Ari Kystya is having quite the moment. Fresh from a therapy session where her therapist marveled at her stress-free life, Ari chats with us from her pastel-pink Seattle abode. At just 24, she's already a homeowner in both Seattle and LA, sharing her life with rapper boyfriend Yung Gravy. Ari's not just living glamorously; she's also navigating a jam-packed schedule that includes managing her four Instagram accounts, three TikToks, and a thriving OnlyFans presence.
With 13 million followers across platforms, Ari's digital world looks like a constant parade of concerts, private jets, and PR unboxings. But behind the scenes, her reality as a top OnlyFans creator involves a precise routine. "I wake up at 7 a.m. to start my 'Get Ready With Me' videos," she explains. "I aim to post by 11 a.m. and spend the rest of the day brainstorming new content." This methodical approach has been three years in the making.
This year marked a pivotal shift in Ari's audience base. "I now have more women than men following me," she shares, reflecting on her transition to more "girly vibes" content. Her TikTok is a whirlwind tour of designer hauls, university talks, and movie shoots. Ari, who grew up with her family in Seattle's Catholic circles, humorously reflects on her current lifestyle compared to her church-going upbringing.
“I've learned over the years that I'm not going to rot in hell if I have sex,” she says, summing up her evolution.
After a brief college stint, she diverted into cosmetology and found herself drawn to OnlyFans, captivated by how the platform allowed women to express their sexuality. Her early days involved managing her social media presence herself after a disastrous encounter with a fraudulent manager. This experience fuels her advice to newcomers: "I would never recommend any girl to ever work with management companies run by men."
Ari's success hasn't come without its challenges. Despite her massive following, she notes the relatively limited brand opportunities due to industry stigma. Her partnership with Urban Decay was a landmark moment, sparking ample public discourse. "A lot of makeup was made for sex workers in the first place," Ari quips, addressing critics head-on.
Her relationship with Yung Gravy, which began in 2020 through a series of supportive DMs, provides a reassuring counterbalance. "He’s never taken any money from me or touched my business," she states proudly. The two have built a solid foundation, supporting each other's ventures while maintaining individuality.
Looking ahead, Ari is eyeing a move into YouTube, though she prefers to keep her goals fluid. "Everything I've done has been about going with the flow," she mentions. Despite not setting out to be an industry spokesperson, she's embraced the role, aiming to educate followers about the realities of her work.
Her stance is clear – she's not angling to be anyone's role model, but she's open to sharing her journey. "God forbid a woman loves herself so much she wants to share with the world," she cheekily remarks in one of her viral TikToks. And with that self-assuredness, she's ready to tackle whatever comes next.