A Moment with Stylist Jesse Arifien

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Jesse Arifien's life is a curated blend of minimalism, creativity, and family. As a stylist and creative director, Jesse has an innate talent for bringing together colors, textures, and ideas into cohesive visions—whether it's in fashion or her personal life. Living in Byron Bay after years in Los Angeles, Jesse balances the demands of her career with the joys of motherhood, finding solace in movement, the ocean, and the small yet significant rituals that ground her daily. In our interview, Jesse opens up about her journey in the fashion industry, the values she instills in her children, and the ever-evolving landscape of creative work.

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What are some rituals or habits you maintain that help you stay balanced? 

Movement is something I need to stay balanced at the moment. I mostly enjoy Pilates weekly and also recently fell in love with surfing. Even if it's a small part of my day, being active in the ocean quiets my mind and takes my focus away from any stresses. I also try to journal at night or first thing before my kids wake up. 

Could you share how your aesthetic sensibilities as a creative director influence the way you curate your personal space?

Our space is very minimal and not overly cluttered. Our kids are 4 and 6 and have always been really into art and craft and there is room for them to create in our space without feeling overwhelmed.

My husband is a photographer and over the years has taken a lot of photos of special places we visited in the States and Europe which are placed throughout our home. Travel has always been a big part of our lives pre and post-kids. We lived in Los Angeles for 5 years before Byron and were lucky to travel to some incredible places on that side of the world. 

What initially drew you to the world of styling and creative direction, and how has your vision evolved over the years? 

Ive always enjoyed putting colours and textures together and curating. When I was a teenager I would cut out clippings and create little magazines and collages using clippings from other magazines. I would say I fell into styling after meeting some people who supported me in the industry. I call them my creative heroes and without them wouldn't be where I am today. I think it was only during my first years of styling that I realized it was for me. 

How have you observed the fashion and styling industry change since you began your career?

When I started in the industry in my early 20’s my biggest aspiration was to work at a magazine and I did years of unpaid work in the styling cupboard at publications in Sydney and at a TV network. Looking back I was just so grateful to have had the experience and the main incentive was the knowledge and experience I was gaining. I am not sure that incentive would feel so valuable if I was starting now. Of course, the industry has changed a lot since the rise of social media but you do need to stay open to change and be careful not to attach your value to your work fully in case it does fall apart, and understand you bring your value everywhere. 

Balancing a demanding career with motherhood can be quite the juggle. How do you manage these dual priorities, and what have you found surprisingly rewarding about motherhood?

The most rewarding thing has been the lessons that you receive through these early days of motherhood that no one tells you about. Having kids is such a humbling experience and they hold up a mirror to you so that you are forced to do the work to be your best self for them. But that is also such an amazing reward for yourself and others around you. 

As a mother and a creative professional, what values or lessons do you hope to teach your children about creativity and life?

The importance of love and how kindness can be your superpower and not a weakness, especially in boys. Spend time in nature and always seek out stillness. 

Do you have a go-to playlist or type of music that helps fuel your creativity? 

Lately, I have been listening to more ambient music whilst I work that is not distracting like Ana Roxanne.

Are there any books or authors that have left a lasting impact during your journey so far?

Julia Cameron’s The Artist's Way and The Conscious Parent by DR Shefali.

Where is your favorite place to escape to for relaxation and to unwind? 

By the ocean always. 

Looking ahead, what new challenges or projects are you excited about in the coming year?

We are about to release our new collection for iamibu which is for all seasons of womanhood including pregnancy. It has been such a journey since the beginning of the brand two years ago and we keep evolving, but I am excited for what's to come.