We were lucky to catch up with Arianna Longobardi recently and have shared our conversation below.
Arianna, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience is born from a life shaped by challenges and an unyielding determination to rise above them. Growing up biracial—half Italian, half Black—and being raised by a single dad with my younger brother, I always felt caught between worlds, never fully belonging to one. My father, my anchor and role model, passed away when I was just 15, leaving me to navigate the storm of grief and adulthood far too early. His absence was profound, but it also lit a fire in me—a drive to honor his sacrifices by forging my own path, no matter how difficult the road ahead might seem.
Being plus-size my entire life made me feel like an outsider, even within my own family. I was the black sheep, the one who never quite fit in. With four sisters, with different fathers, and a fraction of unity, I often felt like I was standing alone. My self-worth was constantly under attack—not just by the world outside but within my own family dynamic. Yet even in the loneliest moments, I held onto the belief that my differences didn’t make me weaker; they made me stronger, more unique, and more resilient.
Friendships and relationships became another battlefield—where trust was betrayed, self-esteem was tested, and I was often left questioning my worth. I’ve endured friendships that crumbled and relationships where I was undervalued, mistreated, and sometimes even broken. Each disappointment was a heavy blow, but it was also a lesson. I learned the hard way that my worth isn’t defined by others’ inability to see it. And as painful as those experiences were, they taught me the power of self-love and the importance of setting boundaries.
This past year, in particular, was one of the most challenging of my life. From the heartbreak of friendship breakups to the devastation of relationship breakups, I found myself questioning everything I thought I knew about connection and trust. On top of that, I faced critical health issues that tested not only my body but my spirit. It felt like life was throwing everything it had at me, daring me to give up. But I didn’t. Instead, I decided to permanently remind myself of my strength by getting the word “resilience” tattooed on my skin—a visible symbol of everything I’ve overcome and the promise that I’ll continue to rise no matter what.
Now, as a 25-year-old biracial woman, I’ve transformed those struggles into a story of triumph. I’m an upcoming beauty and fashion influencer, creating a platform where others like me can see themselves represented—where they can feel empowered to love themselves, no matter their size, background, or circumstances. I balance this with a full-time career in the medical field, pouring myself into a profession that demands compassion, perseverance, and an unshakable sense of purpose every day. It’s not easy to juggle these two worlds, but I’ve learned to thrive under pressure, to embrace the chaos as a sign that I’m building something meaningful.
My life has been a journey of finding light in the darkest places, of turning pain into purpose. My resilience comes from a deep understanding of loss, love, and self-discovery—and knowing that even when life has tried to count me out, I’ve always found a way to rise. I carry with me the legacy of my father, the lessons of every heartbreak, and the strength of a woman who refuses to give up. Resilience, for me, isn’t just a quality—it’s the foundation of who I am and the force that keeps me moving forward, no matter what challenges come my way.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As an upcoming beauty and fashion influencer, my focus is on creating content that inspires, empowers, and connects with a diverse audience. Being biracial and plus-sized, I’ve often felt underrepresented in the beauty industry, which is why I’m passionate about using my platform to break barriers and promote inclusivity. For me, makeup is more than just products—it’s an art form, a creative outlet, and a tool for self-expression. My goal is to help people feel seen, celebrated, and confident, no matter their background, skin tone, or size.
What excites me most about being part of the beauty community is the opportunity to inspire others to see makeup as a way to enhance their individuality. I create tutorials that cater to a variety of skin tones and face shapes, review products with honesty and transparency, and share bold, playful looks that encourage my audience to step outside their comfort zone. Whether I’m demonstrating a new foundation that works beautifully on all skin tones or sharing tips on how to create a glowing, natural makeup look, I strive to make beauty accessible and fun for everyone.
Being plus-sized has also shaped my perspective as a creator. I’m passionate about showing that beauty and fashion aren’t limited by size. I love blending makeup with style, creating content that highlights how beauty and confidence intersect. Through my platform, I aim to remind people that beauty comes in all forms and that there’s no one way to look or feel beautiful.
