Interview by Kelly Postiglione. Photos provided by Ari Apparel.
Tell us about your daughter and how motherhood has been so far!
I absolutely love being a mom! My daughter is my whole world and literally my twin. Motherhood can be challenging. I feel so many people want to give their advice and input, and while it’s mostly with great intentions, you truly have to follow your gut and be the mom you want to be. As long as your child is safe, loved, and happy, everything else falls into place.
What inspired you to start Ari Apparel?
My shop started all by accident during the pandemic. I certainly was not looking to start a business. I was laid off from my corporate job and trying to figure out what to do. I purchased a tie-dyed sweatshirt from a small business and it literally fell apart—and it frustrated me. That’s when I knew I could do the same thing, but better!
I ended up going back into the corporate world but still juggled my small business. When I found out I was pregnant, I knew that I didn’t want to be the corporate mom traveling and missing out on things for my daughter. While on maternity leave, I purchased an embroidery machine and became obsessed! I knew I had something here, especially since tie-dye was starting to fade out. What I love most about embroidery is that it lasts forever.
When I returned from maternity leave, I was given the worst ultimatum—and I chose my family over my job. At the time, it was really hard, and I felt like I lost my identity. After pulling myself back up and starting my new job, I still needed something else. I still had my shop and decided to give it my all. I invested in all new branding, a new name, and an industrial embroidery machine. And within a few months, my business took off.
I still juggle my corporate job plus my shop, and I basically work 24/7—but wouldn’t have it any other way. I hope one day to leave my corporate job and take Ari Apparel to the next level!
How do you come up with the ideas for your collections and embroidery designs?
Each collection and design is truly inspired by my everyday life—milestone events that have happened, places we’ve traveled and experienced, and my need to find high-quality yet elevated (not tacky) designs for holidays. I create unique, one-of-a-kind designs that you won’t find anywhere else.
Tell us about your pop-up events!
Currently I’m doing live embroidery pop-ups where I bring a selection of items and my industrial embroidery machine, and embroider your items right in front of you. It’s a really fun and super interactive experience! The best part is you get to see the process from start to finish—and take it home with you that same day.
I am currently booking 2–3 months out. This is perfect for girls’ nights, corporate events, school fundraisers, company events, or even birthday parties. You pick your designs and your items—and I worry about the rest!
What’s next for Ari Apparel—any upcoming collections or ideas you’re excited about?
I am launching my third Meet Me in Italy collection! I feel like this one is going to be the best one yet. After having our wedding in Italy last June, I had so much inspiration and so many ideas that it took months to comb through and really nail down what I wanted for this collection.
After this, I’ll actually start to work on holiday, which will launch in September. I know it’s crazy, but that is my busiest and most demanding season. I have to start early—otherwise I’d be working 24 hours a day!
Any advice to other moms trying to balance it all?
It’s definitely not easy! We don’t have any help, and as much as I would love an extra set of hands, I don’t at the same time. I like being busy and doing everything for my family—even if some days I feel like I am drowning.
I think the biggest thing is making sure you have time to recharge and reset, and making sure you communicate with your spouse so you’re both on the same page. When you need a break, take it—even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Since the new year, I’ve really prioritized mine and my family’s health and mental health. I go to bed early and wake up early, and honestly, I feel like it moved mountains in how I feel for the day. I feel more productive and more energized, even if my days are long.
I’m also coming to terms with the fact that it’s OK if everything doesn’t get done in the same day. There’s always tomorrow—and it’s OK to say no.
What are your favorite local spots and things to do in the Sound Shore area?
We love Rafele in Rye, Alessia’s in Mamaroneck, and of course Pizza 2000 in Harrison. Often on Fridays, we pick up our daughter from daycare and then head over to Tequila Sunrise in Larchmont for dinner. And now that 16 Handles opened, we make a stop for froyo—it’s the perfect way to start the weekend!
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