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

Hi Clint, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
One piece of advice I often find myself questioning is the notion that you should always be moving forward. Through my own journey, I’ve learned that there are times when taking a step back can be invaluable. These moments allow for reflection, skill refinement, and a chance to realign with the larger vision for your life. Sometimes, slowing down can lead to deeper growth and clearer direction. For example, I went from owning my own salon, to being an assistant for a year. This was seen by some as a sacrifice but that year propelled my life in ways I couldn’t have even dreamed of.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The best advice I can give any artist is to find someone—or a team—who can manage the business side of things. This support has freed me to focus on my strengths and pursue my passions. With the confidence that the business is in good hands, I can ensure my brand truly reflects my artistic vision. I’ve also learned that it’s essential to say no to opportunities that don’t align with our values or brand. I want the world to see that you can achieve artistic excellence and high-quality work while embodying humility and aloha.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Los Angeles is such a vast and vibrant city that I’ve discovered the best approach is often to have no plan at all. I encourage exploring new coffee shops and restaurants whenever you can. My personal favorites include The Community Goods for coffee and Laurel Hardware for a great hangout spot.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be who I am today without the influence of everyone I’ve met along my journey, both personally and professionally. I’m profoundly grateful to my home in Hawaiʻi for instilling in me the importance of infusing aloha into everything I do. My success is a shared achievement with my team, who continually inspire me to dream big and never settle for less.

Instagram: clinttorresjr

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