Our people

Our world-class team

Kareem Mustafa
Owner

Meet Kareem – Owner of Purple Painting

Kareem began his painting career at 18 years old at Goleta Valley Paint where he spent three years. He received hands-on training in all departments from wallpaper to wood staining, color matching to faux finishing, as well as the science behind paint production. He then spent two years as Assistant Manager at Frazee Paint on Chapala Street and transitioned to Santa Barbara Painting where he began working at the job sites to hone his skills as a contractor. He worked on residential repaints and HOA projects before expanding his experience with both Shoreline Painting and Danis Painting.

When he turned 32, he co-founded his first company, specializing in high-end remodels and commercial projects. After three years and the birth of his first child, Kareem and his wife decided to start Purple Painting. The name is inspired by the jacaranda trees that lined the street Kareem grew up on in Goleta and are abundant in the Santa Barbara area.

Through Purple Painting, Kareem delivers exceptional knowledge, craftsmanship, and a partnership driven by wanting to give back to his hometown and continue to enhance the beauty of Santa Barbara. Whether it’s a residential repaint or a complex commercial project, the Purple Painting family values dedication to quality, ensuring that every job is completed with precision and care at fair prices. Kareem has a deep appreciation for the impact that color can have on our surroundings, and believes a well-painted space has the power to inspire, uplift, and create an atmosphere to showcase the unique personality of each one of Purple Painting's clients.

Inri Cortez
Account Manager

Meet Inri – Account Manager at Purple Painting

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Inri Cortez brings his dedication to customer service and relationship-building to Purple Painting. With eight years of experience in automotive sales, Inri has a proven track record of helping clients achieve their dreams through transparent and efficient service. His passion for making genuine connections shines in every interaction, ensuring world-class service for every client.

Outside of work, Inri is always on the move. Whether it’s an early morning run along the beachfront, a workout at a local gym, or catching a football or soccer game in the Funk Zone, he’s an active part of the Santa Barbara community.

Victoria Aguirre
Business Operations Manager

Meet Victoria – The Heart of Purple Painting's Operations!

Victoria is the driving force behind the scenes at Purple Painting, ensuring everything runs smoothly. As our Business Operations Manager, she oversees office management, HR, and accounting, keeping the company on track and thriving. With a wealth of experience from her previous roles in customer service, HR, accounting, and office management, Victoria brings a sharp eye for detail and a passion for efficient processes.

A graduate of Santa Barbara City College, she expertly balances the operational needs of the business while maintaining a positive, welcoming office environment. Whether it’s managing employee relations, handling finances, or organizing company logistics, Victoria’s skills keep Purple Painting operating like a well-oiled machine.

Feel free to contact Victoria for all things Purple Painting – where precision and artistry meet every day!

Jose Morales
Job Site Supervisor

Meet Jose – Jobsite Supervisor at Purple Painting

Born in Puruándiro, Michoacán, Jose came to the U.S. in 1999, settling in the Central Valley Fresno area. After attending Reedley High School and Reedley College, they gained valuable industry experience working at Sherwin-Williams for six years.

In 2018, Jose made the move to Santa Barbara and continued building their career in the painting industry. They joined Perfection Painting in 2020, honing their skills even further, and in 2024, became a key part of the Purple Painting team as our Jobsite Supervisor.

With a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to quality, Jose ensures that every jobsite runs efficiently and meets the high standards Purple Painting is known for. Their journey from Michoacán to Santa Barbara is a testament to their dedication, and we are proud to have them lead our teams.

Abraham Gaspar Ramirez
Job Site Supervisor

Meet Abraham – Jobsite Supervisor at Purple Painting

Abraham began his journey in the painting trade at the age of 18, captivated by the transformative power of paint. His passion grew as he witnessed the stunning results that painting could achieve, bringing clients' visions to life. Early in his career, a family friend introduced him to the world of high-end finishes, sparking a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and precision.

With years of experience working for renowned companies in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, Abraham has honed his skills and developed a reputation for excellence. Now, as a valued member of Purple Painting, he looks forward to delivering top-tier results and ensuring the highest quality alongside our world-class team.

Plan service today

If you're looking for a local painting company in Santa Barbara, CA, turn to Purple Painting.

Call 805-448-1241 today to schedule service.