Aveline

Aleks Arwood

Aveline is a space for the season of life that no one really prepares you for, the in-between. The season where you’re dreaming, discovering, building, and becoming… all at once. Where you feel the pull toward something more, but you’re still figuring out what that looks like. Through honest conversations and meaningful stories, Aveline brings together young women who are doing brave, meaningful things with their lives, even as they’re still figuring it out. You’ll hear what this season actually feels like, the questions they’re asking, and the steps they’re taking anyway. Becoming isn’t linear. And sometimes, all it takes to move forward is knowing someone else took the leap too. If you’re somewhere between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming… You’re not alone. You’re not behind. You’re becoming.

Episodes

  1. 4D AGO

    4. Becoming a Writer: Persistence, Rejection, and Purpose

    What does it really take to become a writer, build a creative career, and tell stories that matter? In this episode of the Aveline Podcast, Aleks sits down with award-winning writer Christiana Roussel to talk about storytelling, writing, mentorship, rejection, and building meaningful connections through creativity. Christiana’s work has been featured in publications like Garden & Gun, The Local Palette, and more, but her journey didn’t happen overnight. From being a stay-at-home mom to pitching stories for seven years before landing a major publication, she shares the real behind-the-scenes of becoming a writer and finding your voice. This conversation dives into: How to start writing even if you feel “late” to itThe art of pitching stories and getting publishedHow to build authentic relationships and communityDealing with rejection, ghosting, and persistence as a creativeWhy curiosity is one of the most powerful tools you can developThe role of storytelling in digital media, podcasts, and beyondIf you're an aspiring writer, content creator, storyteller, or someone navigating a new season of life, this episode will encourage you to keep going, stay open, and trust that what’s meant for you will find you. This is more than a conversation about writing. It’s about becoming. Connect with our Guest today at: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiana-roussel-5751b747/?isSelfProfile=false Website: https://www.christianaroussel.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/christiana.roussel/ Connect with Aleks: https://www.instagram.com/aleks.arwood/ Follow Aveline: https://www.instagram.com/avelinemagazine/ Explore more at: https://www.avelinemagazine.com/ If this episode stayed with you, share it with a friend who’s in her becoming too.

    21 min
  2. APR 23

    3. Being Your Most Honest Self with Ella Ryan Cottrell

    What if you didn’t have to choose just one path? In this episode of Aveline, Aleks Arwood sits down with Ella Ryan Cottrell—a college student, aspiring dentist, and emerging singer-songwriter—to talk about what it really looks like to navigate your 20s, pursue multiple passions, and embrace the uncertainty of becoming. Ella shares her journey as a first-generation college student studying regenerative bioscience while simultaneously stepping into the world of music. From losing herself in academics to rediscovering creativity, she opens up about identity, burnout, ambition, and the pressure to “have it all figured out.” This is a raw and honest conversation about: Balancing passion and practicalityNavigating college expectations vs. realityPursuing music while building a stable career pathFinding your identity in your 20sLetting go of the need for certaintyThe power of mentors, creativity, and self-expression If you’re in a season of transition, questioning your next step, or feeling stuck in the “messy middle,” this episode will remind you that you don’t need all the answers to keep moving forward. You are allowed to be in the process of becoming. Connect with Aleks: https://www.instagram.com/aleks.arwood/ Follow Aveline: https://www.instagram.com/avelinemagazine/ Explore more at: https://www.avelinemagazine.com/ If this episode stayed with you, share it with a friend who’s in her becoming too.

    28 min
  3. APR 9

    2. The Sweet Side of Business: Building A Brand at 22 with Sophie Snyder

    How do you turn a childhood passion into a thriving business—while still in college? In this episode of Aveline, Aleks Arwood sits down with Sophie Snyder, founder of Sophie Cheffy, a luxury wedding cake brand that started as a simple Instagram page in middle school. Now at 22, Sophie is not only running a successful business but also preparing to scale across Auburn University’s campus after winning a major entrepreneurial pitch competition. Sophie shares her journey from baking with her childhood best friend to building a brand rooted in intentionality, excellence, and service. She opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship as a young woman, including setting boundaries, overcoming overwhelm, navigating business logistics, and trusting God’s timing in uncertain seasons. This episode is for aspiring entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone feeling behind or unsure of their next step. Sophie’s story is proof that you don’t need a perfect plan—you just need the courage to begin. In this episode, we talk about: Starting a business as a teenagerTurning a passion into a profitable brandLearning how to set boundaries in businessNavigating college and entrepreneurship at the same timeThe power of mentorship and communityFaith, timing, and trusting the processScaling a business while maintaining quality If you’ve ever felt like you’re behind or unsure where you’re headed, this conversation will remind you: you’re exactly where you need to be. Subscribe for more conversations that remind you that you are still becoming. Connect With Sophie: https://www.instagram.com/sophie_cheffy/ Learn More about Sophie Cheffy: https://www.sophiecheffy.com/ Connect with Aleks: https://www.instagram.com/aleks.arwood/ Follow Aveline: https://www.instagram.com/avelinemagazine/ Explore more at: https://www.avelinemagazine.com/ If this episode stayed with you, share it with a friend who’s in her becoming too.

    20 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Aveline is a space for the season of life that no one really prepares you for, the in-between. The season where you’re dreaming, discovering, building, and becoming… all at once. Where you feel the pull toward something more, but you’re still figuring out what that looks like. Through honest conversations and meaningful stories, Aveline brings together young women who are doing brave, meaningful things with their lives, even as they’re still figuring it out. You’ll hear what this season actually feels like, the questions they’re asking, and the steps they’re taking anyway. Becoming isn’t linear. And sometimes, all it takes to move forward is knowing someone else took the leap too. If you’re somewhere between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming… You’re not alone. You’re not behind. You’re becoming.