Redefining Success on Her Own Terms with Lauriel
Arkeah
Your all-in-one destination for turning dreams into reality without the stress.
ORIGINAL DESIGN IS IN OUR NAME
LAURIEL ARKEAH
Photo by Esther Ruth Photo
ORIGIN*HAUS
Editor-in-Chief
‘Ella Rae’
Copy Editor
Denise Sherod
Contributing Photographers
Esther Ruth Photo
Ashley Guice Creative
Asher St.
Jonny Marlow
Featuring Lauirel Arkeah
Cover Photo
Esther Ruth Photo
Cover + Inside Design
Origin Haus
Branding + Logo
Origin Haus
ORIGIN HAUS magazine is a premier nationwide publication that showcases mental health, music, fashion, and entertainment through its online and print platforms Our publication has had the privilege of featuring some of the most influential voices in the industry, including Maggie Linderman, Galimatias, and CoCo Jones. With 48 published issues, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to delivering informative and enlightening articles that inspire readers of all generations to find their voice.
FromtheEditor
Forty-eight issues Let that sink in for a second We’re this close to hitting 50, and honestly, that number feels surreal. After years of building, growing, and pouring so much heart into this magazine, I still get the same rush every time a new issue comes together. And this one? This one is special. I always strive to make sure each issue is more than just a collection of interviews—it’s about storytelling, connection, and creating something that feels just as good as it looks And I love how this one turned out. I hope when you flip through these pages, you find something that inspires you, lifts you up, or just makes your day a little better. On a personal note, these past few months have been a journey back to myself, and I couldn't be more excited about where I’m heading If you’ve been feeling lost, stuck, or unsure trust me when I say, you’ll find your way back too. You got this. You matter. And we love you.
Editor-in-Chief
ON-BRAND:
CHRISTIAN STREETWEAR
CHRISTIAN STREETWEAR IS HAVING A MOMENT, AND HONESTLY, IT’S ABOUT TIME. FOR YEARS, STREETWEAR HAS DOMINATED THE FASHION SCENE, BLENDING EFFORTLESSLY WITH MAINSTREAM CULTURE. YOU SEE IT IN HOT TOPIC, ZUMIEZ, FASHION NOVA, AND EVEN IN SECTIONS OF FOREVER 21 AND H&M BUT NOW, A NEW WAVE OF FAITH-DRIVEN BRANDS IS REDEFINING WHAT IT MEANS TO WEAR YOUR BELIEFS LITERALLY.
Brands like Lion + The Lamb, All Things Jesus by Kayla Sky, and God in You are taking Christian apparel beyond the basic church retreat T-shirt and giving it a fresh, aesthetic edge.
Photos owned by Lion + Lamb
Shirt: Rivers in the Desert by Lion + Lamb
These labels fuse bold graphics, sleek typography, and high-quality materials with scripture and faith- based messaging, creating pieces that feel just as cool as they are meaningful. It’s a stark contrast from the outdated, overly traditional Christian apparel of the past this is fashion that speaks to a new generation of believers who want to rep their faith with the same confidence they wear their favorite sneaker brands.
The rise of Christian streetwear reflects a larger cultural shift faith is becoming more unapologetic, more integrated into everyday life, and more personal. These brands aren’t just selling clothes; they’re creating conversations, making faith visible in spaces where it might not always be expected. And let’s be real there’s something powerful about wearing a hoodie that subtly, yet boldly, declares your love for God without saying a word.
