Today we’d like to introduce you to Clarissa Soto.
Hi Clarissa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been in the beauty industry for 10 years and have proudly serviced the Tampa Bay area for the last 6. What I’ve always loved most about this industry is empowering women—whether that’s through brows, lashes, or simply creating a space that feels like catching up with your best girlfriends.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to mentor, train, and manage an incredible team of artists, which taught me so much about leadership, connection, and building community.
Recently, I took one of my biggest leaps and opened Soto Haus, choosing to take a chance on myself and build something that truly reflected my vision. It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My biggest takeaway through this journey is that betting on yourself can be scary, but it’s often where the most growth and fulfillment happen.
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?
For a long time, I thought my path was going to be nursing. Growing up Filipino, healthcare is often seen as a respected and natural career path, and I genuinely believed that was what I was supposed to do. I went to nursing school with the intention of helping people and making a meaningful impact.
But as I got further into it, I realized something important—I loved caring for people, connecting with them, and being part of their lives, but I didn’t feel called to carry the responsibility of having someone’s life in my hands. That realization was difficult because stepping away from that path felt like stepping away from what was expected.
Eventually, in 2014 I made the decision to leave nursing school and pursue cosmetology instead. It was a leap, but it ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve made. I realized that helping people doesn’t only happen in healthcare. Through beauty, I get to connect with people, build relationships and community, create a safe and uplifting space, and help people feel confident in themselves.
At first, I started doing hair because that felt like the traditional route into beauty. But as I gained experience, I realized hair wasn’t my strongest area—and that realization ended up being a gift because it pushed me to keep exploring.
I found brows and completely fell in love with them. I loved how such a small detail could transform someone’s confidence while still feeling natural and personalized. From there, lashes came hand in hand, and I naturally grew into specializing in both. That’s really how my journey in the beauty industry began!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Soto Haus, I specialize in elevated brow & lash services designed to enhance natural beauty and simplify everyday routines. My services include lash lifts, brow laminations, brow shaping, tinting, and customized lash and brow treatments tailored to each client’s features, lifestyle, and goals. I believe beauty should feel effortless, personalized, and leave you feeling confident – not overdone.
What sets me apart is that I focus just as much on the experience as I do the results. Every appointment is intentional. I take time to understand my clients, educate them, and create a space that feels relaxing, welcoming, and personal. My approach is less about trends and more about enhancing what already makes someone beautiful.
Beyond the services themselves, I’m proud of the relationships and community I’ve built over the years. Clients often tell me they come for the brows and lashes but stay because of how they feel when they’re here. My goal has always been to create more than an appointment, but create a space where women can feel cared for, confident, and leave better than when they arrived!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was surrounded by strong women in a female-dominated family, but I was definitely the tomboy of the group—and honestly, I still am. It’s kind of ironic that I ended up in the beauty industry because it wasn’t something people would’ve expected from me growing up.
Personality-wise, I’d describe myself as an extroverted introvert. I love being around people, connecting, laughing, and building relationships, but I also really value quiet time and recharging on my own. I’ve always been expressive, relatable, and easy- going. I love creating spaces where people feel comfortable being themselves.
Outside of work, I’m also a mama to a 4-year-old son, and one of my favorite traditions is our monthly Disney days. Disney has become part of our routine and some of my favorite memories are just spending intentional time together and seeing everything through his eyes.
Pricing:
- Brow Shape $40
- Brow Shape & Tint $50
- Brow Lamination $115
- Brow Lamination & Shape $135
- Korean Lash Lift $140
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sotohaus.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soto.haus?utm_source=qr
