Sometimes An Explanation Isn't Coming

I took a trip to NYFW this year with a friend/colleague, I had the opportunity to speak with my friend about the meaning behind our designs, our art, and the ideas we release into the world. I elaborated on how it’s a challenge for me to have to continue speaking about the creativity that I am putting on view for others to ingest and he validated me and that’s all I really needed lol.

He put it in a real perspective for me by saying he could relate because some of the great works being exhibited come from a period of pain and who really wants to keep discussing that. Let me put it in the perspective he did; some people write to transmute their energy. Some people make music. Some people make art. The creative explorations are numerous. And we are using these methods as the vehicle to transmute a cycle or period of life that may have been painful and extremely tough. Like I gotta get this shit off my heart and soul to move on and explore the next step in the journey.

So why I am talking about this?? Because when I made “Union”, my first EVER self-portrait, I was going through a tough time. One of the toughest times in my life. PERIOD. Full stop. And I’ve already alluded on social media to some of the pain I went through that culminated in making this painting and I also alluded that I would go a little more into detail. Well babes, I CHANGED MY MIND. I’m not talking about it anymore because I’m moving on. Ingest the painting and feel what you feel which I hope is joy, love, and enchantment.

What I will elaborate on is that painting that version of myself has led me to a new expression in my art that allows me to bridge both fashion and art together in a way that feels very organic and natural for me. I get to design clothes and grant myself and my subjects the permission to wear these elaborate designs that are uniquely designed to speak to beauty and unique emanation of one’s life journey while balancing surface level beauty in the garments and portrait. Creating these ornamental and embellished designs for my art feeds my inner teenager that was so geeked designing prom dresses for my friends in high school. This expression and medium is allowing me to connect very deeply with little Ariel and teenage Ariel. I’m living.

So all that to say, while there will be no explanation for “Union”, there will be more background and behind the scenes photos and commentary on my artwork in the near future. I asked God to show me how good it can get and i’m going to show y’all just how good God has made it in the next few weeks. Stay locked in with me cause I promise its going to get GOOODDDD ✨💗.

Small Steps Create Big Shifts

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.

The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.

You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.

Turn Intention Into Action

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.

The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.

You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.

Make Room for Growth

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.

The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.

You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.