Life & Work with Kareem Arias León of Tempe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kareem Arias León

Hi Kareem, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my career modeling in October 2022, diving into the world of fashion with a passion for being in front of the camera. As I immersed myself in the industry, I quickly discovered that my true calling lay behind the scenes. I realized that directing and styling allowed me to express my creativity on a much deeper level, where I could bring entire visions to life, not just through posing but by shaping the entire aesthetic of a shoot.

This realization led me to shift my focus from modeling to creative direction and styling. I found immense satisfaction in crafting looks, assembling outfits on the spot, and creating mood boards that tell compelling visual stories. Each project became an opportunity to experiment, innovate, and push creative boundaries, which has been incredibly fulfilling and has shaped my path in the fashion industry.

This shift in focus was also influenced by my decision not to pursue a traditional college education. I knew that spending years on a degree in something I wasn’t passionate about wasn’t the path I wanted to take. Instead, I chose to dive headfirst into the world of fashion, where I could fully embrace and develop my creativity. Directing and styling have allowed me to do just that, giving me the freedom to express myself and pursue a career that truly excites me.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to where I am today has definitely not been smooth. Balancing a 9-5 job while chasing my dreams in the fashion industry has been one of the biggest challenges. It’s been a constant juggle between maintaining financial stability and dedicating the time and energy needed to grow in such a competitive field.

One of the toughest aspects has been finding people who are willing to help and guide me in the right direction. The fashion industry is incredibly exclusive, and breaking into it requires persistence, resilience, and a lot of learning on the go. I’ve had to really dive deep into understanding the industry, from its trends to its key players, and build connections that could open doors.

Another challenge has been gaining the trust of my family. Pursuing a career in fashion, especially one that takes years to establish, wasn’t an easy decision for them to accept. It’s a path that requires a lot of patience and dedication, and I’ve had to prove that this is more than just a passion—it’s my future. Despite the struggles, each step has brought me closer to my goals, and the journey continues to shape who I am as a creative professional.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m known for my work in styling and creative direction, where I specialize in streetwear. My ability to craft looks that resonate with urban culture while maintaining a fresh and unique perspective is something I’m particularly passionate about. However, my skills aren’t limited to streetwear—I can cater to and style a wide range of looks, adapting to different aesthetics while still infusing my own creative vision.

What truly sets me apart is my creative vision. I have a knack for seeing the bigger picture and bringing concepts to life in a way that is both innovative and true to the essence of the project. Whether it’s a high-fashion editorial or a more casual streetwear shoot, I approach each project with the same level of passion and attention to detail.

One of the achievements I’m most proud of is my recent work with Vogue. These projects have allowed me to push my creative boundaries and showcase what I can do on a larger platform. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see my vision come to life in such a prestigious publication, and it motivates me to continue evolving as a creative professional.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The Covid-19 crisis taught me some valuable lessons, especially about the importance of leveraging social media. With the world on pause and everyone at home, it became a unique time to really focus on my craft. I had the opportunity to experiment with different ideas, refine my skills, and use social media as a platform to showcase my work and connect with others in the industry. Being stuck at home with so much free time, I realized it was the perfect moment to dive deep into my creative process and push my craft to where I wanted it to be. It was a challenging period, but it also opened up new possibilities and ways to grow.

Pricing:

• Consultant- $80 1hr
• Personal Stylist- $500-5k
• Photo Shoots (directing/styling) Base Rate- $900
• Video Shoot- $500 (2hrs)
• Tours- 1k-15k

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usernamefounnd/
• Other: iamkareeeeem@gmail.com

Image Credits
Photographers (Umberto Luk) & (Eli Cook)