Carol: I can relate. I was a young entrepreneur myself, managing from 5 to 60 employees over the years and I never had one position filled that I hadn’t performed myself. Ironically, even in my holistic health practice, my clients have always commented that I had that extra special edge, compared to other providers, because I have been both patient and practitioner, experiencing both sides. They felt and appreciated the insights I had to best help and support them. In all honesty, I never gave it a thought. I was just being myself, but hearing many clients mention that truly had an impact on me as well. My concern was to help them regain their health and abilities as best I could. Thinking about it further, I also believe, for me, part of that was in my upbringing. We were raised to do chores, respect others and put ourselves in another’s shoes.
Continuing, as we both know, Vegas is also referred to as the Entertainment Capital of the World. One of my most famous and beloved performing groups is Cirque du Soleil. Having studied French from 3rd grade through 12th, I fell in love with France and the language many, many years ago and always wanted to visit France. I am excited to learn more about your work with the Cirque performers.
Ari: Yes, Sha and I have modeled, danced, and performed with many of the famed Cirque du Soleil entertainers on stage on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. In fact, our good friend Wassa, a local business owner with a large boutique and custom design house, was the lead performer in the famous adult Cirque show – Zumanity, for most of its run, prior to closure during COVID. Wassa is one of my personal designers. In fact, I am wearing one of her gorgeous French inspired jackets right now.
Carol: Beautiful. I love the jacket! Was working with these talented performers an amazing experience for you?
Ari: Truthfully, it was a little intimidating. I am a relatively shy person. Sha, being the opposite of me, was the one that really pushed me towards confidence. I grew up studying ballet, so the stage was not a foreign place, but when you see the outrageously bizarre talent associated with Cirque, it’s overwhelming :Maximillian the Clown, Wassa, sword swallowers, contortionists, acrobats, my gosh. I certainly did not belong there with that incredible talent, but people seemed to like my performance, as I have been on stage with the talent for multiple occasions now, so yes, I’ve had some unforgettable experiences.
I have also always believed that education, life, this journey is not so much about the things that can be remembered, but rather it is more about those things that cannot be forgotten.
I can relate as well with your feelings about France Carol. Culturally, I am an Ashkenazi Jew. I am very interested in traveling back to and residing in my ancestral region of Northern France. Some people have told me I am an old soul. I guess I agree because I love thinking and reading about history and Renaissance era French figures like Joan of Arc. When you get to know her, you realize, age is just a number and no matter what your number, she used her time on the planet valuably. Seeing her image at The Louvre was very powerful for me.
Carol: I’m sure in that realization, it certainly was for you, Ari.
Is going to France a plan for the near future, at least to visit and experience the area or is that part of a future long-term plan?
Ari: Over the past 18 months, I have worked daily on setting up an overseas business related to medical cannabis. Our headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland, but we are in the process of purchasing a gorgeous bed and breakfast, 18-hole golf course and restaurant complex in Voulx, France, about 45 minutes east of Paris. Now that I know about your love of France, perhaps, you’d like to be my guest when we start putting all this together, as early as January.
Carol: I know that is truly from your heart Ari and oh, how I would love that. It sounds so absolutely gorgeous and lovely. A dream come true, but sadly, for now, it would be a miracle to come to be. I do expect many videos and photos though.
Ari: Absolutely Carol. I’d love to do those for you.
Carol: Ari, I feel it is a good time to ask about other achievements, such as those during your time with AriSha™? Would you care to expound upon those?
Ari: The Palm Steakhouse comes to mind for sure. The Palm Steakhouse is an iconic national chain with 21 premier restaurants throughout the United States. Aside from their fine food, The Palm is known for its highly recognizable walls, which features large caricatures of very important historical and cultural people or groups to that location. In Vegas, the wall portrays the important hotels of The Las Vegas Strip as well as performers like Elvis, Sammy Davis, Wayne Newton and Celine Dion. There are business legends like Benny Binion and Steve Wynn mixed among all these prolific Las Vegas notables. I grew up studying those walls, like every other person. Then, AriSha™ was invited to memorialize ourselves as part of Las Vegas business and entertainment culture on the wall of the Palm Steakhouse in world famous Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.
