Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Kasseris.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Maria. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I developed a passion for music and the arts at an early age. As a child, I learned traditional Greek folk song and dances by watching my older siblings in practice and was the youngest kid performing at community events. I continued being active in performance and dance in the local Greek community throughout my adolescence. I was also enamored by the fine arts, with an interest in drawing and painting, particularly influenced by Van Gogh, Monet, and Keith Haring, to name a few. In regards to music, I became self-taught in the basics of guitar and piano playing and began writing original poetry and songs I would record by tape on my brother’s stereo. I owe all my musical influences to my older sister and brothers. In high school, I further studied guitar and took a class in music technology, which introduced me to the fundamentals of software production. I started making my own beats and continued songwriting. Art became a main focus and I developed my skills further in a hand-selected Advanced Placement art class in high school where I had the opportunity to travel to Paris and study both classical and modern art. It was one of the best experiences of my life.
My love for performance grew when I joined my high school’s step team, which I credit to breaking me out of my shell. I competed in high school and college competitions across the state, which built my confidence both on and off the stage. I was a reserved and shy teenager with dreams of performing and the lessons and character-building my teammates taught me nurtured the artist and person I am today. The love and bond I have for them runs deep. I became captain of both my high school and college step squads and also joined my college dance company, participating in Hip-Hop and Latin dance. The responsibility of choreographing and organizing performances during these years gave me the understanding of the discipline required to perform.
After graduating, I began taking my songwriting more seriously and started working with local producers, understanding the process of recording and incorporating my eclectic influences into sound. I released a mixtape and started performing my original material at local venues like the Hard Rock and the Middle East in Cambridge, which then lead me to recording an EP with acclaimed producer WLPWR at Silent Sound Studios in Atlanta, GA, alongside other industry professionals. Back in Boston, I connected with Urban and Pop producer, The Arcitype, and began recording a few singles at The Bridge Sound and Stage in Cambridge.
I’m currently recording and producing a new EP, collaborating with some really talented local producers. I also just released a new single called “See Thru” (produced by The Arcitype) and am dropping the accompanying music video in the coming weeks, which I’m really excited about!
As for my makeup artistry, I was initially self-taught, although I did have a background in drawing and painting. After years of being the go-to person for family and friends to get their makeup done for special events, I eventually realized this could become a rewarding career. I began freelancing for about seven years, with a focus on bridal, special events, and fashion & editorial looks. I wanted to further my skill-set and joined the Macy’s Impulse Beauty team where I began training with lead brand artists including Anastasia Beverly Hills, Tarte, Too Faced, Urban Decay, Bare Minerals, Benefit, and celebrity makeup artist Corey Bishop. I also received training and certification with the Hollywood-based Smashbox brand, which provided me with the knowledge and techniques to create makeup looks for various cameras, lighting and photography. Over the years I was able to build up my client-base and pride myself on the loyalty and friendships I have created with my clients. I am currently enrolled in the Catherine Hinds School of Esthetics as I enhance my knowledge of beauty and skincare.
I feel very grateful to be active in both the beauty and music industries in Boston and am excited to see what the future holds!
Has it been a smooth road?
I can’t say it has been a smooth road but it most definitely is rewarding. I wouldn’t have chosen any other path. The difficulties I’ve encountered have been nothing uncommon of any other young business owner – financial strain, self-doubt, the disapproval of friends or colleagues. These come with the territory, especially in regards to music. However, I can’t say that any struggle is the bigger than dealing with your own self-criticism. Like most artists, I find myself constantly critiquing my own work (both in music and in makeup) but I try to remind myself that the most important thing I can do is express myself honestly and with integrity, instead of focusing on unattainable perfection. The most important thing I’ve learned is to be consistent and never give up. No matter where the future leads, it’s critical to my own wellbeing and to my community that I remain positive; that’s valuable.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Parissia (Music Name) and Parissia Beauty (Makeup Company) story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a singer-songwriter, rapper, producer and performer focused in Hip-Hop, R&B, and Pop. What sets me apart from others within the music industry is that I am a self-managed musician; I book my own shows, design my own merchandise and artwork, write all my lyrics and melodies, conceptualize, treat and direct my visuals & videos, and executive produce all of my music. I have worked with brilliant producers throughout the years but with the current project I am recording, I am taking a departure by finally showcasing my own production skills, beginning to end, which I’m especially excited for. Although I executive produced my past projects alongside wonderful producers, most of my listeners are unaware of this as I have not marketed myself as a producer, so this will be my production debut, per say. Additionally, through music I aim to bring awareness to critical issues in our community and society including mental health and substance abuse. My biggest purpose is to unite people through lyric and song.
