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Rising Stars: Meet Ariel Perez of Chapel Hill

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Perez.

Hi Ariel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Ariel Perez, a Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Makeup Artist, Certified Scalp Specialist, and The Owner of Aribella Beauty Studio in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I’m also a proud mother of four incredible sons who inspire me daily to lead with purpose, passion, and resilience.

Hair has always been a part of my life. I come from a family of cosmetologists, so it’s in my blood. Even as a kid, I had my hands in hair—I was the go-to girl at school when friends wanted a DIY hair transformation. That early passion eventually turned into a career I truly love, and I’ve built a strong foundation behind the chair specializing in blonding, balayage, dimensional color, scalp health, facials, extensions, and makeup.

I created Aribella Beauty Studio to be more than just a salon suite—it’s a peaceful, luxury space rooted in care, connection, and creativity. I’ve made it a priority to cultivate a safe, welcoming environment for everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community, and African American and Latino clients. I want every guest to feel seen, heard, and beautiful—no matter their background, hair texture, or identity.

In Fall 2025, I’ll be starting nursing school with plans to expand my offerings to include IV hydration therapy and injectables. My long-term goal is to bridge beauty and wellness, offering clients holistic services that help them look and feel their best from the inside out.

This journey has been about growth, empowerment, and legacy—not just for me, but for the people I serve and the family I’m building. I’m incredibly proud of where I started and excited for everything that’s ahead.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road definitely hasn’t been smooth, but every bump has shaped me into the businesswoman and artist I am today. Balancing motherhood and building a brand has been one of my biggest challenges. As a mom of four, managing my time, energy, and priorities hasn’t always been easy—but it’s taught me discipline, sacrifice, and how to keep pushing forward even on the hard days.

Starting a business also came with its own set of struggles—financial pressures, imposter syndrome, and learning how to trust myself as both a creative and an entrepreneur. There were moments where I doubted if I was doing the right thing or if I could really stand out in such a competitive industry. But I reminded myself of my purpose and stayed committed to the vision I had for Aribella Beauty Studio.

Through it all, I’ve learned that growth doesn’t come from comfort. It comes from showing up, doing the work, and believing in your gift even when it feels hard. Every setback has pushed me to level up, and for that, I’m grateful.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Aribella Beauty Studio, I offer a luxury experience focused on healthy hair, glowing skin, and real connection. I specialize in blonding, balayage, dimensional color, extensions, scalp health, facials, and makeup. I’m known for my attention to detail, customized color work, and for creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for everyone — including LGBTQ+ clients and those from minority communities.

What sets me apart is my holistic approach to beauty. I care about the full experience — from scalp to skin to confidence. I’m proud to have built a brand rooted in creativity, education, and genuine care for each person who sits in my chair. With nursing school starting in Fall 2025, I’m excited to grow my services into wellness too, including IV hydration and injectables in the near future.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is getting professional glamour shots with my mom, which we won from a mall raffle. Being her only daughter, those moments were truly special—we loved getting dolled up together, doing our hair and makeup, and capturing those memories in beautiful photos. That experience sparked my love for beauty and the joy of helping people feel confident and radiant.

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