We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Aria Summer Wallace. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Aria Summer below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Aria Summer with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic was shaped early on by my experience in the entertainment industry. I started as a child actor, and in that world, there’s very little room for error — you’re expected to deliver, to be prepared, and to perform at a professional level, even at a young age. That kind of environment taught me discipline, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility. Perfection was often the standard, and while that can be challenging, it instilled in me a drive to produce high-quality work and to hold myself to a high bar. I’ve learned over time how to balance that perfectionism with flexibility, but at my core, I still carry that strong internal push to do things well and follow through — not because someone’s watching, but because it’s just how I’m wired now.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a writer, performer, and creative with a deep love for storytelling in all its forms — whether that’s through music, acting, or writing. I grew up in the entertainment industry, so creating has always felt like home to me, but over time it’s evolved into something much more personal. It’s not just about performing — it’s about sharing something real, something that moves people. That’s the part I love the most: the connection it creates, the way a moment of truth in art can make someone feel less alone.
Right now, I’m pouring a lot of energy into my music. I’m in the studio working on a new collection of songs that feel rich with soul and intention — a vibrant blend of R&B, funk, jazz, and blues. It’s playful in sound but rooted in real stories and lived emotion. The process has been both grounding and energizing as it’s the most aligned I’ve felt with my creative voice. These songs sound the way my head and heart feel inside. I’m very excited to keep shaping them and even more excited to share them with the world when they’re ready.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three qualities that have truly shaped and sustained my creative journey are humility, persistence, and the ability to listen more than I speak. Humility has been my anchor—keeping me open, grounded, and teachable, even in moments when I’ve finally earned my seat at the table. It reminds me that no matter how far I go, there’s always more to learn, more to experience, and more ways to grow.
Persistence has been the force that’s propelled me forward through every wave of rejection, every season of transition, and every chapter of reinvention. The creative life is full of unpredictable twists, and it’s persistence that helps us rise again and again, fueled by the belief that each “no” or setback is simply part of the story we are meant to tell.
Then there’s listening — really listening. When you lean into deep, honest connection, whether with mentors, collaborators, or an audience, you gain insights and inspiration that you may not have found alone. Listening shapes not only my work but also how I show up in the world, allowing me to create with authenticity and resonance.
For anyone just starting out, my heartfelt advice is this: always consider yourself a student. Never stop approaching your craft and the world with genuine curiosity. You don’t need to have it all figured out or be perfect — what matters is staying engaged, showing up consistently, and embracing the journey. Growth isn’t about getting everything right on the first try; it’s about having the courage to stay in the process, to learn from each step, and to keep moving forward with an open heart.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
One book that has played a profoundly important role in my development is “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert. What I love most about it is how it embraces the mystery of creativity without demanding perfection or guarantees. It’s a reminder that creativity isn’t about chasing success or external validation — it’s about embracing curiosity, and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable with our work.
A few of the most valuable nuggets of wisdom from that book that have stuck with me are:
– The idea that creative inspiration is a generous, unpredictable force that comes and goes, and we have to be willing to collaborate with it rather than control it.
– That fear is a natural companion in the creative process, but it doesn’t have to stop us — it’s possible to move forward in spite of fear.
– The encouragement to pursue what truly lights us up, even if it’s unconventional or uncertain, because that’s where authenticity and joy reside.
“Big Magic” has reminded me that creativity thrives when I embrace curiosity over control, and that’s where real breakthroughs happen.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariasummer/?hl=en
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ariasummerwallace
Image Credits
Hailey Christensen Christos Kalohoridis Wesley Channell Casey Raye
