Aryana shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Aryana , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
For the past two years, I’ve been very vocal about raising awareness for Palestine and the genocide in Gaza. I’ve used my business platform mainly Instagram and my website to not only share information about Gaza but also to direct people to resources and donation links where they can help those in need. Speaking out has definitely come at a cost though, within the first few month of raising awareness I lost about 500 followers, and each time I post, I lose more. My business has even been targeted with negative Google reviews and there’s been personal risk with my picture and business being shared in a negative way.
But to me, standing up for what’s right matters more than staying silent. I’ve also seen the positive impact, many of my followers have told me that they learned about what’s happening in Gaza through my page and some have even changed their views and started supporting Palestine. So while it has cost me business at times, I know I’ve used my platform for something bigger than myself and that’s something I’ll always stand by.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Aryana, and I’m the founder of Graze by Aryana, a creative catering company that I launched in March 2024. We service the DMV area as well as NY and specialize in designing custom grazing tables that go beyond just food, they’re truly an experience! Every table we create is tailored to the event, whether it’s a wedding, baby shower or corporate gathering.
What makes us unique is that we don’t just set out platters, we create art! Our tables incorporate fresh floral arrangements, candles, and curated details that bring the theme of the event to life. And we offer a wide variety of cuisines, from Mediterranean and Italian to Middle Eastern and Afghan with everything from main meal options to appetizers to desserts and drinks!
In just over a year and a half, we’ve designed more than 50 table and we’re already booking into summer 2026. It’s been such a rewarding journey and I truly love bringing beauty, creativity, and flavor together to make unforgettable experiences for our clients & their guests!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
Definitely my father! He is the eldest of 6 siblings and fled Afghanistan right before the Russian Invasion and came to America with nothing but through hard work and determination he built a beautiful and fruitful life for our family. He pursued his education, became an entrepreneur and always worked for himself. His work ethic, his resilience and the way he provided for us with both intelligence and perseverance have been my greatest inspiration.
Even after retiring, he chose to return to work because he genuinely enjoys it, that’s how dedicated he is. I hope to carry the same work ethic and drive that he’s shown throughout his life, and one day I hope I can repay him for all the sacrifices he made for us.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
Turning to God. I’ve always believed in Him deeply, even from a very young age. Remembering God, thanking Him for what I had and asking Him for help gave me comfort and strength in difficult moments.
Whenever I faced hardship, I always felt that He showed me ease and reminded me that I was never alone. That faith gave me a sense of peace and security that nothing else could. It’s something that has stayed with me into adulthood as well, the knowledge that no matter what I go through, God is always there for me
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think one of the biggest lies the event industry tells itself is that bigger automatically means better. There’s such an emphasis on massive productions, picture-perfect backdrops, and scale but the truth is, what makes an event unforgettable isn’t the size, it’s the thoughtfulness, the details, and how it makes people feel! Too often, events are designed to impress on the surface but don’t create real connection. I believe the best events are the ones where guests feel cared for, welcomed, and part of something meaningful, not just where everything looks good on Instagram.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I would stop working. I’ve been blessed to be a stay-at-home mom for the past nine years, and I’m fortunate to have the flexibility to return to that role whenever I want. Right now, my work keeps me busy, especially on weekends but I miss out on so many special moments and events with my two boys and my husband. If I had limited time, I’d want to spend it fully with them, creating memories that truly matter to me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/GrazeByAryana
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grazebyaryana?igsh=cG1ubHR3dWhmMjVq&utm_source=qr
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