We had the good fortune of connecting with Ariel Sherman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ariel, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Initially, prior to COVID I didn’t give it much thought. During the shut down I spent time honing my DJing skills and live streaming weekly via social media. I quickly developed a fan base and as restrictions lifted people started inquiring about booking me. I decided to give it a shot and I haven’t looked back since. I never knew I had this creative capacity that would be profitable and taken seriously. If I can spend 40 hrs a week working for others I definitely can spend time investing in myself. Fear initially inhibited me from taking my craft seriously but being isolated no longer granted me the pleasures of avoidance and being too busy to fully embrace my creativity. I realized life is short and took a chance. My brand and business has been quickly flourishing ever sense.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is I have the innate ability to gauge the room and take my crowd on an experience that leaves them more uplifted and detached from their realities. By the time I curate my atmosphere you won’t leave in the same space you came. My goal is to consume my crowd with joy, love and nostalgia that leaves them on a natural high. I’m a walking vibe from my personality, to my style and music choice. It’s a total experience.

Being a woman in a male dominated industry definitely sets up apart but also makes you a target. I’m often not taken seriously until after I prove my skills. Many people assume the growth of my brand and the connections I’ve made aren’t solely from my work ethic and abilities. So I initially spent a lot of time trying to prove myself to the critics and prove them wrong. I quickly learned that that was a waste of time and complete waste of energy. Entrepreneurship is all above using your connections and collaborating to advance each other and it’s those connections and collaborations that’s quickly advanced to me the level I am today. Beyond just business, my mantra is as a people we advance quicker and more efficiently when we work together.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spots to drink include the Alto rooftop bar at Ace Hotel, Bayou Wine and Beer Garden, New Orleans Social House, the Art Bar on St.Claude and the Balcony Bar on Magazine Street. My favorite restaurants include ChopHouse, Beaucoup Eats, Heard Dat Kitchen and Neyows for the best oysters in the city. To hang out we’d definitely visit Crescent Park, take a walk through the quarters, check out JAM NOLA, StudioBE, a Saints game tailgate under the bridge, go to the New Orleans Jazz Market on a Wednesday night (Pre-Covid), spend Sunday’s at Culture Park and at least experience one Secondline Sunday.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to my family and friends who have supported me from day one, Mr. Shawn Robinson who gave me my first controller and DJing opportunity, Drexel Prep Foundation, Christian Royalty and Kingdom Wealth Music Group, Soule Cafe for giving me my first residency as a professional DJ, fellow DJ colleagues, Tashe Colar and TMC Photography, Steven Thomas and the Ask Thomas Marketing Solutions and all of my consistent clients and supporters. Your investments don’t go unappreciated or unnoticed.

Website: www.djariespins.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/djariespins/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/djariespins

Image Credits
Tashe Colar and TMC Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlana is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.