Simply Ari: Simply Me
The Inspired Thoughts of a Ready Writer
"My tongue is the pen of the Ready Writer"
Psalm 45:1
Psalm 45:1
The idea to host a Simply Ari Media Event had been a desire of my heart for quite some time. I wanted it to be a celebration of what this lifestyle brand has been able to accomplish and share some of the other dreams nestled in my heart for the future of Simply Ari. I also wanted to share about its history and provide an opportunity to bring my beloved Simply Ari Dreamers, the supporters and followers of the brand together to network, fellowship and meet them in person. The Simply Ari Soirée was merely a wish, my faith produced a deep seeded hope in what it could possibly be and the Lord took that idea and really put His super over my natural.
Four years ago, I would have never been able to imagine that I could put together an event like The Simply Ari Soirée, namely because I didn’t have the connections, relationships or the resources. I have been blessed with opportunities to meet some wonderful people: social media influencers, community influencers, bloggers, radio personalities, authors, entrepreneurs, artists and musicians. It has been through conversations and the following of each other’s social media pages that we have developed friendships, which has led to the building up of each other’s dreams and support for one another. The Simply Ari community is so special. It is an eclectic group of people who share a love for God, who are creative in their own way and who are just beginning to scratch the surface of the God-given dreams that He has placed inside of them. At The Simply Ari Soiree, it was important for me to celebrate and continue to encourage them as well. Perhaps the most important element of the event, was to publicly acknowledge how the Lord had met me and gotten me to this point. It’s been a long time coming, but the Holy Spirit has been with me every step of the way. It was only by His guidance that I was able to bring all of the ideas in my head together, create a plan and execute it with excellence. He laid me on the hearts and minds of some of my family members, friends and loved ones, who so graciously aided me with the supplies other elements that I needed to pull this event together. I could not have asked for a better turn out for my first major event! My over all goal for the event was to share my heart with Simply Ari’s blossoming community, to give them a better understanding of why a platform as unique as Simply Ari is so important, and to challenge myself to dream a little bigger. I couldn’t have done it alone, but at least I can now say that, “I did it!” There were some special moments throughout the event that I was able to enjoy. First was my dad’s introduction of me. He was really insistent on being the one who did it. He told me that the Lord had placed it on his heart to do so. Who am I to stand in God’s way? I am so grateful that my dad was obedient to what the Holy Spirit was leading him to do, because his speech truly set the tone for everything that came afterwards. He spoke on some of the things that I had been blessed to accomplish, some awards that I’d won and some organizations and associations of which I am apart, but then he (from a father’s perspective and from a place of love) spoke about my character. He recounted stories that I didn’t even remember, conversations that we’d had over the years that had made an impact on him, and provided profound analogies that really drove his heart felt points home. One of which really stood out to me: “She is actually an encourager. She’s always wanted to be the person in the stands routing for somebody else, not just for herself. Somebody else who is just believing in you even though it may or may not seem like you’re winning.” Then my beautiful sisters spoke. Each of whom showered me with kindness. My eldest sister Rachel said, “Ariel has always marched to the beat of her own drum. She’s had some really high highs and some really really low lows. But she’s always kept God first and she’s always had such a positive attitude and right spirit. She’s such an inspiration to me, she has plowed through life in such a way that people knowing or not knowing her are tremendously inspired her and the walk that she’s led. To see her grow not only as a person but also in her craft and watch her move as journalism has transitioned to social media and where we are in that and to see her keep up with the times in that way. To see other people appreciating her is remarkable.” It was her words that I think gave a glimpse of perspective on the journey and the process that I’ve had to go through to get to this point. It’s not something that I talk about often, but I do believe that it has made me stronger as a woman of faith, and has helped me be more relatable to those I meet and minister more effectively. Then my younger sister, Moriah took the floor and shared her thoughts saying, “Anyone who’s met Ariel just knows that there is a light about her. In the way that she walks, in the way that she talks in the way that she smiles at you; she’s always rooting for you and she spreads that positivity to not just with her family but to everyone she meets. I pray that you continue to walk in God’s grace and his ways for your life, and continue keep your positivity and love. I also love that she keeps everyone up to date. I really love looking at her Instagram. When it comes to pop culture, I don’t want to read the whole newspaper article. I like that I am able to look at photo, read a blurb and I’m good. She definitely appeals to many people. I’m just praying for God’s grace, presence and blessings for you continuously.” Her prayer and well wishes really blessed me. I also had supporters of the brand who attended the event share their sentiments: “You give a fresh input on pop culture. It’s not over kill either, it’s just enough. The impact that you’ve had, you’ve pushed me to do better. It’s good to see someone pursue their passion and do it wholeheartedly with a support system.” - Daniel Bennett “Any time that I have an event, Ari has come through with her light, her experience, with her glow. And I am excited to see her shine brighter. What you do is what a lot of people don’t do, you keep God first. Do your thing baby you are Shining! You are winning.” - Ashlee Koonce I think I speak for everyone when I express how proud I am of Ari. I have been watching Ari's path to success for the last few years and I have seen her evolve as a writer and a journalist. I have seen Simply Ari Media grow into a positive brand with integrity. These are essential, and rare, qualities in today's world and Simply Ari Media serves as a safe haven for many of us searching for a positive yet accurate take on current events. As an artist and entrepreneur, I am constantly looking for new sources of inspiration to create and grow as a business. Ari has inspired me with her persistence in the pursuit of her goals, and I look forward to watching her evolve in the months and years to come." -Rasheed Bonner (Artist/Owner, illSheed Fine Art Studio, LLC) Hearing how Simply Ari Media has impacted my followers was so important. It humbled me. It inspired me. And it reassured me that this ministry is bigger than me. It is with a spirit of expectancy that I look toward the future for Simply Ari Media and by the leading of the Holy Spirit I desire to forge ahead with graceful precision, a greater sense of purpose and tunnel vision. I hope to continue to hone my skills as an interviewer helping to tell the stories of the world and challenge myself as a writer. I aspire to create innovative ways to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His message and give back to the industry that I’ve grown to love so dearly.
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January 2022
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