I Attended the Reading & Author Talk with Franny Arrieta in NYC

Credit: Amazon

This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending the celebration of The Art of Falling in Love Again by Franny Arrieta. Known for her work as a makeup artist and beauty influencer, Arrieta built a loyal following through her YouTube channel, where she shares beauty and lifestyle content. Over the years, her audience has grown to over 1 million across all platforms, a testament to her authenticity and ability to connect with her community.

Before making her mark as a YouTuber in Los Angeles, Arrieta was born and raised in Bridgewater, New Jersey, by a Colombian mother and Puerto Rican father. Her journey as a writer began with her self-published work, We're Meant to Be / We're Not Meant to Be. She’s also the host of Over the Surface, a talk show-style interview series on YouTube where she guides her audience on a thoughtful exploration beyond the superficial.

In The Art of Falling in Love Again, Arrieta delves into the power of embracing vulnerability—acknowledging the heartbreak that often comes with falling in love again while reminding her readers that “it’s okay not to be okay.” Her words resonate because they capture emotions that feel deeply personal yet universally understood.

The event took place at the historic St. Ann’s & Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn, where attendees were treated to an intimate conversation with Arrieta as she unpacked her favorite poems, reflected on her journey to writing the book, and shared the lessons she hopes readers carry with them—before, during, and after experiencing her work.

Franny and Mana

Pictured: Mana and Nezza

Credit: @franny_arrieta on Instagram

Pictured: Franny Arrieta and her fiance Caleb Dot

During the Q&A portion, I had the chance to ask Franny a question: “What’s your favorite thing you’ve learned about yourself in the process of falling in love again?” She took a moment to sit with the question before responding thoughtfully:

“I think I’ve learned that I can get through anything and that the bad moments don’t last forever. It’s so easy to feel like when things get hard, it’s always going to be that way—but realizing that no matter how difficult it gets, I can push through, has been my favorite thing I’ve learned about myself. I’m resilient, and I can get through it.”

As the evening unfolded, the celebratory atmosphere was amplified by the presence of her best friend, singer, songwriter, dancer, and fellow content creator Nezza, who captured every moment and offered unwavering support. Her fiancé, who had proposed just 24 hours earlier, was also there—making the night even more memorable as Arrieta not only celebrated the release of her book but also her engagement.

Franny Arrieta has carved out a space for herself as a poet and creator who speaks openly about the complexities of heartbreak and the courage it takes to love again in a world that often resists vulnerability. The Art of Falling in Love Again takes readers on an emotional journey, exploring the delicate balance of reopening one’s heart—to someone new or to oneself. Arrieta captures the raw, often unpredictable emotions that accompany the path from heartbreak to healing, reminding readers that growth and love can emerge even from life’s most painful moments.

As someone who’s followed Franny’s journey for over eight years, I couldn’t be prouder to witness her evolution—from a beauty influencer sharing makeup tips to a thoughtful writer using her words to connect with people on a deeper level. Watching her step into this new chapter has been inspiring, and The Art of Falling in Love Again is a testament to the vulnerability and strength that she’s always embodied.

Find The Art of Falling in Love Again at a bookstore near you or online.