Thanks for sharing your story with us Aria. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I grew up in the suburbs north of Boston, Massachusetts, as a Triplet with two brothers. It’s definitely been interesting being the only girl in the trio! I credit my brothers with helping me develop a thick skin and for influencing my passion for sports. We’re a close-knit family, and growing up my father would take us to games and sporting events, which is how we bonded and where my brothers taught me everything they knew.
My Aunt was also a huge inspiration and role model for me. I remember as a kid seeing her featured in Sports Illustrated as a successful athlete. She was my coach and mentor, as I competed in Gymnastics and joined the U.S. National Dance Team for UDA. I also played lacrosse in college. Both gymnastics and dance became a big part of my life at a young age, as I was always practicing and on the road traveling to competitions and performances.
Outside of athletics though, I wasn’t always confident. I used to be really shy when I was younger, so I took public speaking classes, started acting and performing in plays, competed in pageants, and slowly, grew into my own.
My first pageant was Miss Massachusetts USA. That experience began my passion for wanting to pursue TV Hosting and sports reporting, after leading me to different public speaking engagements. During college, I held a position in the front office for the NFL New England Patriots. Working behind the scenes and alongside ESPN and the sideline reporters, taught me about sports reporting, sports management, and the tremendous work these careers entail.
After graduating from the University of Massachusetts, I lived in England after receiving an opportunity to study at Oxford University. Living outside of London was an eye-opening experience that gave me a new interest to the sense of fashion and culture there!
At Oxford, I continued my passions of Theatre and Journalism, studying communications and theatre lit. Immersing myself in the British theatre community alongside the Globe Theatre reignited my joy and interest in acting.
Shortly after, I decided to move to Los Angeles to professionally pursue my passions. Most of my family is from Orange County and SoCal area. Growing up I spent my summers there so was somewhat familiar with the city.
Once in LA, I got lucky and landed a segment on NBC E! Entertainment News for Spring Fashions. After that E! News segment, I hit the ground running. I started interviewing people on my own and doing podcasts and weekly articles, and from there I eventually got picked up by different networks.
Living in LA has given me the opportunity to spend more time with my Uncle/Godfather, Chris Diamond, who is my biggest inspiration. Chris owns the venue, “Rockwell Table and Stage” and his business has thrived in LA for the past 25 years. I’ve looked up to him my entire life. Chris started from the ground up and has taught me the mindset of never giving up and the importance of helping others. He is always helping people that may not have the means to give back in the same way he can and without expecting anything in return.That mentality is something I admire and strive to live by.
For the past 15 years, my Uncle and his business partner, Chef Wayne Elias, cater and help run the annual Sir Elton John Oscar’s Viewing Party and Dinner during the Academy Awards in West Hollywood. Wayne was appointed the Executive Chef this year.
It is a yearly tradition for my family. I just completed my 9th year working the event. The event raises money for the Elton John Aids Foundation. As fun as the Oscars is, it’s great that many people in the industry are making it more than that by giving back and doing some goodwill. I love being a part of helping such an important foundation each year.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with FGSN – FG Sports Network – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I currently work in sports and entertainment television. For sports, I work for FGSN (Fangirl Sports Network). We are the first ever, female-led sports network in the U.S, based in Los Angeles. We cover the NBA and NFL. One of my favorite events thus far was covering NBA All-Star Weekend.
We do weekly videos, commentary, lifestyle articles, podcasts, as well as radio and game-day interviews. It’s so rewarding to engage with the fans and different audiences. We also have our own online shop now! We sell game-day apparel and accessories for women.
Our CEO and founder, Tracy Sandler, is one of the hardest working people I know. I’m grateful to be a part of the FGSN family which is full of other like-minded women, and appreciative of everything I’ve learned so far.
For entertainment, I cover red carpet events, movie premieres, and award shows. I love being able to dive into my passions for film and fashion here.
I’m starting to pursue acting again as well and just finished filming a comedy movie called Bozo: The Valedictorian which was produced and directed by Jenny Austin. I play a high school student. Jenny was really fun to work with, and it’ll be exciting to see it all pieced together this summer!
When I’m not working, I’m obsessed with cooking and baking. I practically live in my kitchen on my off days. I’m currently trying to finish writing my own Paleo Cookbook!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There have been many challenges. I love the Babe Ruth quote, “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”
I think you have to be open to taking risks and chances when following your passions, and maybe even bending the rules a little. I’m a believer that we create our own destiny. Take chances, and learn to live without the fear of failing. Each failure I’ve had was a lesson learned, and I’ve found growth in myself after each.
Before hosting and reporting full time, I started out with a few different jobs until I ended up where I wanted to be.
Starting out in LA, my first job was working at a beauty salon. I’m a small town girl that was very new to the fashion world.
From there, I learned a lot about cosmetology and fashion. I started working at LA Fashion Week and modeled at fashion shows. I grew a huge appreciation for the fashion world. I was shy and soft-spoken, but being around a lot of big personalities helped me come out of my shell.
I made a big change and worked in Venture Capital and Asset Management for two years at a firm in Santa Monica. It was a great learning opportunity for me to learn about the finance industry, but it wasn’t what I was passionate about.
I switched back to my interests in modeling and continued doing pageants. I competed in Miss California USA, Miss Massachusetts USA and most recently Miss New Hampshire USA this past year.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Last year, I became an ambassador for the United Nations Women (UN Women) as a STEM Advocate. Working in a predominately male lead industry of sports broadcasting, I love encouraging other women to go after their goals even if they’re also in male-dominated industries.
After being involved with the Los Angeles chapter, I’m trying to build a larger UN Women presence on the East Coast in Boston (my hometown). There’s only one right now in New York. There are many deserving young women who can benefit from scholarships and educational support. I just became involved with Crossover Basketball in Boston, that UN Women is now partnering with, which sets up youth summer basketball camps for young girls in New Delhi. We just had a March Madness event that was pretty fun.
Regarding future plans, my colleagues and I would love the opportunity to someday have our own sports talk show and represent more female voices. Beyond that, I look at life with an open mind. It does not always go in the direction I may have originally planned, but sometimes the best people and experiences come into our lives when we least expect it.
At the end of the day, for me, success is defined by how happy you are. If I can live out my passion, have a healthy family, and surround myself with good friends and kind people, then I will have succeeded.
Contact Info:
- Website: fgsn.com, peakmodels.
com - Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: ariarich
- Facebook: Aria Rich
- Twitter: rocketsfgsn and fangirlsports
- Other: Hosting REEL https://youtu.be/-
zbcY2PjFyM
Image Credit:
Shana Owen
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
