When you were five years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I just wanted to be an artist in every form. But, most importantly, I wanted to sing. Whitney Houston was my idol back then.
What was your first job?
Burger King. I learned custom service, the way you treat people. It’s very important.
What’s the greatest obstacle you’ve ever faced in your professional life?
Getting over my fear of actually believing that I’m worthy of this life. I’m worthy of the abundance that is already predestined for me. It really was an identity crisis for me and I had to come to terms with it. [I had to say,] “Arlene, this is your life. You are worthy. You are worthy of this. You are worthy of all of these gifts, all of the talents, and all of the benefits that come from these gifts and talents.”
What quality do you think has served you best in your career so far?
My character. It means everything to me. I want my name to carry a positive amount of weight in this industry. And it does because of my character.
What’s your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Me cooking dinner and being with my family and coming out on the patio and just relaxing on a nice sunny day. And having the music and maybe the grill going in the back. A cookout.
What quote do you live by?
Maya Angelou said, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”
The thing that almost no one knows about me is…?
I love to make people laugh. I’m very, very goofy when I’m around my inner circle. I’m loud.
What about the beauty industry in 2023 do you find most exciting?
That beauty experts and creatives are now getting the attention they deserve.
Your fantasy superpower would be?
To be like Tinkerbell and sprinkle world peace everywhere. Anytime there was some kind of outrage, I’d sprinkle pixie dust on top of them and everybody would just be peaceful again.
Your actual superpower is?
I am relentless and I am resilient. Anything that I want to do in life, I can achieve it.
Who’s on your A List?