Photos owned by All Thing Jesus Shop featuring Kayla Sky
Photos owned by GodInYou
MUSIC PLAYLIST
FOR FRESH SOUNDS
A PLAYLIST CAREFULLY CURATED BY OUR EDITORIAL TEAM, FEATURING MUSIC PERFECT FOR YOUR LIST DURING THE SPRING, SHOWCASING EMERGING ARTISTS
RESCUE
LAUREN DAIGLE
POP
NOBDY ELSE SHAMBA R&B
561 BBYBLU
2000S R&B
ICU
MUCAH EMRICH
R&B
STRONGER THAN EVER ALEX JEAN
CHRISTIAN RAP
CHOSEN MADISON RYANN WARD GOSPEL R&B
LOOKING FOR GOD MANNYWELLZ
AFROBEATS
DO YOU HAVE TIME DAVI MH POP
DON’T WANNA FALL IN LOVE KYLE
R&B / POP
DISTURBING
MAYBE IT’S ME MIKAH
*Spring essentials*
THEMUST-HAVE ITEMSFORA FRESHSEASONAL REFRESH
We review products year-round, and these are our top picks for spring! Read the full article online for in-depth analysis and make confident, informed purchases
Photography by Cora Pursley
Frankie Bracelet by Giaillard
Yawn Kit 101 by YAWN
Tank by Levitate
Oxford Sneakers by Bruno Marc
Diffon Supreme by Bellissma
Gummy Gift Box by It’s Sugar
stuff we *literally* can’t stop talking about
We’re always on the hunt for something amazing to keep us entertained, and we know you are too! From books and TV shows to movies and YouTube gems, we’ve rounded up the best of the best so you don’t have to
READING
JACQUE AYE | @jacqueaye
We love her magical realism/black comedy book, ‘How to be an adult”
SCHOOL SPIRITS | Paramount Plus
A supernatural teen drama about an interesting afterlife in a high school
TIME CUT | Netflix
A horror movie about a young teen that tries to stop her sister's killing
INZOI | @playinzoi
A sim style game with realistic features and graphics that we can’t wait for
GALAXYCON | @galaxycon
An east coast 3 day anime con with panels, parties, vendors and more
BY SHAWN GARCIA -
TOTALLY SPIES | Season 7 Out Now
An animation about three spies who solve missions in style (2001)
TV SHOW
MOVIES
EVENT GAME NOSTALGIA
ASHTEN ON STORYTELLING THROUGH BRANDING, BATTLING IMPOSTER SYNDROME, AND THE ART OF CREATING A LIFE YOU WANT TO LIVE
Ashten’s journey into the world of branding and content creation is nothing short of a masterclass in storytelling. From a young age, she found herself captivated by the narrative arcs of TV and film. The layers of character development, the subtle hints in visual themes, and the art of psychoanalyzing storylines became a playground for her curious mind. Little did she know, these early obsessions would lay the foundation for her creative studio, Asher St., where storytelling reigns supreme.
I
THINK CRAFTING A SET
THAT MAKES SENSE FOR THE LIFESTYLE OF THE PRODUCT IS THE MOST AUTHENTIC, CAPTIVATING, AND CONVERTING METHOD OF INTEGRATING BEAUTY AND STORYTELLING.
Growing up, Ashten wasn’t just a passive observer of stories she was an active creator. She wrote Twilight fan fiction, a secret archive of her youthful imagination, which she now laughs off with a lighthearted, “and never will [see the light of day] lol.” But this practice of crafting narratives would soon evolve into a unique approach to branding In Ashten’s eyes, every brand is a character with its own set of motivations, aesthetics, and preferences. She doesn’t just market products; she breathes life into them. Her method involves building entire personas for brands, asking questions like, “What music does this brand listen to?” or “How does this brand spend a Friday night?” Through this lens, a brand becomes more than a logo or a product it transforms into a living, breathing entity that consumers can relate to on a personal level.
When it comes to content creation, Ashten’s process is equally immersive. She crafts scenarios and stories, often drawing inspiration from real-life situations. She aims to answer the unspoken questions in a consumer’s mind: “How does this product fit into my life?” and “What problem does it solve?” Her content isn’t just a visual feast but a narrative experience, blending everyday scenarios with poetic undertones that tap into deeper emotions. It’s this blend of strategy and artistry that sets her apart.
Ashten’s creative process involves a delicate balance between freedom and strategy. While many brands approach content with a strict set of guidelines, she thrives when given the freedom to explore her vision. Her multi-sensory approach combining visuals, audio, and authentic voiceovers engages consumers on multiple levels. She understands that modern consumers are savvy; they want more than just a product, they want an experience. “They buy it because it’s going to do good in their life,” she says, capturing the essence of her storytelling philosophy. She doesn’t just sell products; she creates aspirational lifestyles that feel attainable and real.
