Meet Clarissa Serna-Farias
LOCAL SINGER/SONGWRITER
Music has always been at the center of who Clarissa Serna-Farias is. Her journey began at just seven years old when she received a karaoke machine for Christmas and started singing along to George Strait cassette tapes. What began as play quickly became passion. By her teenage years, she was writing poetry, and with encouragement from her brother-in-law, she began turning those words into songs. That collaboration gave her the courage to step out of her comfort zone and share her voice with others.
“My brother-in-law and cousin were the ones who really pushed me out of my shell. They helped me evolve into a performer, an entertainer, and, really, the person I am today."
Clarissa’s songwriting is deeply emotional, often born from the rawness of the moment. Her music blends soulful honesty with heartfelt storytelling, allowing her to connect with people who have faced the same struggles and triumphs. Some songs come to her unexpectedly, like “Unapologetically,” which she wrote in one sitting at her sister’s piano. For her, the best songs are the ones that pour out naturally, capturing what she calls “a kind of magic that can’t be forced.”
Her creative process reflects her life in Corpus Christi, where inspiration often comes from moments of stillness with balancing work, motherhood, and art. She understands what it means to pause, reflect, and return to her music with renewed purpose. Her artistry isn’t limited to the stage; she’s a storyteller in every sense, blending her love for community and creativity through her roles in media, public speaking, and content creation.
“When I unplug from everything else and shift into my creative side, I get to be myself again. That’s where my peace is."
Beyond her music, Clarissa continues to give back to the city that shaped her. She has used her voice to support local causes, including organizing fundraisers like one for Hurricane Harvey relief that raised thousands for those in need. She often lends her time and talent to community events by emceeing, performing at MusicWalk and seasonal festivals, or creating content to share Corpus Christi with her followers. For Clarissa, giving back is another way to show gratitude for the city and people who have always supported her journey.
Through it all, Clarissa’s heart remains in Corpus Christi. When she describes what the city means to her, one word stands out: family. Born and raised here, she’s seen the community rally around her career, from her early acoustic nights at Revo to her national spotlight on The Voice. The people of Corpus Christi have been with her through every milestone, showing up for her music, her creativity, and her growth.
But for Clarissa, family extends far beyond relatives.
“Not just my actual family. We’re deeply rooted here, but the community feels like my family. Everywhere I go, people come up to me and tell me they follow my journey or that my songs helped them through something. That’s family. Corpus is full of those kinds of connections."
Whether she’s performing, producing, or mentoring others, Clarissa continues to reflect the spirit of Corpus Christi: genuine, hardworking, and full of heart. Her story is a reminder that music is more than sound: it’s connection, courage, and community.
