We recently connected with Ari Schwartz and have shared our conversation below.
Ari, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My psychiatrist once told me “there are two types of people that become famous for their talents and go on to change the world — those who are hyper-focused and obsessed with a specific passion, and those who immerse themselves in a passion as a means for distracting themselves from their demons.” This was his response to me after I said I wanted to make an impact and change the world.
My mind seems to not be content with the white picket fence and golden retriever life. Sometimes I feel as though I am being pulled through life by some greater force that I do not fully grasp. Though I know that I won’t be around to appreciate it, I get some level of satisfaction knowing that something I’ve created will outlive me. The creation of music and art is where I truly find my purpose. But it’s only when this creation has a positive impact on others that I feel a sense of purpose in the world.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m currently a professional model and am signed to a modeling agency. I’ve done gothic fashion, romance novel covers, high fashion editorials, fitness modeling, stock image modeling, underwear modeling, and runway. Much of my work can be found on my modeling website (AriSchwartz.com) or on my Instagram page (@Ari.N.Schwartz).
I’ve only been modeling for just under a year. My professional background is actually in biomedical engineering and I’ve been working in research and development within the medical device field for the last 8 years. My modeling career was born out of extreme heartache and an emotionally damaging relationship. My partner would often tell me that I was the least attractive of anyone they’ve dated. They would pick me apart because they knew I struggled with body dysmorphic disorder. I’m not proud of it, but I initially started modeling just to prove to them that I wasn’t the ugly person they made me out to be. I wanted to get published. I wanted them to see my face when they scrolled through social media, when they drove past billboards, and when they flipped through magazines.
After I had been model for about a month, I did in fact get published but by that time I had a change of heart and just wanted to leave the past in the past. I found new happiness through modeling because it helped me regain some of the confidence I lost. I was also able to meet new people, go to new exciting places, express myself in a new creative way, become more comfortable with my body, and get out of my comfort zone.
While modeling, I designed outfits for myself and people would often ask me where I got my outfits. This led to the creation of my own clothing line called DAE ONE (DAEONEClothing.com). The name is actually carried over from a childhood graffiti name (I was quite rebellious when I was younger). Now, the name stands for Divine Artistic Entropy. The word “divine” is used to capture the high fashion style and the royal gold accessories I use. “Artistic” is used because I don’t see clothes as just something to wear for comfort but also an artistic way to express one’s self. The term “entropy” is used to capture the intentional disorganization that’s built into the clothes through tears, randomly placed zippers, and unconventional chains. Life is beautiful but full of uncertainty and chaos and I wanted my clothing line to capture this. Though my fashion design career is just starting, I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to showcase my clothing line at the next LA Fashion Show.
The next chapter of my life will move towards my music and I already have some new projects underway but that can be a conversation for another time.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I think the three most important qualities I relied on during my journey were dedication, drive, and passion. I don’t see myself as particularly gifted in any way other than being driven. When I have a goal, I do everything I can to obtain it. I stay dedicated even when there are hurdles or when it seems like my goals are out of reach. I am somewhat stubborn but it does help keep me dedicated once I’ve decided on a goal. I think having a deep passion is the true spark that ignites one’s drive. Whether it’s the dedication to work on my projects while friends are off having fun at the beach, or the sleepless nights of planning my success, I try my hardest to stay focused on my goals. My advice for others is to find something you’re passionate about and chase it to the end of the world. Dedication will pay off in the end. I’m a true believer that dedication, drive, and passion are more important than inherent talent.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m always looking to collaborate with major brands for fashion or fitness modeling. My portfolio and contact information can be found on my modeling website at AriSchwartz.com.
I’d also love to have my high-fashion clothes in physical stores and so I’m also interested in collaborating with some brick and mortar store owners as well. My clothing line website is DAEONEClothing.com and my Instagram is @DAE_ONE_Clothing.
Contact Info:
- Website: AriSchwartz.com
- Instagram: @Ari.N.Schwartz
- Other: DAEONEClothing.com
@DAE_ONE_Clothing
Image Credits
Photo credits via Instagram: Gold Leopard Photo by @Piersidephotos Desert Tree Photo by @Orion_Captiv8 Black & Red Room Photo by @Elvis_Interiano_Photo Cyber Glasses Ocean Photo by @AmazingShadowsPhotography White & Gold Outfit Photo by @MarshalCasePhotography Jeans @ Ocean Photo by @LilGilby Leather & Chair Photo by @Emma.Jane.Photos DAEONE beanie & T-Shirt by @ @Orion_Captiv8 DAEONE beanie & leather jacket by @ @Orion_Captiv8
