Arian Simone’s ‘Fearless’ Journey From Homelessness To Entrepreneur

Name: Arian Simone

Company: Arian Simone Enterprises, Fearless Magazine

Age: 30

Fearless Magazine was started as a result of my personal fearlessness and wanting people to share their fearless journey with others.

In 2004, after college, I moved to Los Angeles for a new job. After one month of employment the company was sold and I was laid off. With the job loss, I moved from my apartment and could no longer afford my car. I sold my clothes and belongings so I could eat and put gas in my car. I never imagined that this would happen to me!

There I was…educated (undergrad and graduate education) with no job. I applied for over 150 jobs and no one hired me. I tried temp agencies. I was on welfare and food stamps. It seemed like one bad break after another. My car broke down and I soon checked into a shelter. I was homeless for seven months. One day I called my mother and told her I didn’t even see the purpose of living if this is what life was like. Through the experiences, my relationship with Jesus Christ grew stronger.

Later that year, an acquaintance referred me for PR & Marketing work, they sent other referrals and in 2 weeks I had about 5 to 7 projects in full gear. I immediately got my car out of the shop, and moved into an office space. For a month I lived out of the office until I was able to afford an apartment. The office space was a blessing;  It was in a central LA high rise on the 19^th floor. I shared the floor with a hip-hop station (100.3 The Beat). I would wake up every morning and network with celebrities scheduled for the morning show- I made plenty of contacts.

One day I ran into Ken Carter, Richmond High School basketball- Coach Carter, and he shared with me the fact that movie studios outsource various services similar to those that I offered. He then offered me the opportunity to assist with various projects for the movie, Coach Carter, prior to its release.

From there, I contacted FAMU alumnus that I knew were in the movie business, Will Packer and Rob Hardy, and let them know what I had been up to. Soon after, I was blessed to work on projects including, Stomp the Yard and This Christmas. Sony Pictures soon became a client and we took on PR & Marketing campaigns for Takers, Quantum of Solace 007, Hancock, Seven Pounds, First Sunday, Taking Pelham 123, and many more.

Best Success Story:

My event planning and movie production company, Arian Simone Enterprises, has serviced celebrities from Lil Wayne to Chris Brown. We have developed star-studded events surrounding the Oscars and the Grammy’s.

Also, my personal testimony birthed my non-profit, Live Your Dreams. We aid youth in identifying their gifts and talents and educate them on non-traditional careers and the value of living a fulfilled life. I also dedicate time to train others in skills that I have been blessed to learn, because to whom much is given, much is required.

I don’t share any of this to boast, but as a testament to witness to you that God is great, and with Him all things are possible. I take no credit for my success-it has been God’s hand upon my life doing the work.

As the old saying goes, “If there’s a will, there is a way.” As long as you move forward and get things going with resuorces that you have been given, I believe God will continue to open doors for you. You just have to start the work and He always sends His angels as long as you are working.

This article is published with permission from original publisher, Young, Fabulous, and Self-Employed

If you’d like to contribute to Brooklyn Avenue Journal, send your story to Contribute@BrooklynAvenueJournal.com