Arielle Di Leo Built Loop Costumes to Make the Performing Arts More Accessible

Please share a brief introduction and your business:

I’m Arielle Di Leo,  a former dancer turned fashion buyer and now founder, passionate about creating solutions that make the performing arts more circular and accessible. My business, Loop Costumes, is a resale marketplace where dancers can buy and sell gently used costumes. We help families save money, reduce textile waste, and give every costume a second life - making the arts more sustainable and inclusive for everyone.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Not exactly. I’ve always been creative and detail-oriented, and I loved building things - whether it was in retail, merchandising, or even my early experiences in dance. But I didn’t always know I wanted to be an entrepreneur. It was more a gradual realization that I could combine my skills, my passion for problem-solving, and my desire to create something meaningful on my own terms. Once I saw the impact I could make and the freedom to shape my own path, it just clicked.

Are you a mamaprenista?

Yes, I'm a proud mama to two beautiful boys. My best advice is to release the pressure to do everything perfectly, all the time. Running a business and raising a family both demand so much of you, I'd say planning ahead helps, asking for help, and giving myself permission to slow down when necessary.

Take us back to when you launched? What was your marketing strategy?

I first launched my business pretty recently (September 2025) and my marketing strategy was really built into the lead-up to launch as I was developing the platform. I found that those early conversations - pre-product - were some of the most valuable. Talking directly with potential users helped me understand their needs, validate ideas, and start building a community even before anything went live. It didn’t always go perfectly, but those early engagements set the tone for authentic growth and helped me launch with a clear sense of what our audience actually wants.

What accomplishments are you the most proud of to date in your business?

I’m most proud of how quickly we started to see real engagement from our community. Within the first two weeks of launch, people were not just signing up, but giving feedback, listing hundreds of items, and transactions coming through. Seeing that our idea was resonating so quickly was incredibly validating and gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

It has really validated the fact that collaboration is everything. Watching what can happen when a group of people rallies around an idea has shown me that the best growth doesn’t happen alone

What did you go before starting your own business?

Before starting my own business, I worked as a fashion and retail buyer for major organizations, including Hudson’s Bay and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I think the tipping point for going full-time on my business was getting accepted into the Antler Accelerator program here in Toronto. It pushed me to think bigger, challenge my assumptions, and really commit to building something with impact. Being part of that program gave me the confidence and structure to take the leap and fully invest in turning a vision into reality.

Do you have any recent wins?

A recent win I’m really excited about is being invited to be interviewed on the Tutu Artist Studio podcast - my very first podcast! It was such a fun opportunity to share the story behind the business, connect with a new audience of dancers and designers, and celebrate the work we’ve been doing to make dance more accessible and sustainable. It felt like a meaningful milestone in getting our message out and building our community.

Who are your customers?

Our customers are dancers & performers of all ages and disciplines - from figure skating and ballet to Latin, jazz, and gymnastics. They are families, studios, and individual performers looking for high-quality costumes that can be reused, making their passion more affordable and sustainable.

What's your top productivity tip?

A clear schedule saves me. When I know exactly how much time I have during a day, I choose tasks I can genuinely complete well in the window. It keeps me productive and guilt-free.

What's your favorite business tool?

Right now, my favourite tool is Canva. It makes it so easy to create consistent, polished visuals quickly; whether it’s social content, posters for studios, or pitch materials.

How do you avoid burn-out?

I avoid burnout by stepping back and looking at the bigger picture. When things feel overwhelming, taking a moment to breathe and reset makes all the difference. I also make a point to move my body - whether it’s a walk or a quick Pilates class. Those small resets help me come back clearer, calmer, and actually more productive.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

My advice is simple: just start. Don’t wait for everything to feel perfect or for someone to give you permission. I always come back to the mindset of ‘Why not me?’ If there’s a problem you care about solving or an idea you can’t stop thinking about, take the first step and let the clarity come from doing.

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