Ariel Cherry shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Ariel, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I really appreciate this question. To me, the idea of “walking a path” often represents a life filled with purpose and direction. It embodies my drive to achieve specific goals and follow a clear trajectory. In contrast, “wandering” evokes a sense of curiosity and exploration. It reminds me of the joy found in spontaneity and the discoveries that arise when we allow ourselves to roam freely without a predetermined destination.
I see myself existing in a unique space between the two. I value the structure that comes from having a clear direction, as it helps me stay focused and organized, preventing my life from becoming overwhelming and chaotic. At the same time, I deeply appreciate the richness that comes from wandering—those moments of serendipity and exploration that often lead to personal growth and new insights. Balancing both aspects allows me to navigate life in a way that feels both purposeful and enriching, and I truly value that.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Ariel Cherry, the creative force behind Ariel Cherry Designs & Consulting LLC. I specialize in capturing beautiful portrait photography and crafting unique graphic designs for brands and businesses. I’m based in the vibrant city of Minneapolis, MN, where you will see art everywhere you look.
At Ariel Cherry Designs, I love taking a personalized approach to every project! Each one gets a fresh perspective, which means the designs and photography really reflect the unique identity and vision of my clients. I want your personality to shine through in everything we create together.
With my background in photography and graphic design, I have the opportunity to combine innovative creativity with technical skills. It’s incredibly exciting to create work that is visually stunning and captures people’s attention! I focus on making each project unique and memorable, and I find it fulfilling to help bring ideas to life.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I find myself thinking back to who I was as a child, a time when the weight of societal expectations hadn’t yet influenced my identity. In those moments of reflection, I can vividly picture that little girl—full of vibrant energy and authenticity. She was so fearless and not hesitant to share her thoughts and dreams with those who were around her. At the same time, she was remarkably observant, picking up on the subtleties of the world and interacting with others in such a gentle way. This blend of courage and compassion truly captured my essence, and it reminds me of who I want to reconnect with today. I’m learning to embrace that spirited version of myself again, but as a more adult version—one that’s unfiltered by the pressures to conform.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
During my times of suffering and hardship, I held onto hope and found meaning in my struggles, drawing strength from my faith, even if it felt as faint as a sliver of light. I wouldn’t say that you can never learn these valuable lessons from success; however, in enduring suffering with grace, I was able to maintain my integrity and my sense of reason.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
In my view, fads are those fleeting trends that grab our attention for a moment before they fade just as quickly. They might resonate with certain groups, but they often lack the depth to stick around because they don’t truly align with our core values. On the other hand, genuine foundational changes are what really make a difference. These significant shifts stand the test of time because they’re rooted in what we truly value and believe, making them not only impactful but transformative.
When I think about this in terms of graphic design and photography, it’s amazing how there seems to be at least ten new trends every season. I find them fascinating and love learning new skills from them, but I’ve noticed that after a while, they can feel repetitive and lose their spark once everyone starts sharing the same type of content. I believe the key to bridging the gap between these fleeting trends and lasting change is to always make a trend that we enjoy our own. The skills we pick up can serve as a foundation; it’s all about how we apply them and infuse our personal touch into our work.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I genuinely feel that I am just beginning to discover my purpose. Initially, I was on a steady path toward engineering, but my heart wasn’t in it, and I changed my mind at the last moment to pursue a creative career. My true passion has always been art and everything related to it. Despite having support, what I loved was still seen as a hobby, and I faced some resistance because success stories in the arts were rare, especially when my parents and grandparents were growing up.
I understand how important it is for each of us to find our own paths. The special talents and abilities I have are divine gifts I received from God, and I believe they are meant to be shared with others rather than kept to myself. Each day, I make a conscious effort to use these gifts to inspire and uplift those around me. I hope that, in doing so, I can make a meaningful difference, as I know many of us long for connection and support in our own journeys.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/arielcherry
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/arielcherrydesigns
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-cherry
Image Credits
Personal Image, shot by Eleven : Eleven Photos @eleven11photos.mpls
Creative Collaborations @creativecollaborationsmpls
