MISSION, TEXAS (MAY 7, 2025) – For Lily Arellano, owning a salon wasn’t just a dream—it became her reality before she even turned 19, thanks to a strong foundation built by Mission CISD.
Mission Roots and Family Support
“I am a 19-year-old business owner, and I am a proud Mission CISD alumni,” said Arellano, who now runs her own full-service salon in Mission. “I was raised here in Mission… my elementary was in Mission, my middle school, my high school. So I'm familiar with Mission a lot.”
Lily grew up surrounded by a supportive family and tight-knit community. “My parents… met their sophomore year of high school, and they're still together, so that's good.” Her deep connection to Mission helped ground her goals and ambitions.
An Early Start to Entrepreneurship
Lily's story is one of passion, persistence, and community—a testament to how Mission CISD prepares its students to thrive after graduation. From a young age, Lily showed entrepreneurial spirit by selling snacks from middle school through high school. “I was a walking vending machine… I would sell chips, candy, drinks—everything,” she recalled. Over the years, she was able to save between $10,000 to $12,000 from her school snack business.
Her early experience with selling snacks taught her valuable business skills and sparked a mindset that would one day carry into her professional life.
Career Preparation Through Cosmetology
It was the district’s Cosmetology Program at Mission High School that truly shaped her career path.
“I really did the cosmetology program, and that was really fun,” said Lily. “Ever since I was a little girl, you would see me painting my great grandma's nails, my mom's nails… I was like, ‘You know what? I'll just do the program and see where that takes me.’”
The program not only taught her technical skills but also connected her to mentors and lifelong friends. “Those two teachers, Ms. Cuevas and Ms. Zapata… Ms. Zapata was one of the best teachers I ever had. To this day, I still text her. I still call her.”
Launching a Business at 18
Lily graduated at age 17 and immediately set out to gain hands-on experience at local salons. Not long after, she opened her own salon—with support from her family and the confidence she built through her CTE training.
“My parents were like, ‘Do you want to open a salon?’ I said, ‘Sure, why not?’… I was able to open up my own salon at 18,” she said. “As a business owner, not only am I taking care of myself, but I'm taking care of my staff in the salon.”
With her mother by her side helping with operations, Lily created a supportive and professional environment that continues to grow.
Lifelong Learning and Looking Ahead
Now, Lily is licensed in cosmetology and holds multiple certifications in advanced beauty services. She continues to travel for training, often bringing her staff along to learn and grow together. “I love traveling, I love learning, and it's just been really fun.”
She credits her success to both her hard work and the educational opportunities provided by Mission CISD.
“Thank you, Mission CISD, for getting me career ready.”