Daily Inspiration: Meet Karissa Valenzuela

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karissa Valenzuela.

Hi Karissa, We are so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When I found out I was pregnant with my daughter Alessia, I was taken aback by the number of products not recommended for use during pregnancy, as they could harm my unborn child. This made me question the safety of these products for everyone, not just pregnant women. As a result, I decided to switch to non-toxic alternatives, such as cast iron cookware, making my skincare with castile soap, and using soap nuts for my laundry detergent. I became utterly “crunchy.” It wasn’t until my second pregnancy I began Within Skin. It started with herb-infused oils and melt-and-pour soaps and has now evolved into a wellness brand that offers products like dry brushes and services like sound healing, which support our body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
As an entrepreneur, balancing a growing business while raising a family takes work. Managing a business can be intricate, and because I’m so invested in my brand, I am responsible for much of the behind-the-scenes work. Meanwhile, my kids are still young, and these early years are critical for their development. Choosing between spending time with my children and building my business is challenging.

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Seeing how my wellness brand has evolved into a range of physical products and services is amazing. However, as I envision my brand’s future, it’s important to integrate self-love and inner child work into everything I do. My next campaign will celebrate women of all sizes, showcasing their natural curves, beauty, and imperfections that society often deems unwanted or not beautiful enough. As a woman in the beauty industry, it’s important to set myself apart from the rest and highlight every woman’s unique beauty. This means showcasing stretch marks, cellulite, and body fat in a positive light rather than trying to hide or erase them. In a world where social media often promotes a highlight reel of perfection, it’s more important than ever to showcase the realness of being human. By providing more images that focus on the beauty of imperfection, my brand can encourage women to embrace and love themselves just as they are.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the COVID-19 crisis?
It’s amazing how much we can benefit from being a part of a community. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals who share our values and accept us for who we are is invaluable. There’s something unique about having a group of people who “get” you and respect your opinions, even when they differ from their own. It’s these soul-fam connections that truly make life feel whole.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.withinskincare.com
• Instagram: @withinskin_
• Other: www.karissavalenzuela.com

Image Credits
All photos are taken by Christian Quintanilla or Myself