We had the good fortune of connecting with Ariana Air Gradow and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ariana Air, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My art deserves to be a part of this world! I was an aerialist first and I knew that my body couldn’t do that forever. So I decided to start my own gym. I also was offered to buy the studio that I worked at and decided to start my own instead. But honestly I just felt inspired and I followed it.
Sometimes life just leads you in a direction that feels right. Watch out for the signs and follow them!

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.
I am an entrepreneur, a movement artist, an aerialist, acrobat, a stilter and dancer.
But mostly, I’m a ring leader!

I am really good at putting together the full shebang and watching it come together to inspire the world. And that’s what I did and do and will continue to do.

From Circus Collective, which is the largest circus school in Denver to Art of Air, which brings immersive experiences to events around the globe to Eleusinian Global, which is my next endeavor, I love to bring people together around art!

One of the projects, I am most proud of is Convergent Circus (https://crystalconvergence.org/), which was a four day immersive experience based around the four elements.

Trust your heart and follow it. And when a window opens, JUMP!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Don’t miss a Sunday on Santa Monica Boardwalk!!! Between roller skating on the beach, to full acro jams on the beach, to a full LED jam and the most beautiful Sunsets, you won’t skip a beat and you will get a hell of a workout!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Awww I love this. It’s true. Life is not meant to be lived alone. We are a unified collective and we are all supported.

First and Foremost, my parents are a massive part of why I launched a business.
They were so tough on me. Honestly, the toughest.
In moments, I felt completely alone.
But in retrospect, they were doing the best they could to push me to my limits. And they did! I knew I had to create something that was mine. I had to figure it out.

But I also knew, that if I failed, they would catch me and that is so valuable and I’m so grateful.

I have failed, and they have caught me. And I’ve tried again and again.

Next, my community and friends who came to Circus Collective and to my team!!! Gosh, my team that shows up SO well even when I cannot. Big shoutout to Chenae, Jenna, Joy, Caroline, Michaela, Lauren, Whitney, Danimal and Milana and all of the other amazing performers who have performed with me! I love you sooooo much!

Oh And my gals at 13 moons and Amy and Billy, of course!

Website: https://www.artofairentertainment.com/

Instagram: @lifeofAir

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianagradow/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ariana.gradow

Youtube: https://instagram.com/art_of_air

Other: https://crystalconvergence.org/

Image Credits
Lauren O’Neal

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