Her work primarily focuses on industries that enhance the female experience, particularly beauty, jewelry, and fashion. For Ashten, these aren’t just industries they are powerful tools of self-expression. She approaches each project with a deep understanding of identity and psychology, translating this insight into content that feels authentic and resonant. She speaks of crafting characters through styling choices, environments, and even the smallest details like accessories. Each element is intentional, designed to connect with a specific type of woman and make her feel seen.
She emphasizes, “These three industries have always been interconnected, so to work with one, you must work with all. And all three are also the strongest indicators of identity. We judge books by their cover all the time. Just by looking at someone’s outfit, you can assume a lot about them. It isn’t necessarily negative, but you can make quick assumptions based on how someone accessorizes themselves.”
She continues, “It’s through this understanding of the psyche and my personal experience as a woman, that I can understand these themes, translate them into content that is again, relevant to the type of woman I am trying to portray, and showcase a lifestyle she is attracted to–that feels like her.”*
Ashten’s creativity is not limited to branding and content creation. She is also a writer, exploring themes of religion, grief, love, and politics through fiction. Her love for storytelling blossomed during the wave of young adult book-to-film adaptations in the early 2000s. Books like Harry Potter, Twilight, and The Hunger Games not only captivated her imagination but also showed her that stories could provide an escape from the trials of growing up. Today, she writes stories that echo her own experiences and help her process complex emotions.
Her creative mediums whether photography, writing, or painting serve as different outlets for her mental state. When she’s out and about, living life to the fullest, she gravitates toward photography. When emotions run high, she writes. And when confusion strikes, she paints. This fluid transition between mediums keeps her work fresh and dynamic, allowing her to start projects from different emotional perspectives and let the story unfold naturally.
Ashten’s understanding of storytelling extends to her approach to brand campaigns. She emphasizes, “I think crafting a set that makes sense for the lifestyle of the product is the most authentic, captivating, and converting method of integrating beauty and storytelling. A brand that does this really well is Merit Beauty. The images are high-quality, but they are simple and attainable. The creativity in their direction stimulates buyers to aspire to have it, without it feeling too out of reach. Their UGC and influencer marketing blends seamlessly with their professional campaigns, too, which creates a stunning and clear brand identity.”
Through Asher St., Ashten is not just building brands; she’s crafting stories that people can live in. She is a storyteller at heart, using every project as an opportunity to explore new narratives, tap into human emotion, and ultimately, make the world feel a little more understood.
Kate Godfrey is Finding Her Stride in Hollywood and Beyond
Kate Godfrey has been captivating audiences since her days on All That, where her natural comedic timing and electric energy put her on the map as one of Hollywood’s rising stars. But her career is proving to be much more than just punchlines and sketch comedy. From winning prestigious acting awards to balancing her life as a student at UCLA, Kate is navigating Hollywood with an ease and self-awareness beyond her years.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONNY MARLOW
For Kate, acting isn’t just about what happens on set it’s about everything that happens behind the scenes, too. Auditioning, preparing for roles, and immersing herself in different characters have all contributed to her growth as an actress. "A lot of acting goes on behind the camera before a job even starts, so I think getting to play many different characters in auditions has really helped me grow as an actor," she explains. But nothing compares to the moment when all that effort pays off. "My favorite moment in acting is finding out you got the job, because it is a big relief of all the work you put into it."
That drive has taken her far, earning her praise from none other than Saturday Night Live legend Kenan Thompson. Working on All That was an eye-opening experience for Kate, who discovered just how much effort goes into making something appear effortless. "I think working alongside these figures thrusted me into a world that I didn’t know existed. I didn’t realize how much I love sketch comedy, or all the effort that goes into something that is so goofy. Working on All That helped me find both my strengths and weaknesses as an actor, which I am very grateful for."
