We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karim Arias León a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Karim, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was deciding to fully pursue my creative career over a more traditional, stable path. This was a life-changing risk for me because it involved turning away from the security of a clear, conventional route and diving headfirst into the unknown. At the time, I was working a regular 9-to-5 job, and there was pressure to go to college, follow a more predictable career, and stay on a path that guaranteed stability. But I knew in my heart that wasn’t what I wanted. I couldn’t imagine spending years of my life pursuing something that didn’t ignite my passion, so I made the decision to focus on modeling, directing, and styling.

The backstory really started in 2020 during the pandemic. The world was on pause, and it gave me a lot of time to reflect on what I wanted to do with my life. I used that time to experiment with my creativity—exploring social media, learning about fashion, and working on different aspects of styling and content creation. By the time 2022 came around, I had already made the choice not to go to college, which was a huge leap of faith in itself. But deciding to pursue a career in such a competitive industry, without any guarantees of success, was the real risk.

Financially, it was tough. I had to work my 9-to-5 job while saving up every penny to invest in my creative projects. There were times when I wasn’t sure if I could make it work, but I kept pushing forward. The risk paid off, though. Within two years, I’ve built a portfolio I’m proud of, worked with some amazing people, and I’m starting to gain momentum in my career. It’s far from easy, but the satisfaction of doing something I love makes it all worth it.

Looking back, I realize that taking this risk was necessary. It wasn’t just about choosing a career path—it was about trusting my instincts and betting on myself. It taught me that taking big risks can open up doors you never even knew existed, and even if things don’t go exactly as planned, you learn and grow from every experience. It’s one of the most important decisions I’ve ever made, and it’s shaped who I am today.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Kareem Arias Leon, and my journey into the creative world began when I started modeling in October 2022. Though I initially stepped into the fashion industry as a model, I quickly discovered that my passion was much deeper than just being in front of the camera—I found myself gravitating toward the artistic side of things like directing and styling. That’s when I knew I wanted to fully embrace a career focused on creative direction, styling, and content creation.

My path into this industry wasn’t traditional. I chose not to attend college because I didn’t want to pursue something I wasn’t passionate about. Instead, I dove headfirst into exploring my creative side. The Covid-19 pandemic played a huge role in shaping my direction. Being stuck at home gave me time to experiment with fashion, practice my craft, and develop my unique style. I used social media as a tool to get my work out there and connect with people in the industry, which opened new doors for me.

I offer services in creative direction, styling, and content creation. Whether it’s putting together a fashion editorial, building a look for a brand campaign, or conceptualizing visuals for a photoshoot, I help clients craft their stories in a visually compelling way. My focus is on fusing fashion, storytelling, and art to create bold, authentic content that stands out. What sets me apart is my ability to blend various influences—from high fashion to streetwear, pop culture to fine art—and turn them into something fresh and impactful.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how much I’ve accomplished in just two years. It hasn’t been easy balancing a full-time job while pursuing my dreams, but I’ve made it work. I’ve had to take big risks, save every penny, and make sacrifices, but the progress I’ve made so far is something I’m proud of. I’ve managed to create a strong portfolio, collaborate with incredible people, and stay true to my creative vision.

What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that my work is deeply rooted in authenticity. Every project I take on is a reflection of my creative journey and the experiences that have shaped me. I’m passionate about telling unique stories, whether it’s through fashion, content, or visual art. My goal is always to push boundaries, bring fresh ideas to the table, and leave a lasting impact with my work.

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

In my view, one of the most important things society can do to support artists and creatives is to recognize the value of art and creativity, not just as entertainment or luxury, but as essential parts of culture, expression, and even economic growth. A thriving creative ecosystem requires support on multiple levels—financial, educational, and community-based.

First, there needs to be more accessible funding and grants for artists and creatives, especially for those who are just starting out. It’s tough to balance financial survival with pursuing a creative passion, and many talented individuals end up abandoning their dreams because of a lack of resources. Government programs, private sponsors, and arts organizations can provide more financial support, offering grants, scholarships, or residencies for emerging artists to grow their work.

Second, education plays a key role. Schools and universities should place more emphasis on creative fields, offering not just traditional arts education but also teaching practical skills like entrepreneurship, marketing, and navigating the business side of being an artist. Many creatives don’t get the tools they need to turn their passion into a sustainable career. Offering mentorship programs where established professionals can guide young creatives would also be incredibly helpful.

Another way society can support creatives is by fostering community. Artists thrive when they’re connected to others who understand their journey. Local governments, cultural organizations, and businesses can create spaces and events for artists to collaborate, showcase their work, and build networks. Having more opportunities like art shows, festivals, and public spaces to display and perform work allows creatives to connect with their audience and helps expose new talent.

Lastly, we need a shift in how we value creative work. Art and creativity should be appreciated not just for entertainment or aesthetics but for their role in driving innovation and challenging perspectives. Society can encourage this by supporting independent creatives, paying fair wages for their work, and acknowledging that artistic careers are just as important and valid as more traditional professions. By doing all of this, we can build an ecosystem where creativity is celebrated, supported, and given the space to thrive.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes, my goal is to create beautiful projects and have them showcased in magazines, on runways, and in movies. I want to be known for my unique style, creativity, and the work I put into each project. It’s important to me that my art reflects not only my talents but also a distinct vision that sets me apart. Whether it’s styling, directing, or creating visual concepts, I want to leave a lasting impression and make a name for myself in the fashion and creative industries.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usernamefounnd/

Image Credits

Photographers: (@umberto.luk) and (@just_li_)