Meet Ariel Brinkley

We were lucky to catch up with Ariel Brinkley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ariel, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

I’ve always been used to being the odd one out. Growing up, I attended schools where I was often the minority, and when I played basketball, I constantly heard boys tell me I wasn’t good enough simply because I was a girl. But I was lucky to have my sister by my side. We pushed each other, proved people wrong, and showed that being a girl wasn’t a weakness. That mindset has stayed with me throughout my life.

When people doubt me, it only fuels my drive to succeed. But beyond proving others wrong, I’ve realized that my presence and accomplishments mean something to others, especially to young Black girls and women who see themselves in me. Even when I don’t realize it, someone is watching, feeling inspired, and believing they can do it too. That’s why I work hard, not just for myself, but to be the example I once needed. Nothing can stop us except ourselves.

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’ve always believed that self expression whether through art, writing, or even the clothes we wear, has the power to connect people and make them feel seen. That belief is the foundation of everything I do.

I’m the co-founder and designer behind Mentally a Badass, a mental health focused brand that embraces vulnerability as a strength. Through our clothing, we encourage people to wear their feelings openly and proudly, reminding them that struggling doesn’t make them weak, it makes them human. Our designs mix humor, raw emotion, and relatability to start conversations about mental health in a way that feels authentic and empowering.

Beyond apparel, Mentally a Badass is also a growing mental health community. Our Instagram serves as a space where we share relatable content, open up conversations about mental health, and remind people that they’re not alone in what they’re feeling.

We also have the Mentally a Badass podcast, hosted by my co-founder Justine Rodes, where we dive into real, unfiltered discussions about mental health. Whether it’s personal experiences, expert insights, or tackling the struggles we don’t talk about enough, our goal is to make these conversations feel more approachable and less isolating.

Alongside Mentally a Badass, I run Spooky Bubblegum Art, where I bring my love for digital art to life. My art blends cute, spooky, and nostalgic elements, creating a unique style that feels both playful and slightly haunting. Whether it’s designing characters, turning emotions into visuals, or experimenting with stickers and prints, I love exploring new ways to share my creativity.

And then there’s my writing! Another huge part of who I am. I’m currently working on Train to You, a sci-fi fantasy series, as well as Archenemy, an indie anime project. Both stories are deeply influenced by the anime and manga I grew up with, combining adventure, complex characters, and themes of resilience.

At the heart of everything I do is the desire to tell stories. I want to create things that someone out there needs, whether it’s a comforting design, a relatable character, or a reminder that their feelings are valid.

There’s so much more to come, and I can’t wait to share it all.

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 qualities that have been the most impactful in my journey are resilience, creativity, and authenticity.

Resilience has been crucial because, whether it’s in art, writing, or business, rejection and setbacks are inevitable. I’ve had moments where things didn’t go as planned. Whether it was struggling to get my work noticed, facing self doubt, or dealing with unexpected challenges. But I’ve learned that success isn’t about never failing; it’s about pushing forward anyway. For those starting out, I’d say: don’t let setbacks define you. Learn from them, adjust, and keep going.

Creativity is at the core of everything I do. From designing Mentally a Badass apparel to writing my novel and illustrating for Spooky Bubblegum Art, my creativity has allowed me to express myself and connect with others in meaningful ways. If you’re early in your journey, my advice is to explore as much as possible. Try new styles, experiment with different ideas, and don’t box yourself into one thing too soon. Creativity thrives when you give yourself the freedom to play and grow.

Authenticity is what has allowed me to build a community, whether through Mentally a Badass, my writing, or my digital art. People connect with realness. I’ve learned that being open whether about mental health, struggles, or passions, resonates with others far more than trying to fit a mold. If you’re just starting out, focus on creating things that feel true to you rather than what you think people want to see. The right audience will find you.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to keep learning, stay patient, and trust your own voice. Every journey looks different, and that’s what makes yours special.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

One of the biggest challenges I’m facing right now is staying true to myself while navigating social media and the ever changing algorithm. Since social media plays a huge role in Mentally a Badass and my creative projects, it’s easy to feel pressured to chase trends or create content just for views. But that can quickly take the joy and authenticity out of the work.

Recently, a follower reached out to say how much our posts on Mentally a Badass’s Instagram meant to them. They said they always seemed to come at the exact moment they needed them most. What they didn’t realize was that their message reached me at the exact moment I needed it. It reminded me why I started in the first place. Social media isn’t just about numbers; it’s about real connections and the impact we have on each other’s lives.

I’m shifting my mindset by focusing on gratitude, appreciating the community we’ve built rather than worrying about algorithms. I’m also making an effort to connect with our community beyond the internet, whether that’s through conversations, collaborations, or future in-person events. Staying grounded in why I do this has helped me push past the noise and create from a place of passion rather than pressure.

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