Meet Teni Ayo Ariyo

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Teni Ayo Ariyo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Teni, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

Creativity, for me, is simply noticing. I nurture my creativity daily through curiosity, storytelling, and intentional pauses. I keep my creativity alive by making space for inspiration in unexpected places. That could mean journaling before the day begins, having deep conversations with other creatives, or just observing my world with a sense of wonder and openness.

Balancing corporate and creative life has also taught me the power of structure and flow. Sometimes, creativity thrives in discipline—showing up consistently, even when inspiration feels distant for me. Other times, I need to step away and incorporate rest and nature into my creative practice. Reading, going on daily works and exploring new ideas with my coaching clients usually park my creative rhythm when I feel a lull.

Most importantly, I stay connected to my why which is to show up fully in my creative practice so I can help others uncover clarity and confidence in their own creative journeys. For me creativity isn’t just about producing; it’s about being—present, curious, and open to possibility.

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’m Teni Ayo-Ariyo, a Nigerian-American storyteller, artist, and clarity coach. At my core, I tell soft and brave stories, exploring identity, home, and relationships through writing, film, and coaching. Right now, I’m fully leaning into my own creative practice while creating space for others to do the same.

Through my coaching, I help corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and artists navigate transitions, clarify their creative voice, and step into alignment with their purpose. With over a decade of experience in both business and the arts, I blend strategy with intuition, empowering my clients to move forward with clarity and confidence.

My work has been featured in Wellspring Words, The Beautiful Project, Highly Sensitive Refuge, The Layover Pod, and PlantinMag. My chapbook, wash between your toes, was a semifinalist for Sundress Publications, and my docuseries Home.Girl, which explored friendship and sisterhood, was awarded a grant by the Seattle Office of Arts and Culture.

This season, I’m focused on expanding my storytelling, coaching, and speaking engagements. Whether through writing, film, or deep conversations, my goal is always to inspire and equip others to create boldly and live intentionally.

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 most impactful qualities in my journey have been redefining success, adaptability, and embracing authenticity.

As someone who checked all the traditional measures of success, from attending top schools to landing coveted jobs, I’ve been learning how to redefine success on my own terms. Letting go of external validation and exploring what true fulfillment looks like has been a huge part of my growth. Shifting my mindset to embrace “enough” changed how I approach life and work, allowing me to move with more clarity and intention. Embracing authenticity has been about aligning with my values and creating from a place of purpose rather than pressure.

For those early in their journey, I’d say start by questioning the definitions of success you’ve inherited from yourself, society and family. Get clear on what success feels like for you, not just what it looks like. Practice noticing where scarcity shows up in your mindset and challenge it. Most importantly, stay rooted in who you are—clarity and confidence grow when you give yourself permission to live and create on your own terms.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

My ideal client is someone who is in a season of transition and ready to step into their next chapter with clarity and confidence. They may be creatives, entrepreneurs, or leaders who have a vision but need support in refining, articulating, and bringing it to life. More than anything, they are open to deep reflection, willing to challenge old narratives, and committed to taking intentional action.

Currently, I work with entrepreneurs and creatives who have an idea but need structure, guidance, and confidence to move forward. I help them gain clarity on their vision, refine their offerings, and take meaningful steps toward building something sustainable. Whether they are just beginning or refining something they’ve already built, I work best with people who are eager to step into their fullest creative and professional expression.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tenicreative.com/
• Instagram: teni.creative
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teniayoariyo/