Today we’d like to introduce you to Arielle Stephen.
Hi Arielle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi! I’m Arielle, the new owner of Abrakadoodle Loudoun County. My path here is unconventional–I spent over 16 years in healthcare working on cardiovascular patient and engagement. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Health Administration from Indiana University and my master’s degree in Health Services Management and Leadership from The George Washington University. My work was always focused on creating meaningful, patient-centered experiences.
Creativity has always been a part of my life–I previously worked as a bridal makeup artist, which is where my love for art and self-expression grew. I appreciate all things beauty!
Being the daughter of an entrepreneur, and now the wife of one too, I always had a strong desire to build something of my own. After researching a number of franchises, Abrakadoodle stood out as a natural fit. It let me combine that creative passion with a real, community-based business. I love living in Loudoun County, and was very excited at the prospect of building a business here.
I’m passionate about creating fun, welcoming spaces where kids can disconnect from our tech-driven world, explore hands-on projects, build confidence and meet new friends and I’m thrilled to bring that to families right here in Loudoun County.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The first five months certainly presented their fair share of challenges! Owning and operating a business requires learning on multiple fronts simultaneously–understanding the operational side of running things, developing a deep familiarity with the product itself, and then getting out there and actually marketing and selling the product.
Sales and marketing have been the steepest learning curve for me personally, as it doesn’t come as naturally as some other aspects of business ownership. I’m actively developing my sales skills and expect to keep refining as I move along this journey.
That said, I’ve grown significantly in a short period of time. I’ve also been extremely fortunate to have strong support along the way–particularly from my husband, who is a business owner himself, and from several close friends who are also entrepreneurs and have shared their guidance and experiences!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Abrakadoodle Loudoun County?
Abrakadoodle Loudoun County is a curriculum-based, mobile art program offering enrichment classes, camps, parties, and special events. Our primary focus is children ages 3–12, though we’re expanding to reach teens and adults as well!
We partner with a wide range of host sites including recreation and community centers, schools, daycare centers, libraries, and more — to bring our programs directly into the community. Abrakadoodle offers extensive visual arts instruction across a broad range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, mosaics, collage, paper art, sketching, and foil embossing.
Our philosophy is rooted in the theories of Jean Piaget and active learning — the idea that children learn best through hands-on, experiential engagement. Every class is designed to build knowledge, skills, and creativity, all while making sure kids have fun along the way.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Bringing a creative service to Loudoun County kids that allows them to disconnect, decompress, and have FUN!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://abrakadoodle.com
- Instagram: @abrakadoodleloudoun
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbrakadoodleLoudounCounty
