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

Maral, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

For over 15 years, I was deep in the world of fashion retail — the fast-paced, high-energy, goal-driven kind. I worked my way up at Aritzia, eventually becoming a business manager. It was the kind of job that, on paper, looked like success: the title, the salary, the respect. I’d “made it.” But the truth? I was drained.

I loved fashion, but I was stuck in a role that didn’t light me up anymore. It was structure over spontaneity. Routine over creativity. I kept thinking, Is this it?

So, I did what felt totally wild and terrifying at the time: I quit. I left behind the security of a stable, full-time job to step into the unknown — chasing a creative life on my own terms.

At first, it was just me and a little bit of financial runway. I didn’t have a perfect plan. What I did have was time. And for the first time in years, I let myself get bored — and honestly, boredom became the birthplace of so much inspiration. I started creating content, sharing my story, and reconnecting with fashion in a way that actually felt like me. Not corporate me. Me me.

Things began to grow organically. People connected with what I was putting out there — not just for the visuals, but for the vulnerability and storytelling behind it. That momentum gave me the confidence to launch something that felt like a true reflection of who I am now.

Enter Archive Society by Maral — a passion project turned business that blends all the things I love: fashion, styling, creative direction, and storytelling. It’s part digital thrift shop, part styling studio (yes, we style everything from individuals to music videos and films), and part creative agency that builds mood boards, curates visuals, and captures moments that matter. It’s less about clothes and more about expression — documenting personal style and preserving the stories behind it. It’s still in its early stages — a soft beginning. But it’s a creative platform that’s really close to my heart.

Now, I’m working on other projects too — each one rooted in creativity, culture, and the kind of freedom I used to only dream about. Being a founder and creative is all new to me, so I’ve been taking my time — letting it grow with intention, not pressure.

Leaving my job wasn’t just about quitting — it was about reclaiming myself. I chose uncertainty over security, and that trade? It’s been worth it every single day. Because now, I wake up with purpose.

And honestly, that’s something no paycheck can give you.

Maral, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’d describe myself as a content creator, stylist, and creative director — but honestly, I’m just someone who’s deeply obsessed with self-expression and storytelling, especially through fashion. My work lives mostly across digital platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, where I share a mix of outfit videos, styling experiments, travel diaries, and creative direction projects. Everything I put out is really rooted in aesthetic, intention, and real life — I love creating work that feels personal, not performative.

A lot of people come to me for visual storytelling — whether it’s styling for a music video, building a creative concept for a shoot, or just curating looks that help them feel more aligned with who they are. Fashion is the medium, but it’s never just about the clothes for me — it’s about mood, memory, identity.

That’s the spirit behind Archive Society by Maral, which is still in its early growth stage. It’s a creative platform that’s part digital archive, part styling studio, and part undefined — in the best way. We source and resell fashion pieces that have character and history, but we also offer styling and creative direction for artists, brands, and anyone who wants to bring a visual idea to life. It’s not about fitting into trends — it’s about capturing a vibe, preserving style, and telling stories through how we dress and present ourselves.

What sets my work apart is that I’m not creating to chase algorithms or fit a mold. I’m building something slower, more intentional. I’m interested in impact over hype — and making people feel something when they interact with what I create.

Right now, I’m in this exciting (and slightly chaotic!) phase of exploring what it means to be both a founder and a creative. I’m not rushing it — I’m letting it unfold at its own pace. But everything I do is about connection, culture, and helping others feel more seen in their own personal style.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Honestly? Just show up. That’s the simplest, most powerful thing. Follow the artist. Share their work. Leave a nice comment. Buy the zine, the print, the thrifted gem they curated. Stream their song. Go to their event — even if it’s small. That kind of support might feel minor in the moment, but it adds up fast. One person becomes ten, ten becomes a hundred, and suddenly, you’re helping that artist build real momentum.

People don’t always realize how much those early interactions mean — not just algorithmically, but emotionally. When you’re putting yourself out there creatively, especially in the beginning, every like, message, or kind word makes a difference. It’s that validation that says, “Hey, keep going. I see you.”

And the thing is, we all benefit from creative work. Artists shape culture. They make our cities more alive, our spaces more expressive, and our feeds more inspiring. But that only continues if we actually support the people doing the work — not just financially (although yes, please pay artists!), but with genuine attention, community, and care.

So if you love something? Say it. Share it. Let the artist know. That love travels — and it really does keep us going.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Oh my god, yes — so many. When I was in my MBA program, I genuinely didn’t even know how to use an iPhone camera properly. Like… my photos were tragic. Bad lighting, weird angles, no composition — just vibes and confusion. I remember meeting my best friend Isi around that time (shoutout to her!), and she was already so good at capturing beautiful content. Meanwhile, I was just trying to figure out how not to take blurry pictures.

I didn’t come into this space knowing how to make content, let alone edit videos or curate anything visually aesthetic. I learned everything in baby steps — first how to take a decent photo, then how to shoot videos, then slowly (and painfully) how to edit them. There were so many failed attempts. And so much frustration. But I kept going.

If there’s one thing I wish someone had told me earlier, it’s this: you don’t have to be great to start — but you do have to start to get great. That mindset changed everything for me. No one really talks about the messy middle — the months (or years) it takes to find your rhythm, your style, your creative voice.

Now, I make it a goal to learn something new every week. Whether it’s a new editing trick, a shift in visual trends, or just experimenting with how I tell a story — staying curious has become my biggest resource.

So if anyone’s reading this and feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by the creative space, just know: we all start somewhere. Google it. Try it. Mess it up. Try again. Seriously — consistency, curiosity, and a little chaos? That’s the secret sauce.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maralporretta/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maralporretta
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@maralporretta

Image Credits

Isioma Oye Onwuka – Photographer