COMMUNITY STORIES: ARIANNA GUZMAN
Growing up there has had a strong impact on both who I am as a person and as a creative. Coming from an immigrant family, I was raised in an environment that emphasized hard work, resilience, and the importance of creating opportunities.
Celebrations, family gatherings, and special events played an important role in bringing people together, which influenced my passion for creating experiences through my work.
Those experiences shaped my creativity by pushing me to think differently, work harder, and find ways to turn challenges into opportunities. They are a big part of why I built ArisDesigns—a brand focused on creating meaningful, memorable experiences for others.
I want to take my business beyond just services and grow it into a global brand.
My goal is to expand ArisDesigns into a company that not only creates experiences but also supplies products to other businesses through importing and exporting high-quality materials from around the world.
My initial goal was to focus fully on growing my business, as it was already gaining strong momentum. However, I had a shift in perspective. Being the first in my family to pursue higher education, I recognized the value of the opportunity I had here in the United States. I chose to take that step, and attending Troy University has truly opened doors for me and expanded my vision.
From a young age, I committed myself to building something meaningful, and through hard work and consistency, I was able to turn that vision into reality. By just 14 years old, I had already transformed the business into a structured and growing company with the help of my parents.
Over the past five years, that foundation has continued to evolve into what is now ArisDesigns—a brand built on creativity, growth, and purpose.
Coming from an immigrant household, I saw the sacrifices and hard work it took to build a life, and that motivated me to create something of my own. I didn’t want to just work—I wanted to build. At the same time, I’ve always loved creating and bringing ideas to life, especially during meaningful moments. Seeing how much events mean to people inspired me to turn that passion into a business.
That’s how ArisDesigns began—not just as a business, but as a purpose to create opportunities, grow, and make an impact.
Especially when it came to setting clear boundaries with clients, managing my time effectively, and understanding the importance of having structure within a business.
In the early stages, not having strong systems in place often created unnecessary stress and challenges. It showed me how critical organization, communication, and professionalism are when running a growing business. I realized that success is not just about creativity, but also about having a solid foundation behind the scenes.
They pushed me to become more organized, implement stronger systems, and lead with greater confidence. Today, because of those lessons, my business operates more efficiently, and I am able to continue growing with clarity and purpose.
Being in an environment where innovation, creativity, and business come together aligns perfectly with my goals and mindset.
As a retail manager within the program, I’ve also been able to grow in a leadership role. I make it a priority to learn from others—observing how different creators build their brands, market their products, and develop their ideas. That exposure has helped me expand my perspective and continuously improve my own business.
I enjoy getting to know the creators, supporting one another, and contributing to an environment where we can all grow together. It’s not just about individual success, but about building a network that uplifts and inspires each other.
I also want to take full advantage of the resources, connections, and experiences available to prepare for long-term growth while continuing to contribute to the community.
As a creative and business owner, I believe inspiration comes from both observation and discipline. I make it a habit to stay updated with trends, explore new ideas, and pay attention to details in everyday life, whether that’s through social media, events, or other creators.
Staying structured allows me to remain productive while still giving myself space to be creative. I also believe in continuously learning—whether through experiences, networking, or trying new ideas within my business.
Maintaining a strong work ethic, staying consistent, and surrounding myself with a motivated environment are key factors that help me stay inspired and continue growing both creatively and professionally.
I plan to grow not only in event services but also in the wholesale and supply side of the business by importing and exporting high-quality products to support other small businesses. My long-term vision is to build a company that operates on a larger scale while maintaining quality, trust, and creativity.
I also aim to expand my venue and overall services, creating a full-service experience where clients can access everything they need in one place. Ultimately, I want to position ArisDesigns as a leading brand known for delivering elevated and memorable experiences.
Student-Made provides valuable resources, exposure, and a strong network of creatives and entrepreneurs. Through this program, I am able to refine my business, build meaningful connections, and gain real-world experience that prepares me for long-term growth and success.
Being surrounded by like-minded entrepreneurs allows me to learn different perspectives, strengthen my business strategies, and grow both personally and professionally.
At the same time, I hope to give back to the community by sharing my experiences, supporting other creators, and contributing to a positive and collaborative environment. As a business owner and retail manager, I aim to help others grow, offer guidance when I can, and encourage a mindset of consistency and ambition.
And help to create a space where everyone feels supported, motivated, and inspired to succeed.
