Fall Down? Get Back Up!

As 2012 came to a close, I found myself at the altar of my church crying to the Pastor. I was lost, confused; hopeless. I felt my life and dreams were at a crumble. I felt as if I have failed myself and my family. What would my children think? How could I live?

As my fiancé held me, the Pastor then grabbed my hand, said a prayer and asked, "Have you sought out help?" All I could think, that is why I am here! I needed reassurance; I needed a place to run! Hard to speak, gasping for air and a burning throat holding my tears I simply replied, No. Thinking to myself, I could not ask my parents, my grandmother was not option and government services were my last resort.

Why? He asked. "It is hard. I feel guilty; a burden," I replied. The Pastor looked into my eyes and held me close, "That is your pride in the way. Let go of your pride and ask for help. You shall receive." I was mind boggled. I have never thought not asking for help was pride! I took a step back, thought for a moment, and realized he was right. If help is there, take it never to take advantage of it.

With the Pastors advice, we sought out help for ourselves and others. Remaining grateful, positive, giving and determined to succeed. There is so much to be grateful for! My children are healthy; we have a roof over our head and food in our bellies. I could not ask for anything else but, the strength and courage to succeed in order to provide for my family. 

Ending 2012, I had the opportunity to attend New York Fashion Week SS 2013, the honor of being DC50's Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle Expo Fashion Stylist working with NBC Fashion Star Nikki Poulos, Project Runway Winner Anya Ayoung Chee, and America's Next Top Model Jaslene Gonzalez.

Arriving into 2013, my fiancé made a Semi-Pro Football team, Ezlaryah (4) is attending Pre School, and Eciason (2) what can I say? He is always attached to my hip. As for myself, next month I am one of the lucky showcased Fashion Stylists at Crystal Couture. Immediately after, I will be attending New York Fashion Week AW 2013 to work several shows. With gratitude, faith and perseverance I believe we are well on our way!

2013 holds many blessings! It's not how many times you fall down; it's how many times you get back up. Always pushing forward with style!

Thank you for continuing to support my journey and believing in me! Please stay in touch and Like my Facebook Page, www.Facebook.com/AriellaFaith. Creating style through fashion, inspiration and confidence! Always excited to connect, support and share my passion!

New York Fashion Week

I am speechless! Words cannot express the excitement and gratitude I have for this incredible opportunity and experience. I am overwhelmed by the love and support received. To have belief and confidence in ones self is entirely different when it is received by others. This amazing experience was an incredible step towards my fashion dreams. Honestly, it was a dream accomplished itself!

Beginning my journey towards my fashion dreams, I did not have much support. My family even, my best friend thought I was crazy. Their automatic thought; young mother, unrealistic dream and no income. How is it possible? My answer, support! Of course, it was not that easy. I was constantly told, "Now is not a good time. There is a good time to do things, then there is a better time to do it." My thought, now is the best time! Time wasted, is time regretted. I am a stay at home mom, no longer attending school really, not doing much. Right now, is the best time! I would rather die trying than, not try at all. I want to make my children proud. And, when I do succeed, I want to be able to tell them, "Mommy did this for us!"

The opportunity to attend New York Fashion Week, was a certainly a sign of hope, faith and encouragement. It was a sign to never give up! It was the moment my parents truly realized how much accomplishing my dreams meant to me. With their love, help and support, attending New York Fashion Week would not have been possible. With their consent, I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. A sigh of relief! I felt as if I have finally gained their respect and acceptance in fulfilling my dreams.

I am forever grateful for Natasha and Dani at NH Media and the amazing designer, Rolando Santana for a dream come true and allowing me to be apart of the team! I have never felt so alive. Attending and working New York Fashion Week was truly a dream accomplished itself! Sharing my love, passion, creativity and talent through fashion is and will forever be my dream! Besides my family, fashion is what completes me. I pray to have the opportunity of continuously attend and work Fashion Week worldwide! Dream big, or go home right?

"Thank you" could not be said enough. I am grateful for everything I am given because, I know what it is like to be given nothing and have nothing at all. Whether it may be small or big, I am truly grateful. And, to have your love and support is the greatest gift of all!

 First day at work in the Rolando Santana Showroom, seat arrangements!

 The amazing Rolando Santana at work!

 Surprise phone call from beautiful model and amazing friend, Tameka Young. Truly grateful and honored to support her at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week runway show of the amazing designer, Farah Angsana! (Model in embellished tube dress)

 Backstage for Rolando Santana Spring Summer 2013 Runway Show

Backstage with the incredibly beautiful Jaslene Gonzalez. Cannot wait to see her again next month, October 20 for The CW Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle Expo! Isn't it obvious, I was the happiest and most excited girl backstage?  

 As I worked backstage, my mother and photographer (for the night) was in the crowd watching the beautiful and water inspired Rolando Santana Spring Summer 2013 Runway Show!

