Meet Karim Aboud: Full Time Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karim Aboud and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karim, what’s the most important think you’ve done for your children?
I feel that’s such a loaded question. I feel parenting is ‘never ending’ and so I don’t think it’s one thing I’ve done but a system of things that I will have to continue to do, to mold them, guide them and impact them. I learned a valuable lesson almost two years ago. I was following my dream as an entrepreneur, enjoying the money coming in, had a new home, had a new Mercedes, had my two little girls and life was perfect. I thought the more time I spent on building my career the better it will be for my children. And then my youngest passed away. That shit rocked my world. Suddenly my career, money, material things – everything I worked so hard to acquire – meant nothing. I really had to dig deep to survive that time and if it wasn’t for the value system and strength put in place early in life by my family – I don’t think I would’ve made it. And that is the most impactful thing I can do for my children today. The most important role you have as a parent is to help your child internalize a value system that will be their compass as they sail the rough seas of life. Because it wont always be easy. It’s not just about being a good role model but about putting in Quality time with them, getting to really know them. Impact them by putting away the phones, the egos, the job, and really connect with your children on a deeper level, genuinely show interest in their interests and share their passions. In fact, my daughter Aria watches me work and fulfill orders and work with my clients daily and I always knew she was paying attention, but little did I know what she would approach me with. She approached me recently and told me she would like to have her own soap business and make ‘pretty soaps that smell good’ – she’s 4 years old. Of course I bought her all the materials, got her a logo and now we share a studio! She’s actually getting more orders than I am. 😊 “There’s only one thing more precious than our time and that’s who we spend it on”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Aria Marli Art is ever changing, growing and diversifying. I’m a self-taught artist who loves to experiment and discover new ways to mix mediums and put things together that you wouldn’t normally. Not only do I strive to make my work beautiful, but I want it to be functional. I love my art because it has grown to be my therapy to deal with they heavy grief I live with. One day its resin, the next I’m wood burning then the third day I’m combining the two. What helps me cope one day doesn’t the next and that’s what keeps me exploring and challenging myself as an artist. You can always find me trying something new and experimenting with something new and I think my clients love it. I also love the flexibility I have as an artist. When the pandemic started I had the flexibility to put my resin art on hold and start sewing cloth masks for the community. I was able to sew over 2,000+ masks for friends, family, hospitals and more and hired friends who lost their jobs to help in the process. It was long nights of no sleep and waiting in line in the heat for hours for fabric, but I’m proud and happy I was able to have the flexibility to do that. It hasn’t been easy and I’ve seen other artists accounts that started after I did grow and become extremely successful almost overnight and it’s hard not to compare. But I always remember that I cannot compare my Chapter 1 to their Chapter 20 and that what I have in my life now works for me and my family. It’s still fun for me, it’s my therapy and its what I need right now.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to ake them around to?
Well with COVID right now, no one is going anywhere lol If I had to imagine though I would probably plan a little getaway. I love a place near here called Ginnie Springs. It’s a park with 7 beautiful crystal clear springs where you can camp, kayak,paddleboard etc. Its breathtaking there and one of my fav places to escape to. Other than that I don’t know – I’m a homebody mommy and always working hahah – I’d need someone to show me around!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Family and Friends! When times really got hard for me and I didn’t know if I could make it through they rallied together and held me up. They loved me, motivated me, and did not let me fail. I love them and I owe them everything.

Website: www.ariamarliart.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/aria.marli
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ariamarliart
Other: www.etsy.com/shop/ariamarliart