We were lucky to catch up with Ariel Desiree recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ariel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had started sooner?

If I could go back in time, I definitely wish I would had started my creative career back in 2018. I started modeling in 2020 when I was 22 years old. During that time, I began the path of finding myself, my purpose in life. There were several situations that I was healing from in which I finally had the strength, the courage to break away from. Some of the people I associated myself with were beautiful gems but there were some people who led me towards a path that caused a lengthy distance in the direction I was originally going. I lost a chunk of myself when my Papa and Granny passed away a few months apart. It was hard to come to terms that they were no longer here physically because they raised me alongside my parents and I honestly could not handle visiting home without seeing them for a long time.

Career-wise, I was enrolled in college as a sophomore/junior majoring in Exercise Science. I changed my major three times with Sport Management being the final one and I believe I was on number two during this stage. I was working retail in the mall while in school. I loved it because I had the chance to meet and build relationships with so many people that I’m still in contact with today. Most importantly, the employee discounts in the stores were life savers to my bank account.

Starting my creative career sooner would have kept my head on straight. I lost sight of myself from 2018 to when I began modeling. It gives me a sense of control in a way and allows me to express who I am. It would have given the old version of myself the assurance that I have a purpose here and to not give up no matter how hard life may get. I believe I would have loved it so much that I would have changed my major one last time to something that would have given me more insight of the creative world and what is out there for me to give a try.

If I would have started sooner, my experience within my social circle would have been more worth while. Being surrounded by peers that have a common goal and ambition as you would have helped guide me towards the path that I needed to be on. Overall, I am grateful to be here and continue to model and create what makes me happy.

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 Ariel Desiree. I am 25 years old from Jackson, Tennessee. I love to experience different areas of the world, eat as much as I’d like, admire nature and its beauty, and create memories with my loved ones. Being active on social media is how I worked my way into the modeling industry. I came across a photographer named Dom James and loved his work. He shot my first set of professional pictures which gave me the confidence to pursue modeling. I began connecting with photographers here in Nashville, Atlanta, Memphis, and my hometown to build my portfolio. A year later, I signed with a talent agency to learn more about the industry and to perfect my craft.

I am a model, actor, creative/content creator, and dog mom located in Nashville and surrounding areas. Also, I specialize in lifestyle, commercial print, portrait, and fashion content. I also work with a variety of brands as a brand ambassador and partake in runway modeling.
The one thing that I enjoy about being a creative is the opportunity to express my individuality. I enjoy planning my outfits, working with different people in the industry, and ultimately being able to bring my vision to life. That is one of the best parts of being a “creative”, There is no blueprint or specific plan that I have to follow each time. I am able to express myself and bring concepts to life in my work.

Seeing the growth that I have within myself as a creative and as a person is most definitely my proudest accomplishments. I remember the place that I was in when I first began versus where I am now, and it is refreshing to see how far I have I come. My professional growth, emotional maturity, and overall creative mind have taken great strides and that is something I take pride in. I am extremely happy in my profession and another thing that people should know is that excitement shows in my work as well. Whether it is a photoshoot or a model call, I show my love and enjoyment in my work.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Most people believe that being a creative is just making artwork, taking pictures, or anything in that type of space. In reality, it is more than that. It is about bringing an idea or concept to life. It’s about telling a story through your work. It allows people to not only showcase themselves to the world, but it shows what is important to them and sometimes where they come from. It allows people to be themselves and ultimately embodies what it means to allow someone to have complete creative control.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

The number one thing that society can do to help support the creative space is simply that. Just show support in any way they see fit. Whether it is a repost of a picture on social sites or attending events that take place, just show that you are in the corner of people putting their work on display. People sometimes think they have to make large gestures in order to make a difference when in reality a simple act goes a long way towards encouraging creatives and getting their names out.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arieldesiree_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ariel-Desiree/100066662093498/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/_arieldesiree
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgGYQOKmDUQfBvU3H-5ZjqQ?app=desktop

Image Credits
Jotheshooter_ Adasia Jones leah_rippy_photography 1litestudio Shop Local Emcroneyphotography Sessionswithariel L’Optique Creations