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 ADC Finishes.
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.
Kareem Mustafa
Owner
Abraham Gaspar-Ramirez
Jobsite 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.
Carlos began his career in the paint industry at 18, starting in local paint stores where he gained hands-on experience with materials, color matching, and customer service. After four years, he joined a painting company, working his way up from running materials and mobilizing job sites to eventually becoming a project manager. Over the past three years, Carlos has built a reputation for keeping projects on track, on budget, and up to the highest standards.
At Purple Painting, Carlos ensures every project runs smoothly by leading with clear communication, quality control, and efficiency. He specializes in custom finishes, color consultations, workflow planning, and the use of specialty materials and applications. His dedication to client satisfaction and attention to detail make him an invaluable part of the Purple Painting team.
Outside of work, Carlos is a proud father of two young children. He enjoys cooking, playing guitar, and is always seeking out new challenges to grow personally and professionally.
Carlos Carranza
Jobsite Supervisor
Kendall Martin
Co-Owner
Meet Kendall – Head of Sales & Partnerships
Kendall brings a unique, diverse background to Purple Painting . After nearly a decade in tech sales, Kendall decided to join Kareem’s venture with Purple Painting, bringing her passion for people, design, and community to the family business. After moving to Santa Barbara eight years ago, she fell in love with the city’s timeless architecture and coastal charm. Her passion lies in preserving the beauty and integrity of Santa Barbara’s historic homes while helping clients elevate the spaces their families enjoy every day. As Head of Sales & Partnerships, Kendall combines her people-first approach with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, ensuring every project reflects both quality and care.
Meet our support team
A team of experienced professionals you can trust
Peter Tommaso
Sales
Peter’s journey into the trades began early—growing up, he worked alongside his father, who owned a parking lot striping company. From those early jobsite experiences, Peter developed a strong work ethic and an appreciation for craftsmanship. He later pursued carpentry, becoming a skilled master carpenter with a deep understanding of construction and finishing work.
For the past two years, Peter has been an integral part of Purple Painting’s field team, bringing precision and pride to every project. His keen eye for detail and hands-on experience have made him a natural fit for his new role in sales, where he bridges the gap between craftsmanship and client experience.
Originally from New Jersey, Peter now calls Santa Barbara home. When he’s not helping clients transform their spaces, you’ll find him surfing local breaks or spending time with his dog, Mamba.
Daniel Reyes-Maia
Sales
Daniel Story
Victoria Aguirre
Compliance
Victoria is the driving force behind the scenes at Purple Painting, making sure our team and projects stay compliant, safe, and efficient. As our Compliance Manager, she oversees regulatory requirements, workplace safety, and internal policies, ensuring that every job we take on meets the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.
With a strong background in customer service, HR, accounting, and office management, Victoria brings a sharp eye for detail and a passion for keeping processes both effective and compliant. She ensures that our crews are supported with the right training, documentation, and systems to perform their work safely and successfully.
A graduate of Santa Barbara City College, Victoria balances compliance oversight with a supportive, approachable leadership style. Whether it’s managing safety protocols, coordinating audits, or streamlining company procedures, she keeps Purple Painting operating with integrity and consistency.
Feel free to reach out to Victoria for all compliance-related questions — she’s here to ensure that quality, safety, and trust remain at the core of everything Purple Painting does.
