Today we’d like to introduce you to Arielle Joseph.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Arielle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My mom would take me to local small boutiques to shop for her event ensembles. I noticed how items were one of a kind or very limited in style. I knew then that beauty was not looking like everyone else. I was nine years old when I decided I wanted to be a fashion designer. I was very quiet growing up (I still am actually, lol). But clothes was a way for me to express myself. I loved all the different fabrics and was really intrigued about how clothes were made. So, when I enrolled in fashion school in 2008, I felt at home.
I interned with a local bridal designer and gained experience of the design process and attended New York fashion week a few times with the company before I decided to start my own brand in 2013.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been easy at all. I think the first few years I was getting to know myself as a designer and went through a lot of trial and error. From designing too many pieces and not really knowing who my target market was. In the beginning, I tried to make something for everyone. Learning over the years, that’s impossible. It’s better to have a more niche brand that way you can focus on that target, once that’s successful you can expand from there.
I took about a year or so break from designing because I am a mom now. It was a battle balancing the two but after taking sometime I found myself as a designer again and feel more motivated now than ever. My son is watching me and I really want to make him proud. I want mompreneurs to know its ok to take a step back from the business to focus on our little ones. They need our love and attention so much in the beginning… (they always need our love but those first few years they don’t know whats going on). And to also remember to take care of ourselves and mental health. Trying to manage all that and a business could be very detrimental to our well being. Also note: when you first start a business, you might not see a profit for a long time but if you know you have something, then keep going because your breakthrough might be around the corner.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I design women’s clothing.
The Ari J collection is inspired by women, and mother nature. Each piece exudes the essence of femininity; all while highlighting the beauty and individual make of her unique structure.
my goal when creating each piece is to provide: high-quality garments that are comfortable and make women feel beautiful and confident. I am most known for my jumpsuits. They’re classic and perfect for any occasion.
I am most proud that I stayed true to myself as a designer. I didn’t follow trends and I think my clientele appreciates me for that and keeps coming back each season. What sets me apart is that each piece is sewn by myself and quality is very important to me. This makes my brand much more personal to my customer. Every time a customer comes back with positive feedback and raves about my quality, I feel my goal was accomplished.
What were you like growing up?
As a kid, I was always drawing. I drew people, nature, clothes and described each piece. I loved playing outside with my siblings.
Fun fact: in 7th grade, I created a glow in the dark two-piece set (crop top and wide-leg pant). I sewed it together and put glow in the dark paint on it for a science contest and won!
Fashion design is my calling! Funny that my top sellers to this day are my signature pleat wide-leg pants/jumpsuits.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Arijcollection.com
- Email: Ari@Arijcollection.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/arijcollection
- Facebook: facebook.com/arijcollection
- Other: pinterest.com/arijcollection
Image Credit:
Joyanne Panton, Yanick Victor
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