We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Arielle Joseph a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Arielle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.
I got my first client while working for a clothing store. I was attending fashion design school at the time and I started wearing the stuff I made to work and anywhere I went. A customer came in and absolutely loved the high-waist ruffle tiered skirt I was wearing and I told her I made it. We exchanged contact information; within a week I created the same skirt for her and just like that she was my first sale.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
At the young age of 9 I told my mom I wanted to be a fashion designer. I enjoyed looking at and feeling the fabrics from her custom clothing. I already knew how to draw and I would draw all the time, once I discovered my love for fashion I started sketching my dolls in different clothing. I look back at it now and I was creating lookbooks. The Ari J collection is inspired by women, and mother nature. Each piece exudes the essence of femininity; all while highlighting the beauty and individual make of her unique structure.
I provide high quality garments that are comfortable and make women feel beautiful and confident. I am most known for my jumpsuits. They’re classic and perfect for any occasion. I recently launched my first bridal collection; Bliss. Since 2019 I’ve received orders of my white jumpsuit for weddings. The modern bride wants something classic, comfortable and affordable for her wedding and I provide that. I’m excited to embark further on this journey as a bridal designer.
Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.
Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?
I sell on my own site but I also have my stuff on Etsy. I think when starting out, platforms like Etsy are great because they already have a customer database of millions. It’s hard building your own database and people don’t know who you are at first so platforms such as Etsy helps you get your feet wet and reach customers from all over the world. I’ve made a great deal of my sales on Etsy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Arijcollection.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/arijcollection
- Facebook: facebook.com/arijcollection
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfzCTGb-Ba5iVhGQLseY-Fg
Image Credits
Photographers: Joyanne Panton and Yanick Victor Model: Gabrielle Timothy