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

Hi TheAriel, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think of taking risks as an opportunity to grow , an opportunity to succeed and definitely an opportunity to be better! Taking risks played a major role in my life and career because it is the reason I discovered and succeeded in new talents and careers that I never thought I’d take interest in. Also in result it all made me more money.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is know as “TheAP Hair Experience” I am a Cosmetologist and Hair seller. What sets my business apart from others is that it is know to serve a purpose and it uniquely entertains those who are watching whether it’s through a catchy tik tok video or just a bomb creative install! My clients are known to serve looks with their hairstyles that I provide and they are nothing less than confident models after I finish their services! And I love that about my brand. I am blessed to say I have a big and consistent clientele. However they way I made it to the level that I am today was not easy at all… it took lots of trial and error , pride being set aside to ask for Help and it also included being bashed by people on the internet who were willing to share my work saying how horrible it is and how I should stop trying and that hair is not for me. Now I had a choice to either listen and get discouraged and stop progressing or to put my energy into making myself better and enjoying the feeling of proving everyone wrong that doubted me and that’s exactly what I did. I want the world to know that I didn’t start off with any knowledge , I didn’t grow up with a lucky skill of doing hair or dancing … with dancing I started with no rhythm , I sucked !! Same situation I was laughed at and told I should stop. With hair I started with no knowledge and was talked about publicly, and now I am able to say I am a professional dancer who danced in Dababys “Bop” Video at 15 years old hitting nearly half a billion views and I’ve been making six figures as one of the best hairstylist in Chicago since I was 16.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of the most fun places I like to enjoy here in Chicago is Lucky strike and the Godfrey rooftop for food and drinks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There is one person who made a huge impact on my drive , hustle , and mindset at an early age. Those traits varied from marketing skills , to discipline , goal setting. Money and time management , leadership . And Dance skill overall. This person name is Verndell Smith he was my dance coach , mentor and almost father figure who encouraged me and helped me believe I was capable of achieving all of the goals I set plus more at an early age … as early as 10yrs old . Unfortunately as of this year Vee is no longer with us but he forever lives in spirit and I know he is still following my journey.

Website: Thearielpryor.com

Instagram: Thearielpryor

Youtube: Thearielpryor

Image Credits
IG @naharastudios IG @fmk.media

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