Comedy may have been her starting point, but Kate’s range extends far beyond that. Her award-winning performance in Leading Man cemented her as a dramatic force to be reckoned with. Preparing for dramatic roles requires a different kind of emotional deep dive, one that she takes seriously. "To prepare for a dramatic role, the first thing I do is create a really specific backstory for the character. This is important in comedy too, but dramatic characters are often harder to read than an openly goofier character."
That attention to detail paid off when Leading Man won the 2024 Tribeca Most Moving Narrative Award, a moment that was deeply personal for Kate. She credits a conversation with co-director Whitney Houser as a pivotal turning point in her performance. "I was talking with the co-director Whitney Houser about her story. She is a big inspiration to me because of how open and strong she is in finding her identity. We were just being really honest with each other before filming about our worries for the character and how they relate to our lives I think our conversation helped make playing Ash a lot more meaningful to me. "
I prefer live audiences more, just because you can actually hear laughter. It’s hard to feel good about a comedy performance when there is no feedback.
Photo by Jonny Marlow
Beyond acting, Kate is deeply passionate about giving back. Her work with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has given her a new perspective on her career. "Philanthropy has helped me realize that I am so lucky to be healthy enough to be doing what I am doing, and ultimately helped me discover why I am doing it," she shares. Acting isn’t just about being on set it’s about what her work means to those who watch it. "I love acting and being on set, but it is cool to think that people are actually being entertained and possibly look at it as a distraction from their everyday lives. Or possibly relate to it and feel seen. "
Managing all of this while attending UCLA is no small feat, but Kate has found ways to stay balanced. "Being surrounded by good people really helps. I love my friends and family, and they are always giving me advice or helping me when I need it. I definitely couldn’t do both without them."
And as if her plate weren’t full enough, she’s set to appear in Hulu’s upcoming series Paradise, playing the daughter of Julianne Nicholson. Sharing the screen with such an accomplished cast was an invaluable learning experience. "It was cool! Those actors are insanely talented, so just being on set with them for a few days taught me so much. They are really inspiring. I can’t wait to see their performances in the rest of the season. "
Her ability to seamlessly shift between different genres is what makes her such an exciting talent to watch. Having performed sketch comedy on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, she’s well-versed in both live and filmed performances, but her heart leans toward the thrill of live comedy. "I love live comedy!! Filming with a live audience was so fun. In terms of comedy, I prefer live audiences more, just because you can actually hear laughter. It’s hard to feel good about a comedy performance when there is no feedback."
THE NEUTRALS
Neutrals have a quiet power effortless yet bold, simple yet impactful. They don’t try too hard, yet they always make a statement. Blending seamlessly with every style and skin tone, neutrals prove that sophistication doesn’t need to be loud. This fashion spread celebrates their timeless elegance, showcasing how subtle shades can command attention without ever demanding it.
Photos by Ashley Guice Creative
SWITCHING WITH LAURIEL GEARS
WRITTEN AND DESIGNED BY ELLA
Lauriel Arkeah has always been a go-getter. From launching a successful virtual assistant business to becoming a sought-after coach, she built a six-figure company and a name for herself in the online space before most people figure out their first career move. But now, her focus has shifted away from the hustle, away from the endless strategy calls, and into something even more personal: motherhood.
The decision to step back from coaching and embrace life as a stay-at-home mom wasn’t something she saw coming. “It was a gradual realization,” she explains. “God had put it on my heart early this year to pivot out of coaching, but I wasn’t entirely sure why. I’ve always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom but never thought it would be my reality.”
by Ashley Guice Creative
Photos
Then, everything aligned. Pregnancy brought on extreme sickness in her first trimester, making it impossible to work. At the same time, her husband’s career flourished, allowing her to take a step back and focus on what she’d always wanted home, family, and a new creative outlet as a family content creator. “Now I’m able to focus on being a family content creator and take care of home :)” she says, the gratitude evident even in a simple smiley face.
For someone who had spent years thriving in a fast-paced online business, the adjustment wasn’t easy at first. “Oh my gosh, it was so hard at first. I felt guilty for not being part of the hustle and bustle anymore, especially since I’ve been hustling since 14 years old,” she admits. “It took some timeeee to get used to.”
