68 Comments
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Rachel Broas Williams's avatar

Arielle!!!!!! First off: I see you x 10000. I know that feeling and know that it’s weird to be in between dreams you have for yourself. But, I wanted to tell you this:

YOU are a stylist! You’ve helped style me for so many events. I wore the Something Navy Silk Set to my rehearsal dinner :)

You are a model! So many brands use you to show off their pieces (as they should).

You are a writer! Your blog has inspired people for years.

AND you’re a founder! Whether it’s something navy then or your job now, you built something for yourself and run it as a business.

All that to say, as a random girl who followed you on the internet 10 years ago, I’m so thankful you chose the career you did. You’ve been inspiring us for over a decade. Your path will continue to play out and we will be here to cheer you on to all the success you MORE than deserve 🩵

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KJS's avatar

Ok COULDNT SAY IT BETTER MYSELF!! I also feel like I know you have another something to give the world and I’m watching with excitement to see what it is. You’re so refined why not you to be the next Row??

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Jung's avatar

This is so thoughtful and I can definitely see how you’re in a really unique and tricky position given the dramatic highs and lows of starting a business!

Not quite the same and obviously different circumstance, but as a mom who left a fancy job to stay home with kids, that “what do you do” question gives me a very similar reaction.

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Sheila Sarro's avatar

Same same same. Why does it feel wrong saying it out loud to people but internally so stinking right!?

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Lindsey Orlando's avatar

This is so vulnerable and so relatable. I’m the only stay at home mom I know. I went from a working professional to a mom. From all the impressive careers of the women in my workout class to the women at the functions we’re invited to- when I’m asked “what do you do?” I sometimes feel bad to say I’m just a stay at home mom, like the conversation stops there with an “oh”. It’s as if I have nothing else to offer the conversation. I KNOW I have an important job and I’m so content and fulfilled and happy everyday. But it’s hard to be faced with those questions in impressive company, especially when I used to fit into that world. Thanks for sharing!!

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Ariel's avatar

I think everyone, no matter their career, has this feeling at times. We never really feel like what we've created is enough or that our resume is impressive enough or that we make enough money etc., etc. I'm a writer and work for myself (which objectively I know is awesome!) but when people ask me what I do and I say I'm a writer, it feels pretty dumb and then I assume they make a bunch of assumptions about me and around, around we go!

Ultimately, none of it matters. We're all just trying to figure it out. It's clear you've created a great community and made an impact on peoples' lives. You entertain and educate. You create. These are all really important things, even if they're hard to quantify. I'm glad you're writing and telling your story. Risk-taking is part of living an exciting and fulfilling life!

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kenz s's avatar

I loved reading this, Arielle. Exactly as others put, what do you do? You have built a community! Your community is cheering you on in this and any future endeavours.

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Gemma's avatar

And we are here to support you every step of the way. You’re talented in what you do. Keep going. 👏🏼

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Kim's avatar

Best post so far. Excited for you. Can’t wait to see what comes next. 🤍

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Allie Conyngham's avatar

I absolutely love this new forum, it feels like the good old days with your blog!! Thank you for being so incredibly open and vulnerable with what you are going through, it truly creates a connection with your followers. I totally relate to the way you feel as I am also at a crossroads in my career. Don’t forget that you have built something special- a real community of people who love connecting with you and are always rooting for you <3

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Andrea Graye's avatar

I completely agree! (and also at a crossroads myself...)

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Rina Mor's avatar

So far, I've enjoyed reading everything you've written. You're really good at it. It feels like I'm reading a good book. Also, we're all here reading your substack posts because you're so great at styling and fashion advice. I love your stories and style. You're such an inspiration. Always remember: when one door closes, another one opens. We love you Arielle!

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NotYour's avatar

I have been following you since IG began, you had an online store that I even bought boots from🤣 I have to say that as I have watched you grow and expand, I really like where you are at now the MOST. You seem so comfortable and happy!!! You are a Mom which is the hardest job you will ever have!!! And a Mom who keeps it fashion. Not everyone can put that on their resume! It’s ok to just be fashionable, happy, Mom, YOU🩷

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On Que's avatar

I can relate to the feeling of oh I know I can always bring more to the table and this self conflict of being unable to embrace your current stage. Even though you worked so hard to become and obtained who you are now! Especially being a room full of talents, women often get this hesitation of “I’m not good enough in my head” and start to self-doubt. I think we should give ourselves more credit but love the inspiration you got from this visit! But Arielle, you’re an amazing mother and influencer! Don’t forget that! Can’t wait to see what’s next for you!

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Kandice's avatar

You are one of the original founders of this lucrative business for thousands of women who get to do what they love. Do not sell yourself short! Things happen in every business. You yourself are still a brand regardless of a clothing line!

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CHLOE B's avatar

What do you do?! You built a COMMUNITY! Ily

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Lucy Henderson's avatar

I feel like Creative Director still resonates for me as something you do - that encompasses your styling, fashion influencing, brand building is all included in this. Love reading your Substack!!

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Claire Goldstein's avatar

Thank you for writing and sharing this. 🤍

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Lily Johnson's avatar

Always rooting for you! Loved this piece

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