Meet Karissa Schroeder

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

Hi Karissa, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
I think any working creative has those moments where they wonder if they should quit or give up but… for some of us… There is no quitting. If you’re called to do something. Then you just have to do it no matter the circumstances. I think you always just, figure it out. If you want something bad enough and if you’re relentless and determined – you can certainly make it!

For me it’s become a scenario of – it doesn’t matter how long it takes. I’m going to continue to pursue this dream and this passion because my life would be so dull without it! I couldn’t imagine a life doing anything else!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Sure! So I am currently working in both Denver and LA as both a commercial actress and model. I live in LA but fly back to Denver for modeling and commercial jobs.

I think the thing I am most proud of is my move to California and my resilience to pursue this career. I’ve been here well over a year now, and I have faced MANY challenges that I am proud to say I have overcome! From job loss, money issues, getting scammed, changing modeling agencies due to poor management – I’ve faced a lot in just a year and a half.

But I can say. So far, it all has been worth it. I’m grateful that I’ve made the move, learned some tough lessons, and I’m still going!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is a great question! I feel like as much as I have explored LA – I STILL need to explore more! But considering I love to hike – I would take us on numerous hikes in the morning to Runyon Canyon, Culver City Stairs, and the hidden Calabasas Stairs! I would also incorporate the Hollywood sign because its just a staple of LA.

For fun and site seeing our fist stop would be Santa Monica Pier because, well… Santa Monica Pier. There’s a delicious restaurant called Water Grill that I’ve been dying to try so we’d definitely scratch that off of our list! I hear the sushi is to die and they have a great happy hour!

The next would be Venice and all of the restaurants up and down the boardwalk. Right now my top two faves are: Greenleaf Kitchen & Cocktails and Belles Beach House but again, there are so many more to explore!

I’d also incorporate a night at the laugh factory because who doesn’t love to laugh! There are some hilarious comics coming out of LA. And lastly, another great place we would head to is The Tuck Room. It’s in Westwood below the iPic theatre – they have some delicious cocktails and if you’re a movie goer you can hop up to the theatre and lounge, eat, and drink while enjoying a great movie!

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?
Someone who deserves a little credit or recognition in my story… would have to be… A very very close friend of mine. Someone who – if it weren’t for him – I wouldn’t be where I am today. His name is David A. He’s not only been a pillar of support and encouragement, but he’s also been a listening ear when times get tough. He also invested in one of my very first photoshoots modeling in LA.

I’m not sure how many people know about the modeling space – but your first few months in, you book ‘test shoots’ with your agency to begin crafting a portfolio of images. (In moving from Denver to LA – I essentially had to start my book all the way over to cater to the market that is Los Angeles.) So, these images later go out to clients. Of course, because you want the best images in your book – it’s recommended to spend on the best photographers.

Going back to David A, when I first told him I was moving to LA to pursue my modeling/acting dreams he told me, “if anyone has the ability to fulfill their dreams – it’s you kid.” He sent me off with what he called a $1000 modeling scholarship and I used that money to invest in my very first photoshoots.

Without his support, encouragement, and initial investment I don’t think I’d be as far as I’ve come in just a year and a half. To this day, even though we don’t speak much, I send him texts and e-mails updating him on my journey.

Thank you David A for your initial support encouragement and positivity. It brought me a long way!

Instagram: @k.denise3

Image Credits
Dustin Moon Adrian Lucas Sanket Mane Will MacNeil Anastasiya Sazhina