Meet Arious Harris

We recently connected with Arious Harris and have shared our conversation below.

Arious , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

A Purpose Revealed Over Time

Growing up, I never had to search for my purpose—it was always right in front of me, woven into the stories I heard and the examples set by those before me. I was raised by my great-uncle, a pastor whose devotion to faith and community was unwavering. His life was a constant display of service—whether he was preaching, mentoring, or simply making sure people knew they weren’t alone. He taught me that real purpose isn’t just about what you do, but how you show up for others.

And then there was my great-grandmother. I never had the chance to meet her—she passed away before I was born—but her influence was everywhere. She had built a community center that became a safe haven for so many people. Even years after she was gone, I would hear stories about how she provided meals, a listening ear, and a place where people felt seen and supported. The way people spoke about her, the way her legacy still shaped lives—it made me realize that impact doesn’t end when a person is gone. It continues through the lives they touched.

Beyond my great-uncle and great-grandmother, my mother and grandfather played a major role in shaping my passion for cooking. My grandfather’s roots in Louisiana and Mississippi carried deep culinary traditions, and through my mother, those flavors and techniques were passed down. Cooking wasn’t just about preparing meals—it was about history, culture, and connection. Every dish held a story, and through food, I learned how to bring people together.

My journey into health, however, was shaped by Dr. Sebi. His teachings opened my eyes to the power of food, not just as sustenance but as medicine. He taught me that what we consume shapes our well-being, and that true power lies in taking control of our own health. Self-discipline in what we eat, how we nourish ourselves, and how we care for our bodies is one of the greatest strengths a person can have—yet it’s also one of the biggest challenges for many.

And then there’s Nipsey Hussle and Tupac Shakur. Nipsey taught me to believe in my purpose no matter the highs or lows. He showed me that the marathon isn’t just about winning—it’s about endurance, about staying true to your vision even when the road gets rough. His journey reinforced what I had already been learning from my family and mentors: purpose isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence.

Tupac, on the other hand, influenced me with his raw honesty, his revolutionary mindset, and his fearless approach to speaking truth. He showed me that purpose isn’t just about personal success—it’s about using your voice, your art, and your influence to spark change. His words, his passion, and his unfiltered expression made me realize that true impact comes from being real, from embracing both the struggle and the triumphs, and never letting the world silence your message.

I carry all of this with me, including my middle name, Arious, which means connection and change. My overall purpose is to change my environment and reconnect my people. I see now that my mission is not only about individual growth but about collective elevation—lifting my community and bringing us back together.

Looking back, I see that all these people—my great-uncle, great-grandmother, mother, grandfather, Dr. Sebi, Nipsey Hussle, and Tupac Shakur—molded me into who I am today. Their lessons in service, food, self-discipline, perseverance, and truth have become the foundation of my journey. I am thankful for my ancestors and those who came before me, for inspiring me to walk in my purpose. And step by step, I continue on this path, knowing that purpose isn’t found in one big moment, but in the small, meaningful actions we take every day.

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 the founder of Palace of Paradise, a vegan and vegetarian company dedicated to nourishing the body while fostering community connections. The name itself has a deep spiritual meaning, symbolizing the connection between the body and spirit. What excites me most about my business is the ability to create experiences that resonate with plant-based eaters, offering them not only food but a sense of belonging and wellness. I specialize in crafting foods that people would think contain meat, doing my best to ensure that no one feels like they’re missing out on flavor or satisfaction. Through my food, I aim to elevate the dining experience for those on plant-based diets and inspire others to embrace a healthier, more connected lifestyle.

The food business is just the beginning for me. I plan on expanding into sports and other fashions, with a focus on uniting with children and creating opportunities for them and adults. I have many more goals to achieve, and I’m excited about the impact I can make down the line.”

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?

The three qualities that have had the most impact on my journey are critical thinking, self-love, and gratitude.

First, critical thinking is essential because it enables self-reflection, helping you assess your actions and decisions. It allows you to raise your vibration, make better choices, and identify misinformation. Developing critical thinking expanded my mindset and knowledge, even though I never graduated college.

Second, learning to love and understand yourself is key. Understanding where you come from helps you love who you are. Embrace your imperfections, walk with confidence, and believe in yourself. True connection with yourself goes beyond the physical it’s about tapping into the deeper energy that life flows from.

Third, gratitude has been a transformative quality. Practicing gratitude shifts your mindset, helping you focus on the positives in your life rather than what’s lacking. It cultivates appreciation for your journey, your growth, and the people who support you. Gratitude also helps you stay grounded and motivated, even during challenging times.

For those just starting their journey, my advice is to cultivate critical thinking by questioning and reflecting on everything especially yourself. Invest time in learning about who you truly are, embrace both strengths and flaws, and stay grounded in confidence. Practice gratitude daily; it will change how you see your life and keep you focused on your purpose. Lastly, remember that resilience is built through perseverance don’t let obstacles define you, but let them strengthen you.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

“I’m looking to collaborate with individuals who want to see change and understand the bigger picture in their environment. Together, we can work to change the narrative of today’s society, giving children a more promising future. Let’s help promote change, unite as one, and create a better world for both the elders and future generations.

You can reach me via Instagram at @thepalaceofparadise.”

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @thepalaceofparadise