Ariela Suster

“Redesign Our Time” - song written by Molly Joyce

-- read poem (by Jacueline Suskin)

-- read lyrics

honored in partnership with Vital Voices

Ariela Suster is Founder and Creative Director of Sequence, a collection of jewelry and accessories produced in El Salvador. After years of working in New York City as a fashion and accessories editor at iconic publications such as Instyle, Lucky and Harpers Bazaar, Ariela created Sequence, inspired by the vibrant design and culture of Latin America. 

Using her creative background and familiarity with the fashion and editorial realms, Ariela has established a signature style of knots and braiding with modern pops of color that are evident in every memorable piece, all of which are expertly handcrafted by local artisans in Tepecoyo, an El Salvadoran neighborhood near Ariela's hometown.
 At Sequence, Ariela’s primary focus has been to provide young artisans employment as a positive alternative to joining the path of violence and local gang culture. In the five years since the Sequence workshop opened its doors, it has become like a second home to employees, offering them a safe place to work, a steady job, three times the average wage for artisans with their backgrounds, and educational opportunities including classes in screen printing, embroidery, graphic design, basic computer skills and personal development. With effective team management, and an acute ability to leverage talent in others, Ariela has spearheaded the growth of the Sequence team from a group of 3 young artisans to 46 young men and women. Sequence has created products and established successful partnerships with companies such as Microsoft, MAC Cosmetics and Citi Bank El Salvador.

Ariela holds an BA in Psychology with a double minor in Dance and Government from Skidmore College