We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mal Starks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mal below.

Mal, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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?

When I was 18, my interest in fashion was primarily focused on illustrations and sketching. At the time, I was really into magazines and editorial fashion, with Vibe, a hip hop music and fashion magazine, being one of my favorites.
I had always been shy about sharing my work, but one day I gathered up the courage to write a letter to a fashion editor at Vibe magazine, including some copies of my sketches and asking for an honest critique.
Being that Vibe was such a huge publication, I told myself that I shouldn’t expect a response, and that a letter from a teenager from some small Midwestern city would probably get thrown away. I also decided that if I didn’t get a response, that would be a sign for me to change career paths.
To my pleasant surprise, after a few months I received a letter from Vibe! The editor thanked me for asking for her advice, gave me the critique I asked for (which was very helpful!) and included a copy of a music cd from a hip hop group called The Roots, as a gift.
That moment for me solidified my confidence in myself, my chosen career path, and my talents and abilities. It’s something that that editor may never know, but that simple act of answering my letter was a kindness that did indeed change my life.

Mal, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My obsession with personal style started when I was a young girl, flipping through my mother’s collection of fashion magazines and catalogs. As I grew into my young adult years, my own personal body image issues started to affect my sense of style, and I became committed to learning how to dress people not just according to their style, but their unique body type.
With over 15 years of experience in the fashion industry, I’m a seasoned stylist and content creator passionate about helping individuals express their unique style with confidence. From editorial shoots to everyday looks, my goal is to craft fashion that’s not only on-trend but also authentic to each person’s vibe.

Whether it’s curating a wardrobe, styling for photoshoots, or creating engaging content, I bring a mix of expertise, creativity, and a deep understanding of fashion’s ever-evolving landscape.

My approach is all about making fashion accessible and fun, whether you’re looking to refresh your personal style or elevate your brand’s image. Let’s make fashion something you feel as much as you wear!

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I had known about community and local engagement as a resource. Often as a creative person, we can get so focused on sharing our specific point of view, that we forget how useful of a resource your local creative community can be.
If you have writers block, try to attend a local comedy stand up show; of you have for example a creative block when painting, a visit to a local garden would help being inspiration.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part about being a creative is being able to express my point of view with more than just words. The different vehicles with which an artist can communicate are almost endless, and each one allows the creative person to expand their talents in different ways.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mal-starks-6a80b8339?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@theefashionmuse?si=1qyNInwpdtWjrXl3

Image Credits

Malicia Starks