But once she let go of the guilt, she found joy in the slower pace. “Now I love it. I’m able to focus on growing a healthy baby, make homemade breads, and create fun content for our family account and for recent brand deals we’ve been blessed with.”
Her transition into motherhood feels natural in some ways, but she knows the biggest shift is yet to come. “I’ve always had a nurturing spirit and have served in kids’ ministry at my church,” she says. “But my baby isn’t here yet also (she will be in a week or two), so I’ll have to circle back to this question.”
Lauriel’s presence on social media has evolved into something deeply personal. Where she once shared business strategies and client wins, she now documents the joys and challenges of first-time motherhood, married life, faith, and even baking. “I guess I’ve always kind of had a passion for it but never had the time to pursue it,” she says of content creation. “Being an online coach required a heavy social media presence, so I was already online but only in a business sense. Now I get to showcase my journey as a first-time mom, wife life, faith, cooking & baking, and everything that I do in my daily life except now I’m sharing it.”
Photo by Esther Ruth Photo
Flowers: Afternoon Tea Rose
Authenticity is at the heart of everything she creates. “So far, every piece of content that we’ve created has been things that we’ve had on our calendar to do,” she explains. “For instance, we did a Christmas decorating video we were going to decorate our home whether we decided to prop up a camera or not. I think the best way to remain authentic is to simply just let people into who you are as a person/family. Content creating is easy because we are, 100000% ourselves.”
Lauriel has always been about empowerment, and while she may no longer be coaching women in business, her mission hasn’t changed only the audience has. “I don’t even have my baby girl in my arms yet, and I can tell you that everything that I do now is for her & her future,” she says. “I don’t feel the need anymore to be this huge business mogul. I just want to break family generational traumas by being the best mother on this planet, and that starts by being a present parent. My purpose is to pour into my daughter so she can know anything she wants to accomplish in this world is possible.”
But that doesn’t mean she’s letting go of structure altogether. Just like she mastered time management in business, she and her husband have put a system in place to balance parenting and personal time. “My husband and I have a schedule for baby girl that way I can shower, rest, and feel human and vice versa. We usually create content on the weekends when we’re both at home and batch that throughout the week. Once baby girl is born, it’ll be more raw clips of life with a newborn because we may or may not have time for content days. So we plan on filming our daily journey as first-time parents as we go.”
Still, privacy is important. While she loves sharing her daily life, some things are sacred. “I keep certain parts of my marriage private just because that’s the healthy thing to do,” she explains. “Not everything needs to be online, and this allows us to have an online presence but still have things that are sacred to us. I love sharing cooking, getting ready with us, and once she’s here, it will be a lot of content about the realities of a first-time mom such as night shifts and waking up several times a night… etc.”
Photo by Esther Ruth Photo
Flowers: Afternoon Tea Rose
Photos by Ashley Guice Creative
At the end of the day, Lauriel’s approach to life, business, and now motherhood all comes down to one thing keeping it real. “I plan on being Lauriel, the person who keeps it real,” she says. “I am nobody special. I just believe in allowing God to guide you in your desires, stopping the excuses, and just going after it even when it’s hard. My platforms have always been uplifting whether as a business coach or VA and I just plan on continuing that, but now as a mom.”
With a new chapter unfolding and a growing platform, Lauriel Arkeah is stepping into her next season with purpose, joy, and the same determination that made her a success in the first place. Only now, success looks a little different. It’s in the warmth of home, the excitement of starting a family, and the legacy she’s building—one authentic moment at a time.
Photo courtesy of SOCIETY18
Pamela ZapataRedefines Influence with SOCIETY18
Pamela Zapata isn’t just navigating the influencer marketing industry she’s redefining it. As the founder of SOCIETY18, a leading talent management agency for multicultural creators, she’s built a business that goes beyond brand deals and engagement metrics. Her work is about breaking barriers, amplifying underrepresented voices, and ensuring that diversity in influencer marketing isn’t just a buzzword it’s a standard.
