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

Odette, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Creativity is about doing something where you don’t know the outcome, which means it’s about taking a risk. It also means that being creative can have significant gains and there can be significant losses as well. In essence, you cannot be creative while remaining completely safe. I think that’s where some of us tend to get stumped a bit because that is a little bit scary.

The biggest risk I’ve taken was investing everything I had in my savings towards one of my exhibition events ( The Eden of Us: love & Curiosity ). This was a bit scary because it meant putting a hold on other things I was saving up for, and understanding that depending on the outcome of the event I would have to start again. During this time there was a lot of uncertainty, in my life. With the pandemic, I wasn’t sure how the “new normal ” would be. My thoughts raced with worry “would the outcome of the event be successful? would anyone come, would I break even? Can I really do this? It took me 9 months to curate the event which included 15 other creatives that I had to manage: Photographers, makeup artists, Wardrobe stylists, digital designers, a florist, and a set designer. I had to make sure everyone involved had what they needed. In addition to making sure Rentals, entertainment, a caterer, and location were secured. Most importantly the vision I had for the event was clear. Within the process, I faced unexpected obstacles both physically and financially. I had to lean into my faith in God and trust that everything would work out. And it did! Everything that was needed fell into place with time. And it was more than what I expected. I had the privilege of having the exhibition event at Klyde Warren Park which in itself is a whole other story. My goal was to sell 75 tickets and I ended up meeting that goal. The risk I took was more so investing in myself and the dream I carry. I got to see what I’m made of but also areas where I need to grow. And having a community of people whether big or small is so important. Things couldn’t have come together without the people who came together to see it through. It was worth every high and low point!

Odette, 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?

I am an Art Director and multidisciplinary creative with experience in photography and wardrobe styling. Founder of Pendeza Styles.

Pendeza Styles merges Fashion + Art + storytelling.

By providing styling services as well as creating social events such as dinners+exhibits to nourish, empower, and educate a community of innovators, dreamers, creatives and admires.

Everyone has a story, and I do my best to incorporate it into my work. I strongly believe stories can heal. I love being able to bring together or be part of a production team ( makeup artist + models,+ photographers) for shoots or create events that visually display the story being told

When putting together a shoot I’m inspired by others’ stories or music that brings to mind old memories. There is so much power and vulnerability when someone shares their story. Our experiences in life have the ability to shape us, make us great, or break us down if we allow it. It can be a challenge to put that in a photograph, but I love it! Using clothes, props, and my surroundings to bring to life a story is such an honor for me and gives my clients a tangible piece of their story.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Capturing our history in time, what we go through our experiences, our stories is what drives me in my creative journey.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Addressing these priorities : Upgrade systems and structures that support artists.

Address artists’ income insecurity as part of larger
workforce efforts.

Address artists’ debt and help build their assets.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pendezastyles.com
• Instagram: pendezastyles

Image Credits
Mirriam Garcia, Conner Key Matthew & Victoria Yarnell,  Erika Ferrell