We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Deni Mahoney a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Deni thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?
One of the best things you can accomplish in life is leaving an impact on people, one of kindness and hope. I didn’t have the easiest time growing up, but throughout my journey I’ve been fortunate to have key figures step into my life and speak important truth into me. It’s because of kind humans who took the time to impart some of their powerful wisdom to a scared little girl that I’m where I am today.
After moving from the west coast to KC at the age of twelve, I felt lost as only a kid can—no familiar faces or friends, nor any familiar places or even weather! When I was twelve, I had my first job doing yard work and other small jobs around the home for an older Cuban couple who attended our church. All their kids were grown and lived out of state, so they took a shine to the scrawny kid making her weekly visits. After weeks of chatting and drinking cinnamon tea after my work was done, they decided that instead of my weekly work it was imperative that I tag along on one of their outings to town.
We entered a nice clothing store, one I’d only dreamed of even stepping foot in. With my background, I instantly felt anxiety and a sharp sense that I didn’t belong. I followed the couple around, not knowing what we were even there to purchase, when the woman asked me, “See anything you like?” I replied that I liked everything! It was all so stunning. She demanded specificity. “No, niña. Look at the clothes. Don’t you want to try these on? I’m sure we can find something you like.” It was with disbelief and sadness that I felt this was wrong. This kindness wasn’t right. Why was she taking me shopping? Why was she willing to spend money on me—more money than I could fathom spending? I hadn’t even done my work that day. In my mind, I simply didn’t deserve this gift. As she led me around the store and showed me clothes that were in my size, she picked up on my unease.
“You’re not normally this quiet, mija. Are you okay here?” With hesitation, I finally told her how I felt and how those items were so far out of what I could afford. She stopped where she was, turning to me, and said, “But I can, and everyone deserves to dress up and feel fancy sometimes. You deserve it.” I deserved it. To see a well-off Latin couple with a gorgeous house and the ability to go into any store and buy whatever they wanted without blinking was unheard of for me. What’s more, to be told that I deserved to feel special, to be seen, and to be treated for no other reason than just being was counter to everything I believed about myself.
She continued as we strolled the aisles. “In life people will try to make you feel less-than, and the only way their words become true is if you let them. You have control of this. You have the ability to change your life if you wish it. Love God, work hard, and always be kind.”
After picking out some new outfits, she handed me the bags—my bags—and said, “Life feels better when you dress your best.” I kid you not, that day is what steered the whole trajectory of my personality.
Even years later, as I began my journey in the content creator world, I was bombarded with feelings of insecurity and being “other.” The world of fashion blogging and product partnerships is predominantly a white one (especially in the Midwest). Most of the women in this space are tall, pale beauties: the polar opposite of this five-foot-nothing jar of salsa. Even if the presentation is false, the image one must put forward is confidence and worldliness, familiarity with the finer things. A persona that even in adulthood felt false and foreign.
In the early days venturing into this field where networking and mingling with movers and shakers is vital, I was invited to a luxurious event by someone well established in the scene—a kind and dapper fellow Latino. I was the little Mexican girl from nowhere surrounded by tall, blonde beauties who all knew each other and looked dazzling. I felt like I was once more the little girl in a tiny bungalow in LA with my single mom even as I wove my way through crowds of my peers. Once again, I was strolling the aisles of fine clothing, the wrongness of the space and my being in it all I could see or feel. I was considering leaving when I made eye contact with my friend. I went over and thanked him for inviting me. He gave a loud and emphatic, “Of course!” and put a reassuring hand on my shoulder. As if he knew what I was thinking, he leaned in and added just for me to hear, “You deserve to be here.” It was exactly what I needed to hear, and the reassurance I felt harkened back to that impactful day as a kid. Those words gave me the foothold of confidence to stay and be me.
These moments echoed one another, and their reverberation still rings true in me today. Now, walking into yet more rooms I never dreamed I’d enter, meeting and working with people and brands I’d only wistfully read about, and earning a place at a table I never thought would have me, I speak the truth to myself now: I deserve to be here.
Everyone is looking for warmth in a cold world, for belonging, and for validation. It can take a lifetime to find it for yourself, but just one moment to give it to another.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Deni Mahoney and I’m a digital content creator. This can look like many things, from creating video, graphics and written content for the many accounts I run, to covering fashion events and writing reviews highlighting local businesses. I originally started my platform as a hobby and creative outlet, a space where I could share my love for fashion with whomever desired to follow along. In 2019 I decided to pursue it more intentionally and began networking with other creators here in KC, growing my account and client base.
In my coverage and content creation, I really try to get to the heart of the brand or client. Everyone is a walking story, and the power and impact of successful content hinges on how much it can communicate that core story. Whether humorous, moving, emotional or fun, I work to expand the reach of a client’s story and vision.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
In this space, where the term “influencer” can be just as much a liability as it is an asset, there’s unfortunately a stereotype for demanding perks or favors while failing to deliver any sort of tangible goods in exchange. This goes against everything I was raised to believe about work and worth, so one of my chief goals at the outset was clear and simple: deliver the strongest and most dynamic content possible that undeniably grabs attention and engagement. I may schmooze and mingle at the events, and Lord knows I’ll indulge in the hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, but I’m at work. I’m there to capture moments, stories, and the heart of the brand—and this ethic has opened every door I’ve walked through.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I feel like there are two general categories of people, those who excel in working with what is (I love these people! Need these people!) and those who excel in envisioning what can be. The joy of creativity is truly the simple act of imagining a possibility and pulling it out of the realm of idea into reality. Whether it’s photography, video, graphics or writing, I get the joy of this process in my work and it is truly a gift.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepetitepilot/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepetitepilot
Image Credits
For the triptych of photos of me, photos by Alex Todd. On the Runway Review spreads, photo credits are given (dark gray content panels)