Meet Alisha Merlo

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alisha Merlo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alisha below.

Alisha, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

Generosity, for me, is a natural outflow of faith and a response to Jesus’s example of love and compassion. It’s not limited to financial giving; it includes offering time, talents, and a listening ear to those around us.

Every one of us has gifts we can share—whether it’s through volunteering, listening to someone who needs to be heard, praying for others, or offering encouragement in difficult times. These acts of kindness may seem small, but they can have a profound impact. I believe that when we give freely of ourselves in this way, we reflect the love of God in a tangible, lasting way.

True generosity requires an open heart and willingness to show up for others, even when it’s inconvenient. My hope is to inspire others to embrace this spirit of giving, knowing that in these simple, intentional acts, we find purpose and joy beyond ourselves. Generosity isn’t about how much we have but how much we’re willing to give—and that’s a journey worth taking.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

By day, I am the Executive Director of Professional Relations at Colorescience, where I direct clinical studies, manage our online and virtual educational platforms, and other key company initiatives. I have been blessed to be in my industry for over 25 years and I have learned so much and established many amazing relationships with thought leaders, talented professionals, and incredible business partners.

My passion is in leading an outreach team at the Coastline Dream Center, focusing on human trafficking prevention and survivor support.

Over the past 15 years, I have been blessed to be invited to educate audiences on aesthetics and anti-human trafficking on podiums and podcasts.

A few years ago I found a way to marry my day work, which I love, and my passion project
by contributing to foundational research and resources for the ASLMS New Beginnings Tattoo Removal Task Force, which offers pro-bono laser tattoo removal for human trafficking survivors who have been branded by their traffickers.

I am in my 5th level of life and at age 55 I am grateful to bring the wisdom of experience to others and a deep understanding of what I truly value and hold dear. For me, it comes down to one word, service.

As Simon Sinek says, “When we help ourselves, we find moments of happiness, when we help others, we find lasting fulfillment.”

I pray that when I am no longer on this side of heaven, those who have known me or of me would remember me as someone who cared deeply for others, found ways to serve them, and sought to help them find their purpose, peace, and joy.

One of my favorite quotes is by Winston Churchill who said, ” “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities have been essential: listening, tenacity, and faith. Listening allows me to truly understand others so I will know how my product or service can solve their pain points, how I can help someone reach a goal or seek to understand their point of view. Tenacity and grit help me push through challenges, and faith grounds me in integrity and purpose.

For those starting in their professional or philanthropic journey, my advice is to remain curious and open. Embrace new opportunities, even when you’re not fully prepared—say “yes” and learn as you go. Curiosity drives growth; it helps you stay adaptable, uncover new strengths, and find joy in discovery. Let curiosity and courage guide your path forward.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, my first step is to pause, pray, and seek wise counsel from those who have navigated similar struggles. This helps me gain perspective and clarity. It’s crucial not to be led by raw emotion during these times; instead, grounding myself in prayer and the wisdom of others allows me to approach challenges more thoughtfully. Taking a moment to breathe and reflect can significantly shift your mindset and enable you to tackle issues with renewed strength and focus.

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