We were lucky to catch up with Janelle Ariona recently and have shared our conversation below.

Janelle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

I feel that the biggest challenge as a growing fashion designer when speaking of profitability is trying to gain clientele year around. Fashion is an industry where designers often sell their products by season. For example, spring/summer, fall/winter, resort etc. It’s difficult to maintain the amount of customers or orders you receive when products your sell for warm weather may not sell in the cooler months of the year.

I find my design style to be more warm weather based. So some pieces may not sell well in the fall or winter time. Another example is I am a prom dress designer, but once prom season is over, I then have to figure out how to keep up the profit flow for the months following. Which is definitely challenging!!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Janelle Ariona and I am the creator and designer of J. Ariona the label! All my pieces are designed, sourced, and handmade by me. Most brand originals I create are from upcycled clothing given away by others, thus giving them new life! As a designer, I aim to create pieces that aren’t like anything else you’ve seen. Using unique fabrics and textiles, I create pieces that stand out and push its wearer to take risks. This is why I enjoy upcycling so much! Being able to create almost anything I can imagine from materials that were once something completely different is what sets me apart from others! I specialize in customs, prom, upcycled 1of1 pieces, and more!.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Without a doubt I would say the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in my industry would be the reactions from clients. It’s the best feeling in the world when you spend so much time creating your clients vision and bringing it to life and they say it’s exactly what they dreamed of! What I do takes a lot of work and time and it’s great to see it appreciated by your clients!

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Since the beginning of 2023, I would say what’s become the best source of new clients has been from word of mouth. When you create quality work, it brings in more eyes as well new customers. As a designer I’m working to develop my marketing process as well as pushing content that will draw in clients!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jariona.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/j.arionathelabel