Hi, Ariana! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:
With over fifteen years of experience in finance and business management, Ariana is a performance-driven professional who provides strategic guidance to help individuals, families, and small-business owners reach their financial goals through comprehensive financial planning. She focuses on four key areas: tax planning, asset protection, wealth management, and risk management. Ariana is recognized for her development of innovative solutions to complex financial challenges, as well as her ability to communicate effectively and build trust with her clients.
She is passionate about delivering personalized and holistic financial advice that aligns with her clients' values and needs. Specifically, while working with business owners, she considers all stages of their financial life cycle, from seed to sale and from financing to succession planning. In addition, she has particular experience understanding and supporting the needs of medical and legal professionals, business owners, retirees, clients with inherited wealth, and individuals starting a family or going through divorce.
What excites you about being an Entreprenista League member?
I like how the Entreprenista League membership can uniquely facilitate connections with potential clients and gives me the opportunity to build relationships, get support, and network with like-minded founders.
What made you take the leap to start your own business?
I ventured into entrepreneurship due to a desire for diversification and a passion for modeling. While working in finance, I saw an opportunity to create a corporation named Olive Model Agency, LLC, which became a successful venture. The experience taught me valuable business skills, enabling me to eventually sell the company. This entrepreneurial journey provided me with insights and resilience, shaping my approach when I returned to the financial sector. Now, I thrive as a Merrill Financial Solutions Advisor, drawn by Merrill Lynch’s top-tier reputation. I provide strategic guidance, emphasizing comprehensive financial planning for individuals, families, and businesses, leveraging Bank of America’s resources for a one-stop financial solution.
Such an impressive resume, Ariana! What was your background prior to starting your own business?
Before launching my current venture as a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch, I was CEO and founder of Olive Model Agency, LLC. I scaled it to six-figure annual sales and a roster of 150 models. I later crafted a successful business plan, culminating in the sale to a multinational media firm in May 2014.
Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
Yes, I've always been fascinated and had a passion for working in finance, especially after dating a guy while I was in college who was the VP of Guggenheim Partners. I was intrigued by his line of business and all the stories of his success. I also found it fitting that I have always been great at analytics and financial planning. I knew this was going to be the true path to my success in life.
Take us back to when you first launched your business, what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?
During my business launch, my strategy involved leveraging my network through targeted calls and attending numerous networking events. I aimed for 5-6 meetings daily, ensuring resilience to cancellations. Weekly, I scheduled 25-30 meetings, creating a robust outreach approach. I fostered referrals through regular calls with COls and client interactions. I would make it a habit to create a digital presence online. I shared event photos on Linkedin and Instagram engaging with new connections, I would also reach out to numerous people on Linkedin and Instagram and build connections. I specialize in addressing the unique financial needs of medical and legal professionals, business owners, retirees, individuals with inherited wealth, and those navigating life changes like starting a family or going through divorce. Additionally, I served as the Executive Agent for the City of Miami Fire Department, providing tailored financial planning to support their specific requirements. I would specifically try to target these markets to cultivate new business.
What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way and what did you learn from it?
Transitioning to California 2.5 years ago posed challenges in business building, navigating limited local connections, understanding market dynamics, tackling state-specific regulations, and fostering trust in a new community.
What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?
I achieved a significant milestone early in my career by successfully establishing and growing a startup, achieving six-figure annual sales with a diverse portfolio of 150 models. Subsequently, I strategically crafted and executed a business plan, leading to the successful sale of the venture to a multinational media firm in May 2014. My notable achievement at Merrill Lynch involved successfully facilitating an $8 million seed capital raise for a seed-stage startup. I connected the founder with key investors, garnering substantial interest in the business. The startup, focused on advancing cancer care through rapid biopsy analysis, is poised for significant valuation upon acquisition.
All such important accomplishments! Do you believe in work/life balance? What are some of your best tips?
Absolutely, balance is crucial. I feel we need to recharge in order to give clients the utmost best service and lead with exceptional ideas. I am usually at my sharpest when I periodically schedule time off. I prioritize tasks, set boundaries, and schedule dedicated time for both work and personal life to maintain equilibrium.
What's a piece of advice you can share that you wish you'd known when you first started your Entreprenista journey?
I wish I would have joined more networks and boards for more professional development early on in my career. I believe I would have been able to cultivate a significant more business initially.
We're so happy you found your place in our network of members! What have you achieved recently that you'd like to celebrate with our community?
I facilitated seed funding for my client who is a Breast Cancer Surgeon and oncologist through our venture capital connections, securing a substantial investment. She now holds an $8MM convertible note with our firm, anticipating a valuation of $500 million-$1 billion upon acquisition. I take pride in being her go-to financial advisor, offering comprehensive guidance. Our approach involves understanding clients' goals, leveraging Merrill Lynch and Bank of America resources to educate on wealth, retirement, and estate planning, and delivering exceptional client service, contributing to the improved lives of our clients and their families.
What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?
By the end of 2024, I plan to have $50MM in assets under management. My households will be $1MM+ relationships. More than 75% of AUM will be actively managed portfolios. I am a performance driven professional with over 15 years of experience in finance and business management. I intend to separate myself from the competition by utilizing the resources available at the firm and delivering personalized and holistic financial advice that aligns with my client's values and needs. I will integrate outside consultants and professionals to provide tremendous input and support to enable my advisory team to make well-informed, creative, and appropriate decisions when needed. I will be selective in the type and complexity of the relationships that I build. This will allow my business to be viewed as the "Gold Standard" in providing wealth management services across my client base and the communities I serve. I will focus my expertise on assisting sports and entertainment professionals, real estate developers, highly qualified businesses, industry professionals/experts, physicians, and attorneys with over $1MM in investable assets and potential for growth.
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About the Author
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