We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ariana Bina. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Ariana, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Two years ago, having no dance background whatsoever, I started taking adult ballet classes and have absolutely fallen in love with it ever since! My favorite thing about ballet is that it’s truly a marriage between artistry and athleticism. On top of that, I love the music we move to, learning French dance terms, the challenging physical exercise of it, and most importantly that it connects me to a community of strong and creative women!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Ari Bina — a folk musician and data scientist who lives at the intersection of art and analysis. I’ve been playing music since I was 8, eventually earning a scholarship to study accordion — an instrument I still perform with today. I also work in tech, using data to tell stories, solve problems, and uncover patterns hidden beneath the surface.
I don’t see music and data as opposites — they’re just different ways of listening, creating, and communicating. I’m passionate about doing both and exploring how each practice informs the other.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Most of my earliest memories of feeling powerful go back to playing piano as a young child. I remember one summer I was at my grandmothers house in far west Texas, playing a newly memorized piece on her old wooden upright. My cousins, aunts, and uncles all circled tightly around me in quiet anticipation. I made it through the piece without any hiccups and afterwards everyone erupted with claps and cheers and smiles. I certainly felt powerful in that moment.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have certainly been moments in which I wanted to give up. In my years as a professional musician, I reached the point of burnout after 5 years of non-stop teaching, gigging, and rehearsing. Then, when covid hit, I became essentially unemployed as schools shut down and public performances were forbidden. During this newly found free time, I began learning how to code using some free online resources. It felt liberating to try something challenging yet different from music. Now, when I come back to my instrument, it means something slightly different to me. I don’t feel chained to it as a means of survival, but rather a means of personal expression.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I think a lot of smart people today end up simply copying what others are doing– whether that be in their career choices or even something as mundane as their choice of clothing. I think the world would certainly be more fun if people were more encouraged to explore their inherent interests and aptitudes–whether they be mainstream or not.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would immediately stop passively scrolling on social media and would instead replace it with an activity that gets me more connected to my body, my loved ones, and nature.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arianabina.com
- Instagram: @ari_bina
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianabina/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@arianabina4394
Image Credits
Justin Daniels
