Florida Atlantic: Making a Splash

When Arielle Baril ’20 asked her grandmother to teach her to sew as a young teen, she had no idea it would eventually land her on the prestigious Forbes “30 Under 30 Miami” list.

The Florida Atlantic University alumna’s luxury swimsuit brand, Rielli, has taken her on a journey one only dreams about. But catching the eyes of celebrities like Kim Kardashian, who showcased one of Baril’s original suits for her 40th birthday, or gaining recognition in high-fashion magazines likeVogue, CosmopolitanandSports Illustrated Swimsuit, really did happen.

“I founded Rielli in 2019 while I was earning my degree in international business,” said Baril, 25. “My days were spent attending classes and doing my work-study in the accounting and budgeting office on campus. In the evenings, I would go home to work on orders I received.”

Rielli grew through word of mouth and social media, but a bold decision to send Kardashian one of her bathing suits — directly to her home address in August 2020 — proved to be lifechanging.

“After about two months, I got a DM from her then-personal assistant, who said Kim loved it and wanted one in every color,” said Baril, who spent the next four days attached to her sewing machine making sure every stitch was perfect.

That move instantly catapulted Rielli onto a global stage and across beaches around the world.

“I was so overwhelmed and excited at the same time,” she said.

Baril’s entrepreneurial spirit traces back to her roots. Her Haitian-immigrant grandmother owned a small boutique in Haiti and her parents own a medical center locally. Her family has been supportive, Baril said, from creating her first “atelier” — or artist’s studio as her grandmother calls it — to assisting her with communicating with potential clients.

“Rielli was created with passion, purpose and creativity. I knew if I wanted to stand out in the fashion industry, I had to create things I’ve never seen before,” Baril said. “I want to impact the industry by creating new designs and reaching new audiences. Inclusivity is very important to me.”

Baril also credits Florida Atlantic and her bachelor’s degree in business administration with her growing success as an entrepreneur, from learning about import tax, pricing in different currencies and culturally influenced product choices, to the in-depth coursework.

“It’s a foundation that sets me apart,” she said. “The ‘Forbes’ recognition is more than just a measurement of success; it’s about having a global impact in my industry. I am proud and honored to be named alongside outstanding individuals known for their work across various sectors.”

Beyond the accolades and the everyday hustle of running her business, Baril said she takes time to inspire other student entrepreneurs by sharing her journey as a guest speaker in Florida Atlantic classes and student organizations.

“Our young alumni speakers seem to resonate most with students, instilling confidence and conveying that they, too, can accomplish early career success as entrepreneurs,” said Kevin Cox, Ph.D., senior lecturer and director of Florida Atlantic’s Adams Center for Entrepreneurship in the College of Business. “We have a truly vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and community that provides education, mentorship and comprehensive support for founders of all ages.”

Reconnecting with her alma mater has also given Baril the chance to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs. She currently has a Florida Atlantic student working as an intern at Rielli and hopes to open a storefront one day in Miami.

“I feel like I am a good example that you can really do anything you put your head and heart into,” Baril said. “If there is one piece of advice I can share, it is simply to keep going, keep dreaming and keep pushing forward.”