Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Arianna R. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Arianna, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
My parents always instilled in us the value of faith above all else, and the belief that everything works out the way it’s supposed to. They taught me that if you have talent, intelligence, and a wise work ethic, your hard work will ALWAYS pay off eventually. Growing up, my siblings and I were encouraged to follow our dreams and were never confined to a traditional mindset when it came to our careers. Creativity was not just accepted in our household- it was celebrated and placed at the center of how we were raised.
My parents made me believe I could do anything I set my mind to. They emphasized that mistakes and failures are necessary for growth—they’re stepping stones, not setbacks. My mom, in particular, always said, ‘You can spend your life working for someone else, or you can be your own boss.’ She pushed me to embrace the discomfort of taking risks and trusting myself, especially when pursuing a career in a creative field.
She also always told me to trust my instincts—that my gut, my body, and my spirit would always speak to me and let me know when something was off or when something felt right. That advice has stuck with me to this day. I’ve learned to listen to my gut above all else, and it’s been a guiding principle in both my personal life and career.
My parents also prepared me for the cutthroat world that is the entertainment industry. They taught me how to read people and navigate relationships with caution. At the same time, they emphasized the importance of being a people person and learning how to network in a genuine way. Those lessons have helped me build meaningful connections in my career while staying grounded and aware.
My parents also taught me that success often requires taking leaps of faith, even when the money isn’t flowing consistently. They would always remind me to invest in myself, both personally and professionally. That mindset has been foundational for me as an artist manager—believing in myself, trusting my instincts, navigating uncertainty, and taking risks not just on myself but also on the artists I work with.
Arianna, 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?
My name is Arianna, and I’m an artist manager originally from New York City. I’ve always been drawn to music, with a background in both A&R and Marketing. Growing up, I was always mesmerized by concerts and live shows—they were my favorite way to spend my free time. Early on, I knew I wanted to work behind the scenes to help create those unforgettable experiences for others.
What sets me apart is my ability to balance creative intuition with strategic thinking. My ear for talent has always been my greatest strength, but I also pride myself on being a logical, forward-thinking strategist. Beyond just finding talent, I’m passionate about guiding artists through challenges, helping them build authentic connections, and ensuring their story is expressed to audiences in meaningful ways. Music is at the heart of everything I do, and I bring passion, precision, and care to every project I take on. I’m always looking for new artists to collaborate and grow with, so if you think we’d be a great fit, feel free to reach out :)
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being in this industry is seeing the way music resonates with people and helps them through different stages of their lives—whether it’s a breakup, a tough day, or a moment of stress; Music has this incredible ability to evoke emotions and create connections. It can take an already great day and make it 10 times greater, brighter, and happier.
The power that music possesses is, in my opinion, the coolest thing in the world. Being apart of the process that brings that to life—helping an artist create something that will touch and inspire others—is the most rewarding feeling.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Absolutely. One of the biggest things non-creatives struggle to understand is the nonlinear nature of a creative career. Unlike traditional paths where there’s a clear trajectory—entry-level, mid-level, senior, etc.—creative careers are often full of pivots, side hustles, and unexpected opportunities. Success isn’t always tied to a steady paycheck or a job title; sometimes, it’s about taking risks and betting on yourself when no one else will. And – success looks different for everyone—for some, it’s about financial stability, while for others, it’s about creative fulfillment, influence, building something of their own, or leaving a legacy behind.
Another common misconception is that creative work is not real ‘work’. People assume if you’re doing something you love, it must always be fun and easy. But creativity requires discipline, problem-solving, and emotional resilience—especially when facing rejection or uncertainty. In some ways, it demands more structure than a corporate job because you don’t always have a boss—you’re the one holding yourself accountable.
Something I’ve often had to explain to my peers in non-creative industries is that the music industry may seem like all fun—concerts, photo shoots, and events—but in reality, it’s work. We may be at the same concert, and while they’re there to enjoy the show, I’m focused on handling business, building relationships, and making sure everything runs smoothly.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Arianna.reid
Image Credits
Image Credits of Group Shot: Jaloni Williams