About Avela
What is Atelier Avela?
Private advisory for parents: live online seminars and one-to-one conversations with Ara, a mother who raised her daughter through three decades in Asia, and Maia, the daughter who lived it.
Is this therapy?
No. Avela offers perspective and guidance from lived experience; we are not therapists, doctors or counsellors, and we do not diagnose or treat. Should you or your child need clinical support, a licensed professional is the right person to see. Crisis lines by country.
Who are Ara and Maia?
A mother and daughter who have lived across Asia and the Middle East for three decades. Ara is an entrepreneur trained in engineering and Asian Studies; Maia grew up in competitive schools and studied at an Ivy League university. Read our story.
Do you advise on university admissions?
We offer guidance on raising your child, including their education and university choices. We do not offer shortcuts or guarantees.
Seminars
In which language are seminars held?
Seminars are held in English.
Must I turn my camera on?
Cameras are optional. You may choose your display name, and questions can be sent anonymously in advance or by chat. Seminars are never recorded.
May I attend Part 2 on its own?
Part 2 continues the work begun in Part 1, so it is reserved for guests who have attended Part 1. You are welcome to reserve Part 1 alone, or both parts together.
May my spouse or a friend join me?
With pleasure. Two seats may be reserved together: Part 1 for two is $160, and Parts 1 & 2 for two is $360.
What is Avela Notes?
For seminar guests: a short message and a voice note from Ara or Maia each morning, Monday to Saturday, with a rest note on Sunday, to keep what you learned in action at home. $25 a month, cancel anytime. Messages are one-way.
Private conversations
How long are private conversations?
Your first conversation is 60 minutes, so there is time to understand what matters to you. Returning guests may book 30 or 60 minutes.
Is interpretation available?
Private conversations may be held in English or with simultaneous interpretation into Korean, arranged when you book.
May I book a session for my child?
Private conversations are for guests aged 19 and over, booking for themselves. Parents are warmly welcome to book a conversation of their own about their child.
May I reschedule?
Rescheduling is free up to 24 hours before your session.
Payment and privacy
How may I pay?
By card at the time of booking. Bitcoin is also accepted.
What if my plans change?
A seminar seat may be moved to a later date at no charge. Seats are not refundable.
Are conversations private?
Yes. What you share stays between you and us. We never record sessions, and we collect only what we need to book and run them. Privacy.