Some people chase the spotlight.
Arielle Tuliao creates her own stage, then invites everyone else to shine too.

I met Arielle through a dear friend, Aliza Vellani, who introduced us after winning a giveaway for a Driver’s Package film shoot. Instead of keeping the prize to herself, Aliza passed it along, and Arielle showed up with a big idea: what if we didn’t just film one bike, but the entire friend group?

It was one of the first motorbike shoots we ever did—and still one of the best. Arielle had everyone organized, ready, and locked in. Every scene went off without a hitch. It was clear from that day she was more than just a performer. She was a connector, a producer, and someone who naturally made space for everyone around her.

Since then, she’s been one of the loudest supporters of what we’ve been building at Fist Bump Studio. She’s sent clients our way, shared our name, and stayed close. And now, she’s stepping into her own next chapter: leaving the 9-5 behind and going all in on her creative career.

A Voice That Found Its Way

Arielle didn’t set out to be an actor. In fact, acting wasn’t even on the radar until a few small moments turned into something bigger.

In high school and college musicals, two different directors told her the same thing:
“This show wouldn’t be the same without you.”

Those words stuck. Not because they were loud—but because they were needed. Arielle didn’t have a lot of confidence back then. But she held on to that encouragement, and later enrolled in film school. From there, she never looked back.

Now, she works in film, TV, animation, and sings the national anthems for teams like the Vancouver Whitecaps, Canadians, and Bandits.

But that’s only half the story.

Riding Through Darkness

The other half of Arielle’s story starts with something much heavier:
a long season of depression.

For years, she didn’t even recognize the symptoms. She thought everyone imagined death scenarios or lived with constant fatigue. But one day, during a routine doctor visit, she brought it up.
That moment changed everything. She was diagnosed with severe clinical depression.

It was a turning point. And one of the first things she did afterward was sign up for a motorcycle license.

That decision kicked off a whole new path. She dove into motorcycle culture, started selling gear, and slowly built a reputation in the riding community. Her online persona, The Little Big Girl, became a voice for shorter riders and women in motorsports.

And even as she kept pursuing film, she started building something else too: a life where she could be fully herself.

There’s No Backup Plan

Arielle is now in what she calls her “no Plan B” season. She’s all in on acting, showing up to every audition with the same energy, drive, and attention to detail she brought to our motorbike shoot.

At the same time, she’s creating content for the riding community, helping newer riders gear up, stay safe, and find joy in their journey.

Her version of success doesn’t follow a traditional arc. She isn’t chasing a “big break” or waiting for fame to validate her. She’s doing the work—one honest, gritty, beautiful step at a time.

And she’s doing it with a rare kind of honesty about what it takes.

The Plain Pillars

Impact First
“I do my best to offer my skillset—organizationally, administratively, artistically—to help people or groups who are trying to build or try something new. And I do so without expecting anything in return… except maybe food.”

Identity is Earned
“In the local film industry, I’m known to be directable, reliable, and efficient. That reputation didn’t happen overnight—it came from showing up again and again.”

Small Bets, Big Ideas
“Does self-esteem count? Because that’s where I started, with very little. Every rep since has been about building that back.”

The Middle of the Journey

Arielle’s not pretending to have it all figured out. She’s in the thick of it. Balancing auditions, finances, self-doubt, and big dreams. But she’s still here. Still working. Still trusting that if she keeps going, something beautiful will come of it.

She doesn’t need permission to try.

And she doesn’t need a Plan B.

If she could whisper something to someone just starting?

“If there’s something else you even slightly want more, go do that.
But if this is the only thing that lights you up, go all in.
And then build a community around you to keep going.”

Follow Arielle: @ajtuliao / @thelittlebiggirl
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