Meet Ariel Smith: Owner of Arie’s Berries, LLC

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

Hi Ariel, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factors behind Arie’s Berries is the uniqueness and the passion that is behind each and every order. My main focus is to deliver the highest quality ingredients, products, and delectable treats to customers. Arie’s Berries is not just your average chocolate covered strawberry or fruit arrangement, I consider my work as art. With my custom designs I start with an open canvas which allows my customers to be apart of the creative process by expressing what they would like and ending with me creating a masterpiece in which they enjoy. Before Arie’s Berries I was so hesitant on starting because I was fearful that I wouldn’t have any customers and no one would want to to order during this pandemic, man was I wrong!? I decided to launch my business in May and business has been thriving ever since. I’m so blessed to have an amazing support system in my corner because my family and friends believed in me and pushed me to get out there and just do it! Arie’s Berries is everything to me and I’ am very passionate when it comes to each order, especially my custom box orders. “It’s the wow factor for me!” When customers receive their order, the reactions are everything. It’s one thing to be an entrepreneur, but what really drives me is knowing my product creates lasting memories for any occasion. To know I provide a product that is custom made for my customers makes my work worthwhile because eating anything starts with your eyes! 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Before I started Arie’s Berries, making people happy has always been a passion of mine. When I was younger, I was always into arts and crafts whether it was a DIY gift or a simple homemade card, I made sure that gift was special. The idea of Arie’s Berries came about when I wanted to order my mother an Edible Arrangements basket, and they could not customize my order. That lead me to create my own arrangement that included all of the fruit my mom enjoys and even handcrafting the vase. When my mom received the gift, all she kept saying was “you need to go into business”. I figured she was just being kind since she was my mother. I shared a picture of the arrangement with my best friend who is an Artist and a business owner as well and she loved it and the idea of starting something of my own. I’m always sharing ideas with her because she is the one who will give honest feedback and supports anything I come up with far fetched and all. I even shared my idea with my friends at work and a few individuals encouraged me to pursue my idea and turn it into a reality. Fast forward I took the advice that was given and Arie’s Berries LLC launched in May 2020, creating a range of gourmet treats such as chocolate covered strawberries, pretzels, fruit arrangements, and custom orders. My goal was to create a business that is affordable and the food is pleasing to the eye. My main focus when working on orders is my customers. When they receive their Arie’s Berries order, I want to create an everlasting memory to where they will return for more. What sets me apart from others is the art and craft that goes into every order. My custom boxes are the most popular item and I think simply because inside the box has that personal touch, from glittering their favorite bottle, to add their name in the inside, and even including their favorite colors. Plus people appreciate gifts more when it’s personalized. I think that’s why Arie’s Berries is successful because you are not only getting a delicious treat, you’re also getting art. When customers call me to tell me how great their order looks and taste is the greatest feeling in the world and even greater feeling when they are ready to place another order. As I embark on this new journey of becoming a business owner, I’am always learning new things. This has definitely been and is a learning experience on handling and running a business. I can thank my Stepfather on that piece because he always coaches me and teaches me things when it comes to the business aspect. I’m thankful for the people who has supported me and given me different ideas along the way especially my companion who is always giving me great ideas and keeping me calm when I tend to get overwhelmed. I’am most proud of myself for being able to start my business while still being able to work my full time job. This has taught me that time is valuable and disciplined me to be better with managing my time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I like to consider myself somewhat of a foodie. I love to try different restaurants and I just love good food in general. So I would definitely have to hit up a few of my favorite food spots in Atlanta. Slim and Husky’s is one of my favorite pizza spots to go to. I love the vibe and they play great music! We would definitely have to brunch it up at one of my favorite spots, Murphy’s. They have an awesome breakfast and it’s just a nice chill spot overall.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to Shoutout my family, friends and work family who has given me advice, encouragement, love and support. I’am forever grateful for each and everyone one of you. Also I would like to dedicate this shoutout to my sister Courtney, my guardian angel and who was always my number 1 fan.

Website: Ariesberriesllc@gmail.com
Instagram: @Ariesberriesllc
Facebook: FB.me/Aries Berries LLC

Image Credits
Kg/FantasyImages