Meet Clarissa Trevino

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

Hi Clarissa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process was really about creating something with purpose. I wanted to build a space that not only offered affordable, stylish clothing but also made people feel good about themselves – no matter their size or budget. This boutique also serves as a place where victims of domestic violence can come shop for free through a voucher. They will receive this voucher once they sign into the women’s shelter. I saw a need in the community, God gave me this vision and provided the provision to make it happen. It simply started with love and a desire to make a difference in my community, and here I am.

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?
The business that started all of this is my nonprofit called Project Spread a Lil Love. This started with me simply praying to God in 2012 and literally asking him what He wanted me to do. I was so used to doing things on my own and not asking for guidance. This time I did. He said go to the nursing homes and deliver each resident a gift for Christmas. So I did. And now, every year, we have an event called Santas for Seniors that people in the community look forward to. Some have been with me to the nursing home for years now that I’ve seen their kids grow up over the years. The nursing home event is my favorite every year. Especially since the residents aren’t expecting anything. They often tell us they thought they were forgotten about. We sing them Christmas carols, give them their gifts and of course Santa comes along!

Everything we do within the community is for the community. We recently opened our first thrift boutique this weekend, April 5th and are super excited about what God’s going to do through this boutique. It came easy cause it was something God gave me this vision to do. One of the lessons I’ve learned though is that complete strangers will support you quicker than people you know. So don’t take it personal, it happens a lot and it will happen. I used to get upset about that but I remember one day as I was getting in my feelings about it I heard God say, are you looking to them to be your source or me? Yeah, he literally checked me in my car. And I said ok. Got it. From that point on, I stopped worrying about who is and isn’t supporting me and trusted that God will put the right people in my path that will supply what the business needs.

What I would want the world to know about me and my brand is that I don’t play about my faith. I’ve seen God do too many things in my life to not share how mighty and wonderful he is. He may not always answer you when you want him to but remember, he may be protecting you from something you didn’t see or hear. His delay doesn’t mean you’re denied. Trust HIM.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my bestie was visiting for a week, this is how it would go:
Sunday – church in the morning, brunch at Cheddar’s afterwards
Monday – Friday, I’d have to work during the day so after work I’d take her to a few of my fave local restaurants such as BBQ HUB, Hook n Reel, Acropolis, Arepitas, and Pluckers.
Saturday – We’d get a mani and pedi at my favorite salon called Top Koat Nail Studio, then lunch at Razoo’s before she heads back home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Besides God giving me the vision for my nonprofit and the thrift boutique, I’d be remiss if I didn’t shout out one of my best friends Philisica Stubbs. This woman of God has supported, encouraged, prayed for me & over me and spoke life into me when I often doubted myself or self worth. The word friend is a powerful word these days and I don’t use it freely, but this woman, is more than a friend, she’s now my family, sister, confidant and I’m so thankful God made us neighbors around 10 years ago. I would also like to thank my brother Josh. He’s more than my brother, he’s my bestie and I’m thankful for the bond and relationship that he and I have grown into over the years. I’m also super thankful for the select group of people I have as friends. I’m deeply blessed to have such encouraging people in my life.

Website: https://www.projectspreadalillove.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectspreadalillove

Image Credits
none