The process of content creation is something I genuinely love. From brainstorming creative ideas to filming tutorials and editing videos, every step is a chance to connect with my audience and share my passion. I’m always learning—whether it’s testing the newest makeup trends, improving my editing techniques, or discovering innovative ways to engage with my audience. It’s a dynamic, ever-changing journey that keeps me excited and inspired.
Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to continue growing my presence in the beauty community and collaborating with brands that share my values of inclusivity and authenticity. Makeup has been a powerful tool for self-expression in my life, and I want to help others use it to express who they are unapologetically. Beauty is about more than what you see on the surface—it’s about embracing your uniqueness, and I’m honored to be part of a community that celebrates that every day.
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?
Looking back, three key qualities and skills that have been most impactful in my journey as a beauty and fashion influencer are authenticity, adaptability, and consistency. Each has shaped how I approach my work, connect with my audience, and navigate the ever-changing landscape of the beauty community.
1. Authenticity: Staying true to myself has been the foundation of everything I do. As a biracial, plus-sized woman, I’ve learned that my unique perspective and experiences are my greatest assets. Audiences can tell when someone is being genuine, and I’ve found that the more I embrace my individuality, the stronger my connection with my community becomes. My advice to others is to lean into what makes you different—whether it’s your background, your voice, or your style. Your authenticity is what will set you apart in a world that’s saturated with content.
2. Adaptability: The beauty and fashion space moves quickly—trends, platforms, and audience preferences are constantly evolving. One of the most important skills I’ve developed is the ability to adapt while still staying aligned with my vision. Whether it’s learning new editing techniques, experimenting with content formats, or staying on top of trends, I’ve made adaptability a core part of my process. For those just starting out, I encourage you to stay open to change and approach new challenges as opportunities to grow. The ability to evolve will keep you relevant and resilient.
3. Consistency: Building trust and engagement with an audience takes time, and consistency has been key to my success. From posting regularly to maintaining a clear vision for my brand, being consistent has allowed me to grow steadily while establishing myself as a reliable voice in the beauty community. My advice for others is to set realistic goals and create a schedule you can stick to. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but showing up consistently will lead to long-term growth and deeper connections.
Ultimately, these qualities have helped me navigate both the highs and lows of my journey, and I believe they can be transformative for anyone starting out. Focus on what makes you unique, stay adaptable, and keep showing up—and the rest will fall into place.
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?
Yes, I am absolutely looking to partner and collaborate with others! I’m particularly interested in working with leading beauty brands that align with my mission of inclusivity, authenticity, and empowerment. Some of the brands I’d love to collaborate with include Fenty Beauty for their groundbreaking focus on inclusivity and diversity, Rare Beauty for their inspiring message of embracing imperfections and prioritizing mental health, and MAC Cosmetics for their bold approach to creativity and self-expression. I admire NARS for their high-performance products and versatility, Huda Beauty for their glamorous and empowering makeup, and Pat McGrath Labs for their unparalleled artistry and luxury. Charlotte Tilbury’s glowing, timeless aesthetic and Glossier’s focus on natural beauty and self-care deeply resonate with me, as do Dior Beauty’s elegance and sophistication and Maybelline’s accessibility and iconic status in the drugstore category.
Collaborating with these brands would be an incredible opportunity to create content that celebrates individuality, promotes confidence, and resonates with a wide range of audiences. If you’re part of one of these brands—or any other brand that shares similar values—I’d love to connect! You can reach me at ariannavioletgrace@gmail.com or through my social media platforms: @ariannavioletgrace on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Together, we can create meaningful, impactful content that inspires and empowers.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariannavioletgrace?igsh=MTB0cTF2cHNvNHc5dw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ariannavioletgrace?si=wF64-w3DD3ebpekj
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ariannavioletgrace?_t=ZT-8sxptrq6QGs&_r=1
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