feel + flourish: follow friday: @arizadai

I am really excited about today's follow friday post. Today you guys will get to know a friend of mine for almost a decade. a DECADE people. i met this girl in high school, we were in separable friends. we both have grown and changed since we met all those years ago. (we met during our emo // hardcore // intense eyeliner days). our friendship has always been long distance. i moved to norfolk and we were finally in the same city, then she left that same summer for nashville to follow her heart. she has traveled to iceland twice. and has a huge heart for the world. get to know ariel or as people now know her as 'ari.'

1. Ariel Zadai // 23 soon-to-be 24! // Nashville // freelance photography & barista

2. okay, so we have been friends for ten years. so of course I want to start your first question with how we met ;)

Oh man, we met when I was only 16! First of all, we basically were the first social media friends via Myspace. Took my mom a minute for her to be ok with us meeting, so I remember inviting you to my then boyfriend's show and we instantly were soul mate friends! I remember all the colors we used to wear and all the eye liner too, haha. Our friendship story is definitely old school and I love it!

3. you moved to Nashville now 2 years ago, how have you grown since you moved?

Man, I have grown in so many ways. I have learned so much about friendship and community. The community I have been influenced by in Nashville has pushed me forward and kept me accountable on so many levels. My relationship with Jesus has expanded in ways I never thought needed to grow in. I've learned to be still and wait; that has been huge. It is kind of difficult to explain, without sounding too vague, but my love for Jesus has grown so deeply in my heart. I feel like my move to Nashville has been more a focus on my overall identity, then anything else. I'll leave it there..haha.

4. what are some of your favorite places in your city?

There are so many quality places here! To name a few food & coffee places - Crema, Silly Goose, High Brow Brew, Barista Parlor, Burger Up, Mas Tacos. My favorite local stores are Imogene & WIllie, White's Mercantile, & Lulu's.

5. if you were a coffee beverage what would you be? (and what latte art would you be?)

Hmm, I think I would probably be a cortado because it's just the right amount of balance between espresso and milk. I'd like to be a heart or a tulip! (I know, super girly..)

6. you are a world traveler. if you could pick your next international location, where would it be?

Definitely Israel! I have been dreaming of going to Israel, or really anywhere around the Middle East for years now.

7.your birthday is next week!! what are some of your hopes and dreams for your 24th year?

Honestly, I want 24 to BE a year of hopes & dreams! The past few years have been some of the most trying, so I am hoping 24 will be the best year yet. I want to see my photography blossom and I would love to meet more connections within the industry so I can further my knowledge in it. I want to start writing a book, and I would like to write at least 2 songs! Also, I would love to meet an awesome man…just saying'!

8. what inspires you?

This is such a cliche response, but I am always inspired by Jesus, seriously.

Lately, my practical inspirations have been talking to traveling artists. I am in full-time customer service, so you can image the amount of people I meet and I love it. Everyone holds different passions and views on those passions. It fascinates me! I honestly am constantly surprised and inspired just by being open and asking someone about their story. Even if it is just a glimpse, they always leave pieces of their heart with me.

9. where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I can hardly see where I'll be the rest of this year, haha! But I would love to be settled in a city somewhere, hopefully starting a family, pursuing life with loved ones, and making future travel plans.