When she launched SOCIETY18 in 2019, Pamela knew she was stepping into uncharted territory. Running an influencer agency was already a bold move, but doing so as a woman of color in an industry that often lacked the resources and networks she needed made it even more challenging. "As a first-generation American, I also lacked the generational resources and networks that many of my industry peers had access to," she shares. Without a roadmap, she had to create one herself.
Photo courtesy of SOCIETY18
Instead of letting those challenges deter her, Pamela took a strategic approach. "Early on, I outlined my company structure and established processes and procedures. Doing this while my business was still small gave me the flexibility to make adjustments as needed." She also hired a business coach, a decision she calls invaluable. "Having someone with a deep understanding of business structure, scaling, and decisionmaking helped me navigate critical moments that could have had a major impact on my business." But beyond business strategy, her coach also had a background in psychology and leadership development, helping Pamela overcome the mental barriers that often come with being a first-time entrepreneur.
Now, as she leads SOCIETY18 through a rapidly evolving influencer landscape, her focus remains clear: authenticity, representation, and long-term sustainability. Having worked with top-tier beauty brands like Estée Lauder, MAC, and Dove, she’s seen firsthand the impact that genuine inclusivity can have on a campaign. "My experiences have taught me the value of authentic representation and the importance of crafting stories that resonate with diverse audiences," she says. SOCIETY18 doesn’t just secure brand deals it ensures that multicultural creators are at the forefront of campaigns that truly reflect their experiences. "Multicultural creators bring unparalleled depth to beauty campaigns through their unique perspectives and lived experiences," Pamela explains. "We are committed to representing a wide array of talent who can help in ensuring that every campaign we work on highlights the influencer’s authentic identity and celebrates what makes them distinct, rather than trying to fit them into a restrictive mold."
One of the biggest mistakes brands make when working with diverse creators? Oversimplification. "There’s a tendency to oversimplify or pigeonhole diverse talent into stereotypes or a one-size-fits-all approach," she says. "Multicultural creators bring unique perspectives, and their audiences are highly engaged because they value authenticity." That’s where SOCIETY18 comes in to bridge the gap between brands and creators, ensuring campaigns are culturally aware, authentic, and impactful.
For influencers looking to break into the industry, Pamela has one key piece of advice: don’t lose yourself trying to appeal to everyone. "One of the most common pitfalls influencers encounter when building their personal brand is trying to appeal to everyone. In doing so, they often lose sight of what makes them unique, diluting their authenticity in the process, " she explains. "It’s easy to get caught up in chasing trends or overcommitting to brand deals that don’t align with their values, but this can erode the trust and connection they’ve worked hard to build with their audience."
This is where SOCIETY18 plays a crucial role. "We help our creators avoid these mistakes by emphasizing the importance of staying true to their voice and values. We guide them in making strategic decisions about which partnerships to pursue and help them set clear goals for their brand." The key to long-term success isn’t in chasing every opportunity it’s in choosing the right ones.
Photo courtesy of SOCIETY18
One of the most common pitfalls influencers encounter when building their personal brand is trying to appeal to everyone.
Beyond brand deals and influencer marketing strategies, Pamela wants to ensure that SOCIETY18 helps creators build long-term, sustainable careers ones that go beyond social media. "To build a strong online presence and expand beyond content creation, influencers should first focus on creating a consistent and authentic brand identity," she advises. "Beyond content, influencers should look for ways to diversify their income streams and leverage their influence. This could include launching product lines, creating digital products like e-books or courses, or offering consulting services."
As SOCIETY18 continues to grow, Pamela remains committed to what has always set her apart: her ability to see the bigger picture. "At the end of the day, meaningful partnerships come from staying authentic, creating opportunities aligned with your goals, and building strong, genuine connections with both your audience and potential partners."
With a clear vision, a deep understanding of the industry, and an unwavering commitment to diversity, Pamela Zapata is doing more than just shaping influencer marketing she’s elevating it.
