Meet LaRissa Johnson | Serial Entrepreneur & Make-Up Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with LaRissa Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LaRissa, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
Most definitely risk-taking has been a very important factor since the inception of my enterprise.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What I’m trying to advocate is that The Curvy Enterprise is more than just a boutique. It’s a movement, for curvy women everywhere! My vision with this company is to create that platform for curvy women to look and feel beautiful inside and out, unapologetically. While doing so I’m determined to provide services and products to enhance the everyday life of curvy women, that’s where the boutique portion ties into the business. In my eyes women really do run the world, and I want to make sure that we have the tools that’ll give us the confidence to continue to do so, lol. But everything isn’t always glitter and gold! Social media is such a polished place, lol. I feel like we see things as one way, and don’t really think about what really goes down behind closed doors. I’ve had lots of hardships, and failures before I started being recognized. The hardest part of this thing was staying focused while seeing the light at the end of the darkest tunnel. Still is! You just have to put in that WORK, and trust and believe that things will always work out for you, boo!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh girl, we about to party honey! Just kidding, I work too much! But let’s speak hypothetically here, if I were free for just one week! Let’s start with the top of the week. Monday’s we go to the spa, at The Pfister hotel & spa downtown! Afterward, we can hit up the Milwaukee Public Market for some clean eating. I like to eat clean sometimes, it makes me feel good about myself, lol. Tuesday’s, everyone knows it’s “taco Tuesday”, stop playing! We’re there! Then all local movie theaters are $5 too see any movie. So that’s definitely something to do. Wednesday’s, I like to go to heated yoga to get over that mid week hump! Then of course, we eat WINGS, from a local tavern of course! Thursday’s, I like to chill, maybe go find some good books at my local book store, find some scented candles and other minor things pertaining to self care. By Friday, chile, the weekend is here and it’s time to paint the town red! Friday, we’re going to get our personal maintenance done. Hair is getting fixed, nails are getting done, and maybe even a new outfit. On point esthetics contribute to the fun we about to have, and who doesn’t wanna look al fine and stuff? By evening we’ll be showing up to someone’s happy hour. After happy hour, we’ll finish our night at Truth lounge downtown. They have nice nostalgic music. They have the best bartenders, drinks, and hookah. Girls love hookah! Saturday morning, we have to go visit my family. Breakfast at mom’s house! Saturday evening we are going to Arté, which is a sip n paint spot. After those glasses of wine and a coupe hours of painting, we’re through! I’m ready to go honey. I’m old (27yrs) so I got to go home so I can get a full 8 hours of sleep, Lol. Sunday’s are for brunch! We’re hitting up the best brunch spot, Sweet Diner! Good food and bottomless mimosas are always a vibe! After that fun, we will prepare for the upcoming week. We set our intentions for the week, set some short term goals, maybe even get some laundry done that’s been sitting around for days. So there you have it, an ideal week with me, that’s locally of course!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t even have this company without the help of my mentor, Tia. I was kind of stagnant, tired of the same old routine, and maybe even a little lost. I wanted that change, and the first day I met with her she helped me put my ideas into a plan and that’s when came up with a years timeline of goals. I’m also very grateful for my big sister, Destiny, for keeping me grounded every time I get overwhelmed, or nervous about something in business. She’s kind of like my personal calming goat. As always the love and support from my customers, and other supporters who have watched my journey always excite me!

Website: thecurvyenterprise.com

Instagram: accordingtolarissa

Image Credits
Timothy Ricketts IG: @therickettsshow