Meet Marisa Carrillo

We were lucky to catch up with Marisa Carrillo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marisa, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I became a mom at 17, and that moment changed my life forever. My daughter was born with Down Syndrome, and from the very beginning, she taught me what strength, patience, and unconditional love truly look like.

Those early years weren’t easy. I was in an abusive relationship and often felt trapped, not just physically, but emotionally. There were days I didn’t know what my next step would be, but I knew I wanted more for her and for me. My daughter became my reason to keep going, to build something brighter out of the pain I was living through.

During that time, I started planning her birthdays, pouring my heart into every detail, every theme, every moment that would make her smile. What started as a small act of love for her became my escape, my therapy, and eventually, my passion.

With the support of a few close friends who reminded me of my worth, I began to channel that creativity into something positive. I discovered that designing events wasn’t just about balloons or backdrops, it was about creating joy, connection, and memories that last a lifetime.

That’s how my purpose was born. Out of hardship came hope. Out of pain came passion. And out of love for my daughter came a business and a mission, to help others celebrate life beautifully, even when life hasn’t always been kind.

Because for me, event planning isn’t just what I do. It’s how I healed. It’s how I grew. And it’s how I found myself again.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I wear a few creative hats… I’m an event planner, designer, and business coach for women in the event industry. Through my company, Ris Events, I help clients create meaningful, stress-free celebrations that are just as beautiful as they are intentional. Whether it’s an intimate wedding, a corporate event, or a large scale celebration, my goal is always the same, to make sure every client feels seen, supported, and celebrated.

Beyond planning, I’m deeply passionate about education and empowerment. I co-founded Balloon Empowerment Chicago, a community built to inspire and equip balloon artists and event creatives to elevate their craft and grow their confidence but most importantly, to find their tribe. I also run Ris University, the coaching part of my business where I mentor women in business and help them create systems, clarity, and confidence to attract clients who truly value their work.

One of the most exciting new chapters for me is the upcoming launch of my group coaching program, The Event Formula™, beginning January 20. It’s designed for event planners and designers ready to refine their offers, elevate their client experience, and build a business that feels aligned, not overwhelming. This program is about helping creatives understand that scaling doesn’t have to mean losing your passion; it’s about designing a business that works for you, not against you.

And most recently, with my best friend, we launched Opal & Vine, a faux floral arch rental and wholesale brand that helps designers elevate their setups with statement pieces that are easy to build and beautifully crafted. Seeing this vision come to life and watching our clients use our pieces to enhance their events has been such a fulfilling experience.

At the end of the day, everything I do ties back to one belief: your creativity can be your comeback. I’ve lived it, and now I help others step into that same realization… that beauty, purpose, and success can grow from even the hardest chapters of your story

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that have impacted my journey the most are resilience, creativity, and connection.

Resilience was born out of necessity. As a young mom navigating hardship and healing, I learned how to keep moving forward, even when the path wasn’t clear. That resilience has carried me through every season of business and life. My advice for anyone starting out is to give yourself grace while building your grit. You don’t have to have it all figured out, you just have to be willing to keep going.

Creativity was my lifeline. When I started planning my daughter’s birthday parties, it became my outlet, a way to pour love, hope, and imagination into something joyful. Over time, that creative spark became my career. For anyone early in their journey, I’d say this: don’t underestimate the power of YOUR natural gifts. Sometimes what feels like a hobby or escape can be the very thing that changes your life. and remember, comparison is the thief of joy.

And finally, connection has been everything. From the friendships that helped me rebuild to the community I’ve created through Balloon Empowerment and Ris University, I’ve learned that we rise faster and stronger when we do it together. My best advice? Build relationships rooted in authenticity. Support others, ask for help, and stay open to learning. Your network isn’t just your audience, it’s your community, and it can become your greatest source of inspiration and opportunity.

These three things, resilience, creativity, and connection, have not only shaped who I am but continue to guide how I show up as a wife, mother, creative, and mentor today.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

First and foremost, God has been at the center of everything.

My faith has guided me through every storm. He’s opened doors I never imagined and reminded me that even in my hardest seasons, there was purpose in my pain. Every open door, every answered prayer, and every challenge has been a reminder that He’s been orchestrating it all for a greater purpose. Every step I’ve taken, from rebuilding my life to building my business, has been led entirely by His grace.

Without a doubt, my daughter has been my greatest teacher and motivation. Becoming a mom at 17 and raising a child with special needs, taught me what resilience, patience, and unconditional love truly mean. She’s the reason I found my purpose and the strength to turn my creativity into something beautiful. Every milestone she reaches reminds me why I started and who I do this for.

I’ve also been blessed with incredible parents who have stood by me through every chapter. Their unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in me gave me the confidence to spread my wings and chase the dreams that once felt out of reach.

Then there’s my husband, my biggest cheerleader and partner in all things. He’s the one behind the scenes cheering me on or helping set up at events. He’s my steady support system, my calm in the chaos, and truly the best life partner I could ever ask for.

I’m endlessly grateful for the friends and mentors who believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself, the ones who reminded me of my worth and helped me step into my purpose with confidence.

And most importantly, I wouldn’t be where I am today without my clients. Their trust, loyalty, and belief in my vision have allowed me to grow, create, and live out my purpose every single day. They’ve given me the opportunity to turn my passion into a career that still fills me with joy years later.

I also have to acknowledge my amazing event assistants, interns and mentees along the way, the next generation of creatives who have poured their time, energy, and heart into learning, growing, and helping me bring countless projects to life. They remind me daily why I love teaching and mentoring. Watching them step into their own purpose has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.

I’ve learned that while I may have built my business with my own two hands, I’ve never done it alone. God gave me strength. My daughter gave me purpose. My parents gave me stability. My husband gave me partnership. My friends and mentors gave me courage. And my clients gave me trust. Together, they’ve shaped not only my success, but the woman, creative, and leader I am today, grounded in faith, fueled by love, and walking boldly in purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ris-events.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ris.events/

Image Credits

Samantha Arce, Marlon Santiago and Heather Hackney