Today we’d like to introduce you to Arial Cohen.
Hi Arial, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a sewing instructor and designer based in Encinitas, and I run Sip & Sew Encinitas as well as my made-to-order brand, Style Ari. The creation of Sip & Sew Encinitas came about very unexpectedly. The opportunity arose when a parent at the school I formerly taught at approached me and offered her space upon learning of my desire to teach others how to sew.
After my first workshop, I was hooked. Teaching others about my passion has brought me so much fulfillment and joy. The workshops have grown tremendously over the past two years. Dozens of ladies have left our classes with a finished garment and a new sense of confidence in their sewing skills. What has helped our workshops grow so quickly is the fact that they are unique compared to others. We prioritize sustainability and natural fibers, and each student leaves with a completed piece. We offer topics such as linen dresses, cotton overalls, and silk wrap skirts. Our most popular topic this season was quilted jackets!
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?
We have had many learning experiences along the way, especially when it comes to curating the right class sizes and choosing topics that can be completely finished within a day, no matter a person’s experience level. This is when my knowledge of pattern design was put to the test. I furthered my learning to be sure I understood how to customize correctly so that each student could get the perfect fit. Live feedback from students has also played a part in ensuring successful classes.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What truly sets our workshops apart is that our patterns are always customized to a student’s measurements. Throughout my sewing journey, I worked to increase my knowledge in pattern design to ensure a perfect fit for everyone, because everyone deserves to feel beautiful in clothing that fits them well.
In addition to Sip & Sew Encinitas, I also run a made-to-order fashion brand called Style Ari. This brand has blossomed in recent years. I had always felt the desire to create clothing that fit me well; I did not want to settle for general sizing or low-quality clothing anymore. One size does not fit all. My passion for sustainability grew as I stepped into the world of fashion. I realized how much waste is truly accumulated from fast fashion brands, and I wanted to keep my carbon footprint as low as possible as I embarked on my sewing journey.
My brand started with simple upcycling projects, and over time I began creating clothing from scratch. I made my very first dress in 2021, and I have been passionately sewing clothes from scratch almost every day since then. I have made over 100 custom pieces over the years between my orders and personal projects.
Back in 2024, I had the opportunity to design for my first-ever runway show. This was a surreal day for me, seeing my passion on stage. In 2025, I was chosen to show my designs again, and this time I tried my hand at bridal work. That was when I found my niche. Modest bridal options are hard to come by, and I wanted to bridge the gap by creating pieces for younger women who value coverage but still want to stay on trend. I am continuously learning all that I can about bridal construction and what goes into a quality gown. My goal is to show a contemporary bridal collection in the spring of 2027, inspired by the art of ballet.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory was exploring my snowy backyard with all of my siblings. When you are that small, the world seems so big and adventurous. We were always looking for little fairy caves in the trees.
Contact Info:
For those interested in learning how to sew, Sip & Sew Encinitas offers workshops, private lessons, and private sewing parties. Style Ari creates custom, made-to-order garments, including modest bridal gowns.
To book a workshop, private sewing party, or private lesson, message @sipandsewencinitas on Instagram.
To inquire about custom clothing or a bridal gown, visit styleari.com or message @stylearial on Instagram.
- Website: styleari.com
- Instagram: @sipandsewencinitas / @stylearial
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Tiktok: @stylearial
