We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ariana Leider. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ariana below.
Hi Ariana, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
Both of my parents are entrepreneurs; They have instilled drive and perseverance in my brother & I from young ages. From the minute I turned 13, I was figuring out how to get my working papers and start my first job. I felt like if I wasn’t doing anything to occupy my time and I could be making money, why wouldn’t I start as young as possible?
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I was always considered an ‘old soul’. I saw my future at a very young age as a hustler, but I knew I wanted to be a mom someday. I never liked school, but always received great grades. When I found out about the vocational school program in high school, my parents and I decided it was best to get the ball rolling on a trade. Monmouth County offered a Cosmetology program starting junior year. I was not passionate about the industry at the time, but I was excited to learn more about it.
Once I became educated enough to understand all that goes into being a cosmetologist, I fell in love; I knew it was my calling. I was always a creative person, and this was my perfect opportunity to be creative, express myself, and connect with people.
Fast forward 12 years later, I have built a successful company that I couldn’t be more proud of. I am able to grow my company from anywhere, flex my hours as I need to for my growing family, and continue to hustle for my team each and every day.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
People Skills: Coming from and Italian household, my family is super outgoing and loving. We were raised to teach all people with respect regardless of their age, looks, and occupation. My ability to connect with others is something I’ve always prided myself on. I never want anyone to feel uncomfortable or judged in my chair; my number 1 priority before any service is to get to know my guest on a personal level before we talk about their goal look.
Support: I grew up extremely blessed with support behind me always. The motivation and confidence that my loved ones have given me has always given me the push I needed to take risks and grow.
Creativity: Being in my industry, you definitely need to be creative. It was very difficult in the beginning trying something new, and being uncomfortable in a new skill. The best advice I ever received was from my Cosmetology teacher: “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” That line is the absolute epitome of my industry; Practice, practice, practice. It does get better, you know you have the creativity in you, and hard work will always pay off.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Being an entrepreneur and mom of 2 could definitely be overwhelming. Getting fresh air, exercising, and spending time with loved ones is how I cope with the anxiety of wanting to be the most successful at what I do. I struggle to accept that time alone to rest and reset is ok. I work in a space that is definitely very populated and I’ve learned that others in my industry are not my competition or enemies, but role models. There is plenty to go around and we should always support each other.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arianashaircreations.com
- Instagram: @arianashaircreations
- Facebook: Ariana’s Hair Creations
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