Hi again, I’m Arielle! 👋

Professionally, most people know me as an award-winning marketer and brand builder.

For over 10 years, I’ve specialized in brand, growth, and team development. Quick hits:

  • Head of Marketing at Balsamiq (current)

  • Creative turned fractional CMO

  • Former agency leader

  • Coach/mentor

A bit more about me

These days, you can find me as the Head of Marketing at Balsamiq, the fastest and easiest-to-use wireframing tool built for founders and problem-solvers in product, ops, engineering, and marketing.

I'm also the founder of AKJ Studio, a marketing coaching and consulting agency (mostly run under my name) where I work with people and brands on sustainable growth.

Before Balsamiq, I built out M1 Finance’s first content and social media teams, led marketing teams at various startups, crushed a GOTV campaign for Vote.org, and ran an ad agency. I’ve done things like launch an email campaign that generated over $50 million in assets under management, build a brand ambassador program from scatch, and content programs read by millions of readers.

I'm obsessed with knowing the customer and have built successful strategies across brand, growth, content, social, PR, community, acquisition, communications, creative, lifecycle, and more.

Born and raised in the north suburbs of Chicago, I got my start doodling in math class. That led to a small-but-mighty illustration business which snowballed into the rest of my marketing career. My work's led me to partner with fast growing startups, independent small businesses, nonprofits, and big brands. It's even been picked up by publications like Forbes, Adweek, and The Wall Street Journal! (Don't worry, I sent those articles to the family group chat.)

But I'm not always working. Sometimes I'm baking some sourdough, catching my breath in boxing, or picking the right pencil weight for my next drawing.

I love tackling new challenges, working with great people, and sharing what I’ve learned through consulting or coaching.

If you’re interested, learn more or get in touch.

 

🤝 What I’m like at work

My approach is kind, clear, and actionable:

  • I bring people together and build them up.

  • I’m a deep thinker—it’s the INFJ in me.

  • I’m kind and direct, following the Radical Candor model for feedback.

  • I champion the customer, and actually get to know them.

  • I’m really, really driven. And organized.

  • I connect the dots.

🎨 What I’m like outside of work

I’m pretty similar to how I am at work! A few things you may not see in an email or call:

  • I’m a native Russian speaker (Ukrainian heritage).

  • I love a HARD workout class, like boxing or hot yoga.

  • I read a ton—especially historical or science fiction books.

  • I enjoy hosting, especially since it means I can cook or bake a ton.

  • I still draw and paint (though I don’t do art shows anymore).

 

Sooo, wanna work together?