It all began while Ronaldinho and Maria were studying abroad, juggling classes, internships, and everything that comes with being far from home. During that period, European streetwear caught their attention. Brands like Daily Paper and Nude Project inspired them, but it was Arte Antwerp’s minimalist approach that sparked something deeper. “They made fashion feel like architecture,” Ronaldinho says. “We realized we wanted to bring that same blend of design, culture, and story to Aruba.”
That’s how Arital Apparel was born. The name combines 'Art' and 'Digital', reflecting their love for modern creativity and the people behind it. “Digital artists are often overlooked,” Maria explains. “People think it’s easier because it’s on a screen. But there’s just as much emotion, discipline, and skill involved.” Through Arital, they found a way to honor digital art and, in doing so, celebrate Aruba’s creative identity. Arital creates products that transcend the souvenir concept.
Every collection tells a story. Some pieces celebrate local slang, others reimagine cultural icons. But at its core, Arital is about connection. “We want people to feel something,” Ronaldinho says. “Whether it’s nostalgia, pride, or curiosity. If our designs make you pause, we’ve done our job.”
Their experience with Sentoo has also played a key role in shaping their business. “From day one, we wanted our brand to reflect innovation, not just in design but in how people shop,” Maria says. “Integrating Sentoo Pay by Bank into our website completely changed the game. It made payments fast, effortless, and local, removing the barriers that often hold back online businesses on the island.” Today, other creative entrepreneurs often reach out to them for advice after seeing how seamless the process has become.
Now, two and a half years in, Arital is growing beyond its roots. From a side project fueled by passion into a movement that uplifts Aruba’s creative scene. “Every time another brand reaches out to ask how Sentoo works or how we set up our store, we know we’re doing something right,” Ronaldinho smiles.
"We’re not just building a clothing brand. We're shaping Aruba's creative economy."