Ana Phoenixx Crafts a Sound That Transcends Boundaries
Ana Phoenixx's relationship with music started as a child, long before she had the words to articulate it. At just three years old, she found herself immersed in the warmth of sound inside her father’s home studio. It wasn’t just a place to play it was where she formed a deep, almost mystical connection to music itself. "Warmth is what stands out in my mind about the sound and air of that time. It’s that warmth that mystically fuses notes and ideas together it feels like a warm sensory adhesive in my imagination," she recalls. That feeling stayed with her, eventually inspiring the name of her most recent band, Cohesion.
For Ana, music wasn’t something confined to scales and rules—it was an entity, a personality, even a playmate. “Music became a friend and playmate, something to engage with directly, dialogue with, and get to know. Curiously and playfully, I formed bonds with music as an additional member of my family. Being an only child, this amplified the fun in the house.” More than just a hobby, those early years shaped her philosophy: music isn’t just sound it’s an echo of who we are.
That deep connection with music led her to an unforgettable moment at just 10 years old winning the Disney Superstar Kids competition. For Ana, it felt like stepping into her own dream. “It was definitely a ‘Charlie Bucket, Golden Ticket’ moment,” she says. “It was very romantic for me at that time, and that romance kind of built the momentum for my drive to keep pursuing my dream. The experience made it all tangible and made it feel possible to actually live inside the story I’d imagined for myself.”
BE YOURSELF NO MATTER WHO’S IN THE ROOM. HOW CAN YOU FULLY INVEST IN A VISION AND BRING TO FRUITIO
F
IT CHANGES EVERY TIME SOMEONE WALKS IN THE ROOM?”
That golden ticket moment also brought her to Hollywood to work with Disney’s music department, a surreal experience that left a lasting impression. “Being flown out to work with Disney was unforgettable. All of the professionals I met there were so lovely and accommodating, stewarding my child-like wonder and awe of having a Hollywood experience,” she recalls. Working with producer Marco Marinangeli was particularly impactful, as he created a space where she could be herself stylistically. “I carried his positive reinforcement with me in the back of my mind beyond our recording session and into my future endeavors.” And perhaps most memorably, she got to see firsthand how her music connected with others including me. “Meeting with you, Ella, helped crystallize this beautiful time in my childhood. You are a part of the memory. Knowing I had a peer who was connecting to my story and art was a great feeling! I’m still thankful for that.”
As her career evolved, Ana sought out opportunities to learn from some of the most established figures in the industry. But what interested her most wasn’t just their success it was why they did what they did. “I studied people’s minds and approaches. I’d observe a person I worked with and try to determine and understand their core science. For me, it was more about studying their ‘why’ than their product.”
One of her biggest influences was Malice of The Clipse, whose artistic precision left a mark on her. “From working with Malice of The Clipse, I refined the art of being concise, crisp, and pointed. He’s naturally brilliant at this in thought, conversation, and art. He frames the picture and lets logic speak for itself. It’s effortless, at times minimal. It’s resonant and elegant. No filler, all impact.”
Through all of these experiences, Ana developed a strong sense of identity in her artistry, learning one critical lesson: “It doesn’t pay to code-switch. That’s my personal perspective. Be yourself no matter who’s in the room. How can you fully invest in a vision and bring it to fruition if it changes every time someone walks in the room?”
Her sound, which she’s dubbed “Highly Dimensional Music” (HDM), is rooted in this authenticity. “Highly Dimensional Music (HDM) is my call to this nature in everyone. I want people to continually experience the connection I felt as a child,” she explains. “It’s the idea that internal and external resonance can create new spaces. Musical tones can act as a transit system, transporting us to ourselves, to our memories, or even to our future.” The name also holds personal significance it subtly honors her father, whose initials are H.D.
Being a self-taught multi-instrumentalist has given Ana a unique approach to composition. “Access to multiple instruments has definitely given me options for exploring ranges and dimensions in music and expression,” she says. “Perhaps there’s a level where it gives me more control over my production style. Although, I like to think of the mind as the primary instrument.”