 

 

 Runway Show Finale! Beautiful. Reminds me of the colors in the waves ripple!

It was such an honor to escort and meet part time vampire on Breaking Dawn Part 2 and Cydni Vega on the new show Made in Jersey, Toni Trucks! (Center, white sequin dress) These beautiful ladies were incredible. Truly grateful for our new friendship, love and support.

 The amazing fashion designer Rolando Santana and my beautiful mother. Forever grateful for this amazing experience and dream come true. I pray there is more to come. Thank you!Forever grateful to have these two beautiful women apart of my life. They are the reason working New York Fashion Week for Rolando Santana became a reality. This was an amazing experience and incredible step towards accomplishing my fashion dreams! I pray to do it all again really soon. Thank you!

Of course, the day did not end after the show! I had to take full advantage of my last night in New York City. Posing in Times Square with my beautiful mother and Rolando Santana dress! Saying "Thank you" is an understatement. I am truly blessed and forever grateful.

Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Expo Giveaway

I am truly honored and grateful to say, I will be this year’s Fashion Stylist for DC50, The CW Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle Expo! This year’s event will be featuring “America’s Next Top Model” Runway Coach Extraordinaire J. Alexander Saturday, October 20th 2 PM to 8 PM at the Washington Convention Center.

 

AND, I have a surprise for all of you! As my biggest supporters, you are the first to know! Don't you feel lucky? Kita Williams from Brand U, Inc. is sponsoring two tickets for you to attend! Simply send in your best style photo to me, Ariella Faith or post it to my Facebook page and share it with everyone! The winner will be announced Friday, August 31 and featured on www.FBLDC.com. I absolutely cannot wait to see your personal style at its best!

Come meet Miss J, enjoy an amazing fashion show featuring fabulous designers or, be the lucky model to win an incredible opportunity! Purchase tickets HERE!

Still not sure why you should attend FBL? 5 reasons why, HERE! We would love to see you there!

Dream vs. Statistic

When does life get any easier? I feel as if I try and try yet remain in thesame position; a young mother struggling to provide for my family. We take fivesteps forward then, ten steps back. It is painful, frustrating and scary. Wehave no income, struggling to provide for our children while, striving tofulfill our dreams. Putting us in the position to choose between our dreams orbecoming another teen parent statistic.

I want to rise above poverty and use government services only as a sourceand tool to succeed. I hate to admit, we are struggling! If my parents did not welcome us back into their home, we would be homeless. There is a possibility of failure everyday but, I choose to believe otherwise. This roller coaster called life is not going to become any easier. I understand that. At somepoint, it will and I have to truly believe that. It gives me hope and faith in myself and my family. Knowing that there are those who are in worst positions than we are, I can honestly say, I am grateful for the situation we are in. Because, it could be worst! I do pray every day that our situation does get better. I pray that my dreams to come true. I pray that I will soon be able to provide for my family! I pray that I change the story behind my smile.

Photographer: Kenny Pusey, Fashion Stylist: Ariella Faith, Model: Dri Haskell, Hair Stylist: Kyndra Turner, Makeup Artist: Chai Lallemand, Headpiece Designer: Ariella Faith

Though there has been many negative, a positive outcome arose from our situation. I am truly honored and grateful to announce, I will be this year’s DC50, The CW Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle Expo Fashion Stylist. And, guess who is going to be there? Runway Coach Extraordinaire, Miss J. Alexander from “America’s Next Top Model.” I would absolutely love to see all of you there! Truly grateful for all the love, belief and support that has been given to me.

Besides my fiancé and children, there is nothing I love more than sharing my passion, creativity and talent with everyone. With this leap of faith and new journey as a Fashion Stylist, this is my amazing new beginning; my chance to succeed. My family and dreams is what gives me hope that in time, everything will be fine. I will conquer this test in life, continue to strive for my dreams and do what is best for my family. As I have been told, “You can have it all as long as youdon’t do it all.” Words spoken by, “Make mine a Million” Nell Merlino. Support is the secret to success! I would absolutely love to have yours.

Concluding this, as I raise my right hand, I Ariella Faith will promise to continue to inspire, follow my dreams and refuse to be another statistic.

A Leap of Faith

Making exciting changes to my life! I am doing it, I am following my dreams! Why continue to dream, aspire and wish? As Tory Johnson told me, "JUST DO IT!" Trust me, I have had my share of doubts and fears. Quite honestly, I still do!

BUT, I am taking a leap of faith! Changing the story behind my smile. BECAUSE, I believe in myself, the wonderful person that I am and the amount of faith I have in succeeding. I pray and have faith that my passion, determination and hard work will pay off! We are capable of achieving anything you put your heart into. A heart that is true and selfless can conquer anything!

Now that being said, can I have a drum roll please...

www.AriellaFaith.com is officially LAUNCHED! I feel like having a celebration. Who wants to celebrate with me? Please visit, share and style with me! I would love to know what you think.