“I'm happy to be growing organically and, you know, taking my time with it. I'm not in a rush. So I think that's what I've learned in the past kind of eight, nine, eight years since I've had the brand. It's just, it's going to take time.”
What does it take to trade a corporate career at Burberry and Cartier for life as a fashion founder in New York City? For Nina Sarin, Founder & Creative Director of Arias New York, it all started with courage, creativity — and just the right amount of naivete.

In this inspiring episode of Startups and Stilettos, hosts Carlyn Bushman and Ingrid Zapata Read sit down with Entreprenista League member Nina Sarin to explore her journey from business school and luxury marketing to launching a globally recognized women’s ready-to-wear brand. Known for its modern, feminine silhouettes and sophisticated day-to-night designs, Arias New York has been featured by retailers like Net-a-Porter, Moda Operandi, and Rent the Runway — all while keeping production proudly local in New York City.

What we talked about:
Working at Parsons [3:55]
Learning New Tricks [10:12]
Standing Out From Others [16:15]
Advice for New Designers [21:26]
Being Your Own Advocate [25:41]

Connect with Carlyn: ⁠⁠

@carlynbushmanconsulting⁠⁠ on Instagram ⁠⁠

Carlyn Bushman⁠⁠ on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠

@itsingridsworld ⁠⁠on Instagram ⁠⁠

Ingrid Zapata-Read⁠⁠ on ⁠Linkedin⁠

 ⁠⁠⁠Grow With Community⁠⁠⁠

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Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!

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