Still, one instrument will always feel like home. “I’d probably be lying if I didn’t say the guitar is home. It just is. The fretboard feels like a dimensional grid of time and space!” she laughs. “However, any instrument you’re touching at the moment of inspiration feels like home.”
At Artaraxia Productions, Ana has focused on helping other artists shape their sound by emphasizing customization in artistry. “Society tends to lean toward reductionism for the sake of convenience. While there may be times when this is efficient, I believe convenience is a cheap reason to abandon your potential,” she says. “I think it’s the role of the arts to safeguard and cultivate our individual identities. Without distinction, there are no layers, and this limits our functionality and depth as a collective.”
Her process for helping artists develop their sound is deeply personal. “I approach helping other artists by seeking to identify the intricate, signature things about their sphere of being. I aim to transcribe that into music, tone, and texture that other people naturally recognize through human connection.”
Her own creative process is just as layered, often beginning with a simple observation. “I begin with what is. What ‘is’ in the logical realm, what ‘is’ in the physical and emotional realm. Whether it’s a story, an object, a person, or an idea,” she explains. “Often, my projects are inspired by a question. As humans, we never run out of those. So I just follow the question and some of the answers naturally follow. And maybe the answers that don’t appear lead to more questions. I just follow the natural course of cause and effect and document it.”
Beyond creating music, Ana has also spent time mentoring young artists, coaching them in studio etiquette and vocal performance. It’s something that has deepened her own artistic perspective. “Coaching provides an opportunity to do what I always hope to achieve through music: gift someone with the treasures of my personal experience. It’s gratifying and harmonious because mentees gift the same thing back to me,” she says.
The advice she gives most often? “Respect your cave.”
“Solitude is where you polish your inner jewel.”
Balancing the roles of both artist and business owner has been a learning curve, but Ana has developed a method to manage it all. “There’s been a learning curve to practicing balance because I’m passionate about all the facets, and it can be hard to pace myself,” she admits. “Any one of these facets could consume me if I let it. Goal setting has been tremendously helpful. Time is prioritized by the goals, and the goals are governed by purpose.”
And while the business side of the industry wasn’t always her main focus, she quickly realized its importance. “My business is an extension of my vision and brand, so I aim to wield it just like my instruments or production. It takes extra effort for me to focus on business, but it’s a necessary vehicle to serve my true goal,” she explains. “Poor business decisions consume time and energy and can limit the reach of your projects. The only thing strong enough to make me prioritize learning the business was a desire to safeguard my art and optimize its reach.”
From her earliest days in her father’s home studio to running her own company, Ana Phoenixx has built a career that embodies everything she stands for depth, experimentation, and connection. With Artaraxia Productions, she’s not just making music. She’s creating experiences, forging bonds, and proving that art, in its truest form, is limitless.
You Are Not for Everyone And Why That’s More Than Okay
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been different. The weird kid. The one whose dreams didn’t fit neatly into a box, who saw the world through a lens that others didn’t quite understand And for a while, I fought it I wanted so badly to be accepted, to blend in, to prove to the doubters that I could be successful their way. I twisted and molded myself into something more digestible, more expected. I let go of pieces of myself, trading them for a version that felt safer a version that didn’t make people raise their eyebrows or question my choices.
But here’s the thing about denying who you are: it doesn’t last. You can only play a role for so long before you start to feel the weight of everything you’ve left behind. And when that weight got too heavy, I had a choice keep shrinking myself to fit into a space that was never meant for me or step out, fully, as who I was always meant to be.
So, I chose me The weird kid The dreamer The one who refused to believe that just because something hadn’t been done before, it couldn’t be done at all. And you know what? It was the best decision I ever made. Being different isn’t a flaw it’s a superpower. The people who truly love and support you won’t ask you to change to make them more comfortable They’ll celebrate the things that make you you They’ll see your vision, even if it takes a little longer for the rest of the world to catch up.
So if your dream doesn’t fit the box, good. If people don’t get it, great. If the road looks nothing like the one everyone else is walking, walk it anyway. Because the only thing harder than chasing an unconventional dream is living with the regret of never trying at all
SUBSCRIBE
ORIGIN*HAUS
