Conversations with Ariel Johns

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Johns

Hi Ariel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I can’t take credit for hoopLA, as it was my bestie’s idea. She built it from the ground up and I was lucky enough to come along for the ride. Since I’d been a writer my whole life, writing for my high school yearbook and being a journalism major in college, I was more than welcome to contribute to the blog. I learned “the ropes” and ALL the ins and outs of LA, and realized I had a knack for discovering hidden gems.

Nothing can last forever, and a few years ago she and her husband moved to Raleigh. I was being called to take hoopLA over from her, and that’s exactly what I did. I wanted to make the blog my own with my voice, and focus on growth, new readers, and making my mark on the global level. So I researched everything I could, networked with experts, listened to anyone who was at a higher level than me, and most importantly, I asked for help. Then one day I noticed my numbers growing, and before I knew it, I had companies and brands from all over the world reaching out to me for advertising! Please know I am nowhere near where I want to be, but I am growing every day and I know my goals are possible.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth road, is that a thing? Just when I thought I had tackled one area, a pothole came out of nowhere! I learned to pivot and to prepare for anything. The first big hurdle was Covid. As a blogger that writes about places to go and things to do, when the world shut down, I didn’t know what to do! But I’m still here. Instead of writing about places to go for a holiday party, I started a series of things you can do from home, like pairing a holiday movie with a cocktail. That series has ended up being one of my favorite things to write about every year!

Most recently the LA wildfires shut down the city and all of my events were canceled. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, decided to use my platform as a way to spread awareness about fire relief.

I have no idea what bump in the road will come next (and I know there will be plenty), but I know I’m resilient, and I’ll be ready.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a lover of all things entertainment, and in addition to acting, most recently I’ve added screenwriter to my accomplishments! I am currently shopping around a feature film and several pilots. My dream would be to write, produce and star in my own stuff like Issa Rae or Quinta Brunson, and of course for hoopLA to grow with me. I’m looking at you Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop!

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I play nicely with others in the sandbox – or so I’ve been told, and I think because of this, people want to help me and see me succeed. It always comes down to kindness, and I really think it’s helped me alot.

Pricing:

• they can email me directly for rates/collabs

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hooplablog.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hooplablog/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hoopLAblog
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-johns-b4ba15133
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/hooplablog/. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hooplablog