We were lucky to catch up with Larisa Arnold recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Larisa, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Growing up, I knew that I was different than most of my peers. I’ve always had this artsy, creative part of my personality and also heavily engaged in education and knowledge, so it was always difficult to relate to others.

It wasn’t until I was in my early 20s when I started to gain confidence and embrace my creative personality that was initially developed through my middle school experience at F.A.I.R., which was fine arts based. I started to embody my creativity through modeling and after getting signed to agencies in Minneapolis, I built a solid resume of fun gigs and opportunities that affirmed that pursuing modeling/acting as a full-time career could be possible. Meanwhile, I did have a full-time job that I was highly accomplished in while modeling part-time, eventually growing into a leadership role to lead diversity, equity, inclusion and wellbeing efforts for employees at the organization today.

Over the last two years, God told me that it was time to think bigger and play bigger. I realized that if I’m going to “do” life, I have to absolutely go after my dreams no matter what. This led me to getting my Wellness Coach Certification from NASM to invest deeper into my wellness business, Healthy You, LLC. Even bigger, in September of 2022, I relocated from Minneapolis to Atlanta and have notified my employer that I will be quitting my corporate job at the end of 2022. This was the most riskiest thing I’ve ever done, for a number of reasons! First, I was comfortable in Minneapolis from finances to the convenient access to my friends and family. Due to this, not a ton of people understood why I wanted to move. I had people doubting me but I also had overwhelming support too.

I am absolutely stunned, grateful and humbled to share that my experience in Atlanta so far has been quite the opposite of those doubts: I was signed to a Mother Agency within 3 weeks of my move, was casted as a background actress for an upcoming Netflix film as well as a background actress for music videos, two artists being Trina and Saucy Santana. Lastly, I was part of the Atlanta Women’s Film Festival as an actress for table reads. I know that I am where I’m supposed to be and even though it’s not always easy being away from home, I am essentially living my dream and betting on myself! I always say that I would rather try than sit and wonder. I look forward to designing the best version of myself each and every day!

Larisa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a model, actress, entrepreneur, wellness coach and model coach! I started my model career in my early 20s. I wasn’t serious until someone approached me while working as an Assistant Manager at Hollister in the Mall of America. This gentleman owned an agency and was intrigued by my look. After we met, he provided feedback and next steps; from there, I took my wellness seriously and started to apply myself. I began my career by booking runway shows for MN Fashion Week and eventually got signed to three non-exclusive agencies where I’ve done a ton of print, commercial, TV, and acting work.

I first got involved in modeling for personal reasons: to build my confidence, have fun, network, and be an example of a Black model that was not represented as much in MN. As I grew in the industry, my purpose evolved to using my model platform to inspire and encourage others to love themselves deeper by sharing model photos and embedding positive affirmations and resources within them.

This approach inspired me to launch my business Healthy You, LLC which offers wellness services such as wellness coaching and sharing wellness resources via a blog, YouTube and podcast. Growing up struggling with confidence and expressing my voice, I spent my 20s intentionally working on those areas and I’m at a place where I want to be a guide for others to find their voice too. This is what makes me unique; the ability to connect deeply with others and be vulnerable in sharing my story through my modeling platform to guide others towards their authentic selves.

I am so proud of the ways in which I want to give back! I never thought I could make an impact through modeling and how that would lead me to wellness. I want people to see me as a person who is not only beautiful outside but within too. Modeling, wellness and service is essentially my brand and who I embody at work, on social media and through in-person interactions that I am incredibly proud of.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Absolutely! The difference between creatives and non-creatives (or as I like to say, comfortable folks) is fear and self-belief. There’s a certain mindset that non-creatives have adopted either through themselves, society or peers. Fear of being broke, fear of failure, fear that they will be judged for not going the traditional path etc. It takes so much faith to lean into your dreams and actually go after them, and I am 100% familiar with those fears. It’s often that non-creatives can also project their own fears or envy creatives because they did not go after their personal dreams (or thought they couldn’t) and are living with regret.

Because of this, I’ve learned to be protective of sharing my deepest dreams and goals. Only sharing with 100% trusted folks that kind of understands and genuinely want the best for me. It’s also important as a creative person to accept that no one will fully understand our visions, but there are people who do have an open mind and heart, and those are the people that can be leaned on. We need love and support in the journey and can’t always do it alone, so it’s important to find a supportive tribe even if it’s one person.

Surrounding yourself with people that don’t understand you or have your best interests, intentionally or unintentionally, can be discouraging. Hearing those constant doubts can be draining and exhausting. In these cases, establishing boundaries from those people is important so that you can protect your energy. Always remember, our own lives are unique to us and we have to make decisions that make US happy!

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Earlier in my career, I wish I would’ve been more active in finding paid work through freelancing. Most of my paid work came from my agent which is great but strategically leaning into your network, going to more events etc. is going to make a huge difference to attract work. Networking more through social media by messaging brands and people to have genuine conversations about their experiences is something I could have done earlier too. Additional resources I would’ve tapped into sooner are: contacting podcasts to request to be a guest on their shows to elevate my platform, and creating online accounts for Backstage, Actors Access, Central Casting, Central Network and Portfolio Pad etc.

Lastly, earlier in my career I would’ve been more intentional or “picky” in the work I did. Not saying “yes” to every photographer and being selective with who I worked with. Tip from me to you: if a photographer wants to shoot you for their project, communicate your rate and if they ghost you or can’t afford that, accept that they aren’t in alignment with your vision. When you set boundaries and expectations, people will respect you as a professional.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.larisaarnold.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risasnuggs/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larisa-arnold-4351b569/
• Youtube: youtube.com/user/93heyarnold
• Other: Model portfolio: https://www.larisaarnold.com/home/modelportfolio

Image Credits
Isaiah King Jordyn Ari Diana Yepez Madeline Elli