Today we’d like to introduce you to Connie Carrillo.
Hi Connie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
My story begins in Atlanta, Georgia in the great 90s. True 90s baby over here. My father and his family decided there were more opportunities for his work in Charleston, South Carolina. He loved the beachy and chill vibe that Charleston had to offer and continues to offer.
This city is evolving to become if it has not already a one-stop city. Why leave? Ah thus begins our move to Charleston in the early 2000s. I was the only Latina in my class and while I didn’t realize it then, I was just a quiet child in the midst of learning the English language and had no idea what I was actually good at. My teachers all through my childhood praised my creativity and listening skills.
Although, math was never my forte, to say the least. I got along with everyone and I loved learning new things while never staying still. That transfers perfectly well into my life today. You won’t find me in one place. Post-high school, I decided to continue my education and attended the College of Charleston. I graduated in 2016 with my Bachelors in Exercise Science and decided to move to Atlanta, Georgia at the age of 23.
During my time between college and moving to Atlanta, I dove into my love for art and makeup artistry while I also catered to my athleticism. While I enjoyed trying new techniques and offering my services to friends and family. I was torn between which path to go with, makeup or exercise.
At the time, there weren’t many artists in the area and I felt like I was too much for the city so it made my decision to leave pretty easy. Southern bars and clubs don’t require dressing upscale and tip-top. Makeup was minimal and very light. I am bold and loud with my personality and makeup (within reason).
Downtown Charleston at the time was very college based since down the street you had the two oldest colleges in the area, the College of Charleston and The Citadel, a world-known military college. So attire was not a priority for most and much less a necessity.
As far as exercise, well there was plenty to do outside for the everyday gal and pal but I was ready to leave home and see what else the world had to offer. That world came to be Atlanta, Georgia for me.
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?
I struggled with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. College was a wake-up call and allowed me to decide on my own future and that was daunting in itself. Did I mention I was the first to go to a four-year college and I was the first to graduate and leave home?
Nonetheless, there is more to learn about oneself once you leave home. I was ready and went in running to Atlanta, I had saved so much money so I wouldn’t have to worry, and yet my perseverance drove me to find a job. Everything was new, everything was the city and the lights, I fell in love. I still love Atlanta.
In any case, I still went to school in Atlanta while trying to continue my makeup artistry. Nothing could compare to the energy and happiness I had when I was all made up and ready for class. However, I wouldn’t dare step foot in a Sephora or MAC store, I was scared and nervous. But none of these emotions would have happened if I stayed in Charleston.
My first real struggle was my old car failed me on the way to my new job, and thus began my first real adult purchase, a new car. I didn’t account for this but it had to be done for me to get to point a to point b without any issues. Another wake-up call that was.
I felt defeated but also eager to continue my life in Atlanta. At the time, I was encouraged to stay with family until I found a place I liked in the city. Soon enough I was able to live in the city and look out my window and see the city skyline. I knew I made it then.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I do not have a traditional career but I will say that what I do involves more creativity than ever before. What I do know and if there was a title that I have to say is a corporate trainer. I open restaurants, handle restaurant operations, and am the lead trainer for the restaurants for Legacy Ventures.
I have traveled from Atlanta, Tennessee, Texas, and even to Montana. It is a fun time for a traveler enthusiast like myself. That being said, I am a lead bartender so I make sure cocktails are up to par and taste good! Perfect for my creative self. And It’s about speed and functionality over here.
What allows me to continue my work is the fact that I can use my off time to work on my craft and makeup. Due to COVID and life, I hadn’t been able to continue my work but I do enjoy glamming my girls (or men) up. I cannot express the joy it gives me to do so. It boosts my creativity up to another level. It is also my zen.
And while that keeps me level-headed, I cannot forget how much enthusiasm and peace exercise gives me too. I offer health coaching from time to time to friends who do not realize I do so (it’s not an invasive practice so I practice it very minimally). I plan to explore that career path further since I do enjoy being a listener.
I like to help people but only those that want to be helped. My Instagram page is set for the exercise creativity that I have. The gym allows me to do whatever and lift whatever I want so it also excites me to be able to have that ability to come up with different movements to do. This is in hopes to continue a career path in exercise as well.
I am a woman of made traits and while on paper it seems confusing, I know what I can offer to anyone who sits down with me and has a conversation with me. I only strive to bring out the best version of myself. I am simply your reflection of who you wish to be.
If you want to have great eyebrows, let me shape them up for you. You need an ear to hear or advice, ill listen and we can work it out together. I put everyone and anyone’s best interests first.
What’s next?
In the traditional concept of life, I do wish to be married, own a dog, and live in a beautiful home. I want to host parties and family gatherings.
For my career, I want to have the ability to have a shop where you do get to be glammed but also be able to offer my other services while feeling at peace and at ease. I want to be the person someone can trust.
I do see myself continuing to travel and see other places because, with every move, I learn something new about myself. I truly enjoy that. So big changes? I cannot wait for them and am eager to see who I become from it.
And this furthers my life motto, leave home.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @conniem_ or @conniefitme
