Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ariana Foster. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ariana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

It all started with our production company, Studio Standout. With my husband and I both having experience in videography and photography, we began to build up a portfolio through covering local events and working on branded shoots, commercials, and music videos. Through these projects, we realized the incredible abundance of local talent. Yet, there was no major platform dedicated to supporting, cultivating, and nurturing this talent in a way that both energized the local creative economy and helped people achieve their personal goals. This realization sparked the idea for the Foster Beauty Fashion Show.

The idea for the Foster Beauty Fashion Show was born out of a desire to address a gap we saw in the creative industry. I’ve always been obsessed with fashion, art, film and storytelling, but in Hampton Roads, these elements weren’t being brought together in a way that matched the high-caliber experience I knew was possible—for both participants and the community. I envisioned creating a space where fashion shows weren’t just about clothes on a runway but immersive experiences where people could see, feel, and connect with the artistry, emotion, and stories behind each collection. Collaboration was also key; I wanted to build an environment where people came together like family, rather than competitors.

To produce our first event, we knew we had to work with a diverse group of people—designers, models, artists, stylists, and more—so we set about building relationships and creating a community. I took on multiple roles, from casting to production, ensuring that everyone involved had a platform to shine. Through this, I recognized that fashion shows and creative productions could be more—more inclusive, more engaging, and more impactful.

We sought out the best venues and studied top fashion shows and fashion houses globally to bring our vision to life. The turning point came when we partnered with the NEON Festival in Norfolk, Virginia, and iconic venues like the Harrison Opera House to produce high-concept, fashion shows. These collaborations were special because they integrated art, culture, and fashion in ways that hadn’t been seen locally. The response was incredible. People wanted to be part of it and they saw it as more than just a fashion show but as a celebration of local talent and art.

That’s when it became clear that this could be something bigger. Studio Standout could specialize not only in simple shoots and fashion shows but also in film, events, and creative campaigns, all with the goal of elevating local artists and bringing fresh energy to every event. Merging high fashion, art, and entertainment in a way that deeply connected with our community.

What excited me the most about starting Studio Standout & the Foster Beauty Fashion Show was the opportunity to offer something different—something that celebrated creativity, empowered artists, and gave people unforgettable experiences. From the very beginning, I knew we were solving a problem by providing a platform for creatives to express themselves fully and achieve the next step in their journey, while also offering audiences a one-of-a-kind, elevated experience.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Ariana Foster, and I’m the co-founder of Studio Standout, a production company specializing in commercial, film, and fashion event production. My journey began as a Mass Communication Specialist in the Navy, where I honed my skills in photo and video production. After my military service, my husband and I noticed a gap in the creative industry in Hampton Roads—there was no major platform that truly celebrated the abundance of local talent in a way that contributed to the greater creator economy. This realization inspired us to create Studio Standout, where we combine film, fashion, art, and storytelling to offer unique, immersive experiences and content creation that go beyond the traditional limits.

At Studio Standout, we work with businesses, designers, brands, and artists of all kinds to bring their visions to life, whether through high-concept events or branded creative campaigns. What sets us apart is our commitment to fostering collaboration and building community. We provide local talent the platform and support needed to shine, while creating unforgettable experiences for our audiences. Our productions are thoughtfully curated, art-forward events that merge fashion with culture and entertainment, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in our local creative scene.

I’m most proud of how our company has supported local businesses and launched careers for several talented individuals. We’re passionate about supporting entrepreneurs, artists, designers, and models by giving them a platform to express themselves, showcase their talent and grow. If you’re looking for a partner to bring your vision to life with excellence and precision, Studio Standout is here to make it happen!

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

The initial capital to start Studio Standout came from a combination of savings, credit, and early sales. Launching a production company required significant upfront investment in equipment like a film camera, lights, microphones, and more—several thousand dollars that we didn’t have at the time. However, we believed in our vision and decided to take a chance on ourselves. We made an initial down payment from our savings and financed the rest of the equipment.

When it came to producing our first fashion show, we used our savings again to secure the venue deposit and fund the initial marketing push. Additionally, we had to rent a space for our model casting call, which was another upfront cost. To cover these expenses, we worked tirelessly to find additional funding by partnering with local businesses for sponsorships and vendor support. Ultimately, ticket sales played a huge role in helping us recoup costs and fund future projects.

This mix of resourcefulness and determination allowed us to get our business off the ground, and from those early investments, we’ve been able to grow and expand our offerings. It’s been a journey of risk and reward, but believing in our vision has always kept us moving forward.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

My biggest advice for anyone starting to build a social media presence is to focus on community. When we first launched, we had little content to showcase our services or events, but we knew that collaboration and community were at the heart of our mission. Instead of solely promoting ourselves, we started by spotlighting others—shouting out local creatives, showcasing their work, and offering to create content for businesses and talent we wanted to connect with. This approach allowed us to build genuine relationships and a reputation for supporting others.

Over time, as we continued to highlight the work of our peers, we began to develop our own portfolio and content to share. This not only grew our audience but also established us as a trusted name in the creative community. While our goals have evolved since those early days, highlighting and celebrating the local community remains at the core of our brand.

For those just starting, remember that social media isn’t just about promoting yourself—it’s about building relationships. Engage with others, showcase their talent, and provide value. That’s how we built our audience, and it’s an approach that can create lasting connections and growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.fosterbeautyfashionshow.com and www.studiostandout.com
• Instagram: @fosterbeautyfashionshow @arianafoster_
• Youtube: @fosterbeautyfashionshow