We recently connected with Karim Arias León and have shared our conversation below.
Karim, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Developing confidence and self-esteem has been a journey shaped by personal experiences, challenges, and growth over time. For me, it really began with taking risks and stepping out of my comfort zone. Starting out in the fashion and creative industries, there was always a level of uncertainty—whether people would like my work, whether I was making the right career choices—but each time I took a leap of faith, whether it was through styling, directing, or pitching my ideas, I learned something new and valuable.
Facing setbacks and challenges, like working a 9-5 while pursuing my dreams, helped build resilience. Each small win, and even failure, played a role in boosting my confidence because I saw how far persistence could take me. The support from my family also played a huge part. Having people who believe in you—whether it’s family, friends, or collaborators—can make a big difference when you’re navigating self-doubt.
Over time, I’ve also learned to appreciate my unique perspective and creativity. Knowing that the way I see things and what I bring to the table is special helped me embrace my individuality. Confidence comes when you trust your process and know that you have something of value to offer. And finally, consistency in showing up, improving, and putting in the work daily is where long-term self-esteem has come from.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My creative journey is centered around fashion, styling, and artistic direction, and what excites me the most is the ability to create something new and visually striking with every project I take on. I work as a stylist, primarily focusing on conceptual shoots, fashion shows, and creative projects that merge style with storytelling. I’ve always been passionate about using fashion as a form of self-expression, and what sets my work apart is my attention to detail and my unique perspective on blending high fashion with more personal, edgy, and experimental styles.
One of the most exciting things about my work is seeing how my ideas come to life and how they resonate with audiences, whether that’s in editorials, runway settings, or film. I also love collaborating with other creatives, from photographers to models and designers, and finding ways to fuse our visions together to create something fresh and original.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding my portfolio and working on projects that will push my creative boundaries. I have goals to get my work featured in high-profile magazines, on runways, and in film, and I’m constantly striving to refine my craft. Currently, I’m working on a few exciting collaborations, including music videos and editorial shoots. I’m also exploring new ways to combine fashion with visual art to create immersive experiences for audiences.
At the core of everything I do is the desire to have my work recognized for its creativity, uniqueness, and artistic value. I want to inspire others in the fashion industry and beyond, showing that it’s possible to build a distinctive style and brand by staying true to your vision.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were resilience, creativity, and networking. Each of these played a crucial role in shaping how I approach my career and navigate the challenges that come with being in a competitive, ever-evolving industry like fashion and styling.
Resilience: The path to building a creative career is often filled with setbacks, rejections, and long periods of uncertainty. For me, resilience has been the foundation that keeps me pushing forward despite challenges. It allowed me to continue working on my craft, even when things didn’t go as planned. For anyone early in their journey, it’s essential to recognize that success doesn’t come overnight. Stay persistent, keep learning, and use failures as lessons that can propel you to the next step.
Creativity: The ability to think outside the box and bring something unique to the table has been one of the most important aspects of my journey. In an industry that thrives on innovation, standing out requires constant experimentation and self-expression. For those just starting, I recommend finding what inspires you most and using that to shape your creative direction. Don’t be afraid to try new things or step outside your comfort zone — that’s often where the magic happens.
Networking: Building relationships with others in the industry has opened so many doors for me. From collaborations to learning opportunities, the connections I’ve made have had a significant impact on my growth. For those early in their journey, focus on building genuine relationships, whether with mentors, peers, or collaborators. Attend events, reach out to others in your field, and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance. Networking isn’t just about finding opportunities but also about learning from others and contributing to a creative community.
Advice: To develop these qualities, you need patience and a strong work ethic. Stay adaptable, keep refining your skills, and surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. Be open to feedback, learn continuously, and, most importantly, remain true to your vision while evolving with your craft.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, I’m always looking to collaborate with individuals and brands who share a passion for creativity and innovation. Whether it’s for editorial shoots, styling projects, fashion campaigns, or runway productions, I’m eager to work with people who value creativity, bold ideas, and unique approaches to fashion and art.
I’m particularly interested in partnering with,
Fashion brands looking for fresh, unique styling concepts or editorial direction.
Photographers and videographers who want to create visually striking projects with a distinct narrative.
Models, designers, and stylists who are passionate about pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas.
Magazines or media platforms interested in covering creative projects or featuring bold fashion editorials.
Artists or creatives who are interested in cross-disciplinary collaborations like fashion films, music videos, or experimental art.
If you’re a creative mind with a vision and a passion for what you do, I’d love to connect and explore the possibility of collaborating on something exceptional. You can reach me via email at iamkareeeeem@gmail.com or through Instagram @usernamefounnd. Let’s create something unforgettable!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usernamefounnd/
Image Credits
Photographers: (@umberto.luk) (@just_li_)
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