Conversations with Ariel Talley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Talley.

Hi Ariel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been a creative person in multiple aspects of life. As a child, I would always be sketching or drawing; then when I got to middle school, I grew a love for fashion. I turned my sketches into clothing designs and took up sewing in home economics during. My passion evolved in high school when I watched Kimora Lee Simmons show “Kimora, life in the fab lane”. In that moment, I knew I wanted to have my own clothing brand, and a bonus would be to have a TV show about it. My mom always said I had a big imagination. I started college as a fashion major and ended up transferring to a school that didn’t have fashion, so I took up broadcast/journalism. I figured I learned a good amount from my fashion classes, so I guess it’s meant to be to learn about TV/film production. After getting into my industry as a tv/film professional, I realized that I can have both…maybe not my own show on TLC, but I could have a career in the entertainment industry AND fashion industry. The first couple of years of me trying to get my fashion brand La Bella Beauty off the ground, I used drop shopping methods and sold items that I wouldn’t necessarily wear but would be what could sell. It was nice, I made some money, but my heart wasn’t in it.

Then earlier this year, I had an epiphany … I’m going to really invest my time and resources to do a rebrand and find manufacturers that create products that represent my personal style. I’ve always been a girly girl, I love pearls, lace, bling, and ruffles. I figured I’d rather be able to love what I am selling than figure out what would sell because if sophisticated, classy, sexy, and drop-dead gorgeous is your style; then you’re my customer. Ever since I revamped La Bella Beauty, I’ve gotten great feedback, more sales, and best of all…my heart is in it. I love being able to curate pieces that speak to me. When people receive their orders and love the quality and feel great about how they look in their purchases, it brings me so much joy. Following my childhood dream, failing, starting over, and never giving up has been the most fulfilling thing so far in life.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely been a rollercoaster filled with ups and downs. Starting off I wanted to do it to say I did it. I pursued what I wanted to. However, I had no passion behind what I was selling, and that translated to customers. Rebranding was a risk; it was a major investment. I put a lot into getting new products and throwing a Pop Up Shop event to kick it off. It was a headache finding a venue, collaborating with manufacturers, shipping delays, and anything else you could think of. At the end of the day, looking back, it was all worth it. I put my heart in La Bella Beauty, and it now shows how much I stand behind my brand and the products I sell.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I own La Bella Beauty; a women’s fashion brand offering clothing and accessories. I also wear multiple hats in the television & film industry, working as a coordinator, teleprompter, stage manager, and associate director. I’ve worked with Marvel, Disney, Sundance, and multiple sports outlets including NBATV. I am proud of being able to achieve my goals in two industries. A lot of people have told me I couldn’t do it, I can’t be successful or have time for both. I guess that’s what sets me apart from the rest because I don’t put a limit on what God can help me accomplish in life.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Never give up on a dream. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Don’t let people’s insecurities or fears rub off on you. You can literally achieve whatever you put your mind to with faith and courage.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Shoplabellabeauty.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/shoplabellabeauty