“I'm happy to be growing organically and, you know, taking my time with it. I'm not in a rush. So I think that's what I've learned in the past kind of eight, nine, eight years since I've had the brand. It's just, it's going to take time.”
What does it take to trade a corporate career at Burberry and Cartier for life as a fashion founder in New York City? For Nina Sarin, Founder & Creative Director of Arias New York, it all started with courage, creativity — and just the right amount of naivete.
In this inspiring episode of Startups and Stilettos, hosts Carlyn Bushman and Ingrid Zapata Read sit down with Entreprenista League member Nina Sarin to explore her journey from business school and luxury marketing to launching a globally recognized women’s ready-to-wear brand. Known for its modern, feminine silhouettes and sophisticated day-to-night designs, Arias New York has been featured by retailers like Net-a-Porter, Moda Operandi, and Rent the Runway — all while keeping production proudly local in New York City.
What we talked about:
Studying at Parsons [3:55]
Learning New Tricks [10:12]
Standing Out From Others [16:15]
Advice for New Designers [21:26]
Being Your Own Advocate [25:41]
Connect with Carlyn:
@carlynbushmanconsulting on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Carlyn Bushman Consulting
Connect with Ingrid:
@itsingridsworld on Instagram
Ingrid Zapata-Read on Linkedin
Grow With Community
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Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
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Guests
Nina Sarin
Hosts
Carlyn Bushman
Carlyn Bushman is a seasoned business consultant, entrepreneur, and advocate for female founders. She founded POP Business Academy to empower women entrepreneurs with tools for building sustainable, profitable businesses. As CEO of Carlyn Bushman Consulting, she specializes in helping product- and service-based business owners navigate financials, marketing, and growth strategies. With extensive corporate experience, Carlyn, a mom in a blended family and lifelong learner, has been featured on Good Morning America and in Times Square. She's here to help you make money and stay in business.
Ingrid Zapata Read
Grow With Community
Ingrid Zapata Read is a community strategist and founder of Grow With Community. She helps businesses get closer to the people they serve and build stronger, more intentional relationships around their mission.
After building a global community for moms of over 200,000 members, and through her experience in sales, startups, and customer experience, Ingrid brings a people-first perspective to growth across industries. She’s known for her thoughtful, practical approach and believes community building should be a part of every business strategy.
Join 2,000+ supportive, ambitious founders in the
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