Today we’d like to introduce you to Arin Dear-Walker.
Arin, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Let’s take it back to the beginning… well sort of the beginning. It all started at John W. North HS, where my creativity really started to blossom. My classmates not only knew me for being on the volleyball team but for making these name designs that people would attach to the front of their binder. Their names would be incorporated within different designs, pictures and sketches. I had so many people requesting for me to make them one, even my teachers.
My AP Art teacher told me that I had a gift and would share it with the world one day. At the time, I remember thinking, “I am not an artist, I don’t like to paint or draw, so I am not sure what you’re speaking of Ms. Rosser.” Little did I know, an artist doesn’t necessarily have to paint or draw, they can simply create.
Through college, my art classes became my favorite. There I learned that art could encompass just about anything. I loved mixed media. The idea of taking something simplistic and adding it to something else to make it spectacular fueled me. I graduated from Pepperdine University in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Shortly after, I relocated to Atlanta, GA, where I obtained a Master’s in Hospitality, Tourism & Management from Georgia State University.
After college, I spent many years trying to gain knowledge and experience within this so-called “Event Industry.” With the help of The Baker Group, I gained some experience as an independent contractor working for the BET Experience. While rewarding, I wanted more; something full time. I reached out to event planners, event companies and even hotels trying to work in their event department, but no luck. Never did I once receive a call-back, email or follow-up.
In 2018, my life changed before my eyes – I became pregnant. Typically, expecting mothers are excited to shop for their new bundle of joy or even decorate their nurseries. I, however, was more concerned about the celebrations to follow. I threw a “Summer Soiree” party, where I revealed to my family that I was pregnant. A couple of months later, I had a gender reveal party and even planned my own baby shower. Although many people thought I was insane for doing so, my family and close friends didn’t expect anything less. This was my passion and they knew it too.
It was then that I realized I had what it took. I had the ability to plan and execute anything I put my mind to as long as I believed I could. “You got it girl,” I told myself.
The excitement of my future endeavor soon faded as I battled postpartum after having my son. I quickly became “mom” and let go of anything I had planned for myself. I felt that my life wasn’t about me anymore, but the “mom” I needed to be. Well… THAT WAS WRONG! To my fellow moms, don’t believe you can’t do it ALL, because you most certainly can.
I was at one of the lowest points of my life when God woke me out of my sleep and told me to “choose myself and do something to fuel my happy.” That was the early morning of December 20, 2019. I came up with a logo in the middle of the night and announced it on Instagram the next morning. I did not know what I had done or what it would entail, but I knew God was calling me to do it. I booked my first event in February 2020 and the rest is history.
My lesson for everyone is to BE READY! God is preparing each one of you for your destiny as long as you’re open to hearing Him. All the ups and downs, twists and turns, are only preparing you for YOUR future. God has a plan for me, and it is clearer than ever.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has only been six months since I launched Rin Dear. Surprisingly, I cannot say that I’ve hit any struggles as of yet. I have definitely learned a lot in this short amount of time and am ready for what will be thrown my way.
Please tell us about Rin Dear Events & Design.
Rin Dear Events & Design was created to help celebrate our community in any way we know how. We specialize in event planning services and balloon creations and will always strive to give our clients “a little bit extra.” Our clients are our family and we make it our priority to give them the best of the BEST. If you want something done, we will figure out how to give you just that.
We are most proud of the support we have received from our followers and how much we have achieved in these past few months.
This is just the beginning…
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had the opportunity to start over, I would have launched Rin Dear sooner. I always knew what my passion consisted of, I just did know how to make it come to life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rindear.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/by_rindear
Image Credit:
Photo of Me: Kristen Gray (photgrapher)
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