Welcome to Lessons In Cool, a new series all about the people we’re constantly inspired by. They are tastemakers, curators of style, thought leaders, and well, just cool.

If the name Ariel Arce sounds familiar, there's a good chance you know her from one of her many New York City establishments, like Tokyo Record Bar, Air’s Champagne Parlor, and Niche Niche. The 33-year-old got her start working at Chicago’s Michelin-starred The Office at The Aviary and has become a leader in the food and wine industry.

It's also worht mentionting that in the midst of a global pandemic, she published her first book, Better with Bubbles, and launched an affordable (and chic!) caviar delivery service, called CaviAIR. We caught up to see how she defines cool.

Name & Occupation:

Ariel Arce, Restaurateur Entrepreneur

How'd you get where you are today:

I believe I am where I am because of the support of my family and friends who consistently see my vision and believe in me (my dad is my best friend and business partner) plus an unwavering commitment to never give up. I don’t live in fear anymore and I have learned to be strategic as I get older, versus reactionary. I ask for help, I don’t pretend I know things I don’t, and I try to talk to as many people as possible to form my own opinions.

Describe yourself in 3 words:

Hustler, Creative, Thoughtful

First thing you do when you wake up:

Generally remove my dog’s face from my neck, check my phone, and make coffee.

The 5 beauty products you can’t live without:

• Augustinus Bader The Cream

• Marie Veronique Pre + Probiotic Daily Mist

• In Fiore Calme Face Oil

• Ogee Tinted Sculpted Lip Oil

• Jones Road The Mascara

Your style uniform is:

Dress to be able to lift a 20lb box at any time and ideally an outfit that can last from 10AM to 10PM. More street casual and always sneakers, but these days I spend so much time in our outdoor restaurants all I want is snowsuits and winter boots. The ill new addition is a pair of Montclair winter boots.

The song you have on repeat:

The Long and Winding Road by The Beatles

Recipe you’ve perfected:

Caviar. Frankly I’m not a great cook, so I have perfected opening a tin of caviar with style!

Last person you texted:

My bestie who just had her baby girl after 16 hours of labor— talk about a strong woman.

What does “cool” mean to you?

Cool means being comfortable with who you are and doing exactly as your please with purpose and empathy. My cool icon is Bill Murray— he clearly lives by his own code.

For more from Ariel, follower her at @arcecool.