Ariana Ost grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y. and has always been a creative dreamer. Now, this Beyond Mom is the creator of Ariana Ost, a designer brand whose mission is to elevate the everyday and celebrate life’s simple moments in style. Reviving the lost art of glamour through her jewelry approach by creating unique modern heirlooms, Ariana’s philosophy is to touch everyone with a wide range of items from Home to Fashion accessories. Ariana shares with us how becoming a mom changed her life perspective and has given her confidence. Ariana also shares a special collaboration she had with the founder of Maman cafe (a French style cafe and bakery) and why the cafe has so much meaning around motherhood for her.
What makes you a Beyond Mom?
My identity as a designer is essential to me being a Beyond Mom. When I found out I was having a baby girl, I began curating my daughter’s life. I thought about color palettes, fashion, and aesthetic as if she was my new brand. Now after only two years, she is already developing her own style, and inherently influencing mine. I run a private label company, Revello Inc., as well as a lifestyle brand, Ariana Ost, in NYC. I design jewelry and home products that are inspired by my daughter and experience as a mother. My brand’s mission is to “elevate the everyday and celebrate life’s simple moments.” I hope that my designs provoke this way of thinking to those who experience them, particularly to mothers.
What are the parts of you that have grown and expanded since becoming a Mom?
Since being a mother, I am much more confident. After having a child, life becomes so real, and nothing seems as intimidating anymore. Being able to build, deliver, and grow a person has revived me. I feel a sense of conviction in my time management, life structure and sense of reality. It also has allowed me to feel hopeful. I see the world through my daughter’s eyes, and it is like I have a second chance. She has a completely new perspective that enhances my quality of life every day.
Can you share a collaboration/success story with another woman; what helped the collaboration become successful?
This past mother’s day, I collaborated with Elisa Marshall, the founder and visionary behind Maman café and Marche Maman. After losing my own mother 8 years ago, I always have a difficult time knowing what to do on her birthday. Once discovering Maman Café on social media, I felt personally connected with their French style and thoughtful aesthetic. This past February 10th, I visited Maman with my father and daughter for the first time to celebrate my late mother Dafna’s birthday. We loved our experience at Maman so much that I later connected with Elisa and invited her to our studio to discuss collaboration. My lifestyle brand Ariana Ost is named after my mother as a tribute as Ost was her maiden name. Elisa and her partner Ben also founded Maman to give tribute to their mothers. After spending time with Elisa in my studio, it became clear that our missions and values were naturally aligned. Together, we designed a Maman necklace in silver, gold, and rose gold that we launched in partnership for Mother’s Day 2017. Maman remains as one of my favorite spots in NYC with so much meaning to honor motherhood.
What relationships help you stay connected to yourself?
My relationship with myself makes me feel grounded and connected to the world around me. By taking time to foster my relationship with myself, I am able to be my best in the many roles I play- friend, wife, daughter, business owner, yoga aficionado, foodie, and of course, mother. I stay connected to me by spinning once a week, taking baths at the end of every day, and practicing yoga and meditation.
Do you have a ‘Beyond’ dream that you are pursuing? If so, please share…
My ‘Beyond’ dream is my lifestyle brand Ariana Ost. After running a private label service and designing for incredible retailers behind the scenes, I launched Ariana Ost in my mother’s name to design for myself and create products infused with meaning. Through Ariana Ost, I want to collaborate with others to incorporate more stories and feelings into my designs. I want to make special products for all, and promote values that I care about.
What wellness activity can you not live without? What is one thing you do daily that balances you?
More morning rituals balance my every day. When I wake up, I do yoga in my apartment. I practice back bending, twisting, heart opening, and inversions. I also make the same smoothie for breakfast every morning. It gets me all the nutrients I need to begin my day. To get to work, I walk with my dog London, rain or shine. These three activities help me conquer each and every day.
How does style influence the way you stay feeling ‘Beyond’? Who is currently your favorite designer?
Style influences every part of my life and identity. My personal aesthetic is very particular and visible through how I dress my daughter and myself. I am inspired by the Parisian old world and the lost art of handcrafted artisan couture. I wear pastel colors all year round, and I don’t follow trend.
I love to understand and appreciate the way that other designers approach their work. I rarely have a favorite designer; I value every designer’s vision as unique and important.
Favorite Local Spots that Embody The Beyond Mom:
I live in Noho, NYC and I love my neighborhood. I feel great going to my favorite local restaurants and parks. It is so cool to see my daughter living in the heart of NYC– the city is her playground.
Beyond Cocktails and/or Food:
Every morning I make a smoothie that has blueberries, strawberries, hemp seeds, peanut and almond butter, coconut yogurt, spinach, broccoli sprouts, walnuts, brazil nuts, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, cacao nibs, cocoa powder, garden of life organic meal powder, almond milk, and water. It is my absolute favorite!
Beyond Workout:
Yoga practice in the morning, some more intense yoga classes a few times a week, biking, walking my dog, and spinning.
Beyond Shopping:
I enjoy food shopping at my local farmer’s market. I also love traveling to Europe to experience new boutiques, as well as my favorite antiques.
