would make them want to go and tell other people about their experience is key!
Contact Info:
- Website: ClarsHairs.com
- Instagram: ClarsHairs
- Other: Salon instagram @chstudiola