We had the good fortune of connecting with Ari Arroyo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi ARI, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my own business stemmed from a desire to combine creativity with independence. I wanted to prove my inner child we can live through art! ^^ The idea was to craft a space where I could fully express my vision while celebrating others and helping them bring their own projects to life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What truly sets me apart is the revolutive tone of my creative purpose. I see my art as more than a medium for self-expression—it’s a platform to empower those who have been subjugated and a space to celebrate others from a place of freedom. Whether through photo, video or design, my work is rooted in that belief.

Moving from Costa Rica to Hollywood, I faced challenges like navigating a new industry, building a network from scratch, and balancing personal and professional growth. Each challenge came with lessons: the importance of perseverance, staying true to my vision, and the value of a strong support system.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’d spend our days soaking up the sun at beaches like Santa Monica, Venice, Hermosa, and Redondo, catching sunsets that remind you why LA is so magical. I’d take them to dance all night in DTLA or WeHo! There’d be plenty of eating— cozy ramen spots, Papi Tacos & Churros❤️, and a mix of other favorites.

I’d take them to a pole dance class at @louvre_la or @bespun 🙂 We’d thrift shop for unique finds and visit iconic spots like Griffith Observatory or The Broad for a dose of inspiration!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a big shoutout to Costa Rica! Growing up there shaped so much of who I am today. The country is rich with nature, art, and an incredible sense of community that inspires me daily. The “Pura Vida” spirit is something I carry with me—it’s about finding joy in the little things, valuing connection, and living authentically. I also want to recognize my husband, family & friends who have been my rock through every twist and turn. Their love, encouragement, and belief in me have pushed me to dream big and take risks.

Website: https://www.ariarroyo.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tortillaninja

Other: https://www.instagram.com/popcorndoodles/

Image Credits
personal photo credit – by Gabe Kimpson ♡

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.