Within beauty, I am a makeup-artist and skincare specialist. I offer on-location services in bridal, special event, and editorial looks meaning I travel to my clients. Aesthetically, what sets me apart is my signature “glow” style. Whether through a soft and natural look or something more dramatic, I believe confidence is the single most attractive quality in a man or woman and I am to help empower my clients through embracing their unique characteristics. Additionally, what may distinguish my services from other artists is that I offer private consultations, one-on-one lessons, makeup parties and private shopping. I am constantly educating myself on new techniques, trends and products and I aim to communicate my honest advice on which products are best for my client’s skincare and beauty needs. I like to make my clients feel special and important so taking the time to share my knowledge with them and establish trust is meaningful to me.
Although technically two separate entities, both my businesses work conjointly under my “Parissia” brand, which is something that differentiates me from other artists. I find it important to diversify my entrepreneurship and am practicing that through driving traffic from two industries. My goal is to eventually expand my brand and thrive as a woman in both the music and beauty industries.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
It’s a really exciting time to be a young entrepreneur. In regards to both the makeup and music industries, we have the ability to freely tap into a much larger audience than past generations due to apps, social media and other technologies. This is why it’s crucial to stay on top of new technologies & trends while still maintaining your identity.
What I (hope to) see in the next 5-10 years in music are more female producers as well as artists like Russ who produce, mix, and write all their own material. I hear some people say that the industry is becoming supersaturated due to easy access to all the software and technology; some critics say anyone can call themselves a producer now but the thing is, it takes a lot of time, patience and skill to actually learn these programs well and that shouldn’t be overlooked. I also firmly believe that there is enough room for every artist because no one person can be replicated. You are your own brand and that is something you can’t pay for. It comes organically through experience and owning your strengths and weaknesses. Which brings me to another shift I see for the industry, which is a return to chart toppers from every genre. The unique thing about the 90’s is that almost every genre had a top Billboard hit. As of the past decade, Hip-Hop and Pop have dominated the mainstream charts but as songs and styles are becoming more hybrid (Trapsoul, Chillhop, etc.) I think individuality will be rewarded once again as it was twenty years ago.
In makeup, I think the focus on natural ingredients will continue over the next decade. All-natural and cruelty-free brands like Tarte have proven that you can be environmentally and ethically conscious without compromising your beauty habits and I think bigger brands will hopefully adopt this, as well. I also think more brands will try to create makeup products that are actually beneficial to the skin, like Bite Beauty, whose lip glosses are not only beautiful but are infused with Agave nectar and keep them hydrated throughout the day so you’re not harming your lips. I love companies that work hard to research the ingredients that will help our skin and the environment in the long run.
Within both the music and beauty industries, I expect virtual reality technology to play a major role. It’s another method of increasing interaction between artist and consumer. Music fans can interact with their favorite artist in a music video and within the makeup world, viewers will probably be able to sit in a beauty gurus vanity room and watch them perform a makeup tutorial in real time. It’s mind-blowing that these technologies are actually becoming a part of our reality but I’m really looking forward to it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.parissia.com and www.parissiabeauty.com
- Email: parissiamusic@gmail.com and parissia@parissiabeauty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parissiamusic/ and https://www.instagram.com/parissiabeauty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParissiaMusic/ and https://www.facebook.com/ParissiaBeauty/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/parissiamusic?lang=en
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/FromParissia/
Image Credit:
Simon Werdmuller von Elgg (personal photo image)
Bryan Trench (live singing performance shots)
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