We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marisa Arias-Sanchez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marisa, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

My mission has been my passion since I was just a kid. At a young age I wanted to help people but in a different way. I was determined to use my talent to help women feel good about themselves. I did not come from a wealthy family and just as my mother did, I had to put in the work to get to where I am now. Even right now I’m not finished putting in the sweat and tears. I want to provide the “luxury” services to women at an affordable price. I understand that some of the things we want and need to make us feel good can be put on hold due to finances.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

Although I was self taught at a young age (14), I dreamt of being some famous hairdresser. I didn’t actually enroll into cosmetology school right after I graduated high school, due to starting my family early off in my life. It wasn’t until 2013 is when I felt it was time to enroll into school. I had a rough start jumping into the industry after I was licensed. I’d become widowed and was raising 4 children with the help of my family. So while I was mourning a heavy loss I knew I needed to keep moving forward and put my license to use. My first cosmo job was Drybar, where I did blow-drying and styled hair. I will forever be grateful for that community of people. This is where I learned the ins and outs of the beauty industry. I learned how to talk to people and interact with women of all backgrounds. I soon then realized my job really was my passion but there was something missing. I enjoyed helping women feel better about themselves but I was limited to certain services. I wanted to do more, like cutting hair, braiding more, and I wanted to do it at an affordable price for those who couldn’t afford it. Knowing my limitations at this point in life I knew I needed to explore and put myself out there a bit more. I then started to work for myself part time at a suite where I could provide the services and I wanted and the prices I felt comfortable. Working at the suite I learned so much more. I definitely became more independent and driven. Shortly after the pandemic I started traveling to clients more and working from home. I have since then made a small business for myself. I applied and received my LLC last year (2021). It hasn’t been an easy road but I’m determined to keep going. I have huge goals and dreams that I want to achieve with all my heart. I am now remarried and have a blended family of 7 children. My husband is my biggest fan and supporter. He understands that I have a purpose and gift God blessed me with and I will do all that I can to help women and their children feel better about themselves. It’s not about the credit, it’s about the feeling, that feeling that you made a difference in someone’s life at a small expense. It’s the reason we were created to help and love one another.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

So, you know the saying, “You get what you paid for”? That has been a struggle for me to convince my spectators that that’s not always true. I understand that others in my industry have to keep their prices at a certain margin due to rent, inventory, or meeting certain goals. In my case it’s a little different, yes at the moment I work for a living but I absolutely love what I do and I do it to help others. Especially the ones who need a little extra helping hand. When I started working for myself I had to sit and ask myself, “How much would you pay for this?” How much is actually “affordable”? That’s how I’ve based my prices for my services. I think back to my childhood and how I would ask my mother for certain things and was told no due to finances. I have been told multiple times to raise my prices and I have a few times but only because the cost of products has increased. Once I’ve booked new clients and they are satisfied with my work they realize that my prices don’t define my work at all. It never fails that they ask me why my services can be so low and it isn’t until they hear my story that they completely understand.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

A lot of my business is based on social media. Instagram and Facebook have helped me greatly by reaching different audiences. I’ve been able to connect more with my clients not only on my business accounts but also on my personal accounts. Many of my clients have become great friends of mine and I think it’s important they see that my values behind my business are true. I often love gifting my clients with free services as a “just because”. I think it’s important to always give back. I believe that’s why my clientele is growing, they know and see the vibe is real and sincere.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://southerncharmstyles.square.site
• Instagram: southern_charm_styles
• Facebook: risaSCS

Image Credits
Aldo Photagraphy, Instagram