We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ariel Tinsey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ariel, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

I am a proud and successful fashion stylist and entrepreneur. Creating my own schedule and path has always been the route for me. I’m happiest in life as a trailblazer. The days and nights might be long, and there are times when I realize everyone is counting on me to make a decision. Yet, in the end, it is very rewarding knowing that I can trust my gut instincts and create without needing anyone’s approval.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of owning Black Salt/Style Me Ariel is the ability to create job opportunities for others. Watching my team grow and succeed brings me immense joy and satisfaction. I take great pride in teaching and mentoring the upcoming class of fashion stylists. Sharing my knowledge and experience with my team is incredibly gratifying, knowing that I am helping to shape the future of the industry.

When I used to work in Fashion PR offices, I was always the first one there and the last one to leave. I was eager to work, create, and elevate any business that I was a part of. I thought to myself if I can do that for others, then I might as well apply the same work ethic to my own ventures. I could have a regular job with a set schedule and less responsibility but
I always come back to the fulfillment and happiness that my entrepreneurial journey provides. Being a trailblazer isn’t always easy, but it’s a path that brings me unparalleled satisfaction and pride.

Ariel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a fashion stylist & costume designer based in Los Angeles, with a career spanning over 15 years in the industry. My work has been celebrated in numerous prestigious publications, including Vanity Fair Magazine, Genlux, BET, Essence, and Ritz Carlton Magazine, as well as featured in music videos and commercials. I am proud to have received recognition from the MTV VMA’s and to have recently been honored as the 2nd runner-up for ‘Best Costume Design’ in the Broadway World Awards for my creative work on the 44: The Obama Musical. As a proud alumnus of The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, where I studied Visual Communications, I have built a career that showcases my passion for fashion and dedication to my craft, consistently pushing the boundaries of style and innovation.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Absolutely, early in my career, I was working on a high-profile music video for a well-known artist. The project had an incredibly tight deadline, and the expectations were sky-high. I had planned and shopped for all the outfits, making sure that every detail aligned perfectly with the initial visual treatment provided by the creative team.

On the day of the shoot, while on set, the entire concept had changed. The new theme required a completely different wardrobe, and to make matters more challenging, I discovered that some of the sizes provided by the client’s team were incorrect. With only a couple of hours until we started rolling, I had to think quickly and creatively.

I immediately contacted my network of designers and boutiques, explaining the urgency of the situation. By leveraging my relationships, I was able to source new outfits that matched the revised vision. The designers personally drove to the set to deliver the looks to me based on the relationship I had nurtured and their understanding of the urgency.

Despite the chaos and last minute changes, the shoot was a success. The artist and the creative team were more than happy with the final looks, and the video received millions of views. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability, quick thinking, and maintaining a positive attitude under pressure. It reinforced my belief that even when faced with unexpected challenges, creativity, and resourcefulness can turn any situation around.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My mission as a fashion stylist is to tell compelling stories through fashion and to change the trajectory of how people perceive and engage with style. For me personally, fashion is more than just clothing, it’s a powerful medium of expression that can convey emotions, cultural narratives, and individual identities. With our short attention spans, we have about 10 seconds to capture someone’s attention. The first thing people see in person or on the screen is what we are wearing. I aim to create looks that not only enhance the wearer’s confidence but also spark conversations and inspire others.

One of my goals is to challenge conventional fashion norms and push the boundaries of creativity. My passion is to blend different elements from various cultures, time periods, and artistic disciplines to create unique, memorable works of art. By doing so, I hope to broaden the understanding of what fashion can be and to celebrate the diversity and richness of global influences.

Ultimately, my mission is to use fashion as a tool to tell powerful stories that resonate with people on a deeper level, to inspire change, and to elevate the art of styling to new heights. Through my non-profit, The LIV Art Foundation, we will not only tell stories but also give young adults the opportunities to learn how to step into their creative field of choice with the right tools, resources, and guidance.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.stylemeariel.com
• Instagram: @stylemeariel
• Facebook: @stylemeariel
• Linkedin: @stylemeariel
• Twitter: @stylemeariel