Today we’d like to introduce you to Malak Kader.
Hi Malak, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Absolutely! I am Malak Kader and I am a fashion stylist based in Atlanta, Georgia. I am a Nashville native and a proud alumna of The University of Tennessee. I actually went to college to work in magazine journalism. I just KNEW that I was going to be the Editor-in-Chief of a major fashion magazine one day, such as Vogue or GQ. I spent the majority of my college career visiting major magazines in New York and writing fashion articles for my own publication as well as fashion blogs. However, I realized that I wanted to be hands-on in the fashion world and just typing about it behind a computer screen was not the same. I have always been a fashion lover.
I truly believe that fashion is the best form of expression. Fashion can tell people when you are feeling sexy. You are a tomboy, minimalist, risk-taker, spontaneous, chill… etc. I can learn a lot about a person just by what they are wearing and I have always wanted to express myself with my fashion choices. I gained interest in styling when family and friends would turn to me for fashion help or advice. I did it for fun for a while and realized that God was calling me into my purpose and I had to trust Him to walk into it fully. I started working in merchandising and buying in Atlanta for a few years at a major corporation to truly understand the business aspect of the merchandising world and how to successfully expand and grow a business. From there, I started working at Neiman Marcus and enjoyed styling clients and pulling pieces together to make people look and feel beautiful. I believe that God placed me in these different avenues to make me wise in every aspect of this industry. Fast forward to today and I am a fashion stylist for my own brand: Malak Kader Styling. I pull looks together for clients for shoots, events or their everyday lives.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh, no, I do not believe anything worth having in life will be a “smooth” road. In the creative industry, it is very easy to get self-doubt from time to time. Everyone’s journey and experience is very different in this industry and no story is written the same. I used to wish that I was really passionate in math or science because you just mark the boxes for your degree that guarantee you a certain job or wage. However, I love the arts and being creative. Being a stylist is not easy because nothing is promised, no matter what degree you have or what boxes you check. Erykah Badu once said, “Keep in mind that I am an artist and I am sensitive about my shit!” which really sums up the struggles that artists and creatives feel in this industry. Everyone will not praise every look or piece that you put together, which is what makes fashion what it is! You have to take risks and truly believe in yourself and what you feel you are called to do. God gives YOU a vision and it is not meant for anyone else to understand. When you remember that you are called to a purpose, the struggles are worth it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in women’s and men’s fashion styling. It is kind of crazy that a lot of people do not know that I actually enjoy styling men more than women. However, I love doing both and I love taking risks with my clients. What sets me apart from others is I have a true eye for fashion and how pieces come together. I envision a lot of things in my head and I am able to execute those things to perfection. I am proud of being published in Essence and Ebony magazines in the last couple of years during my journey. What makes me MOST proud though, is the fact that I am a first-generation college student that is steadily breaking ceilings and generational curses over my family. I am proud that I can stand tall and say that I trusted God in knowing that I was made for this!
What matters most to you?
Being true to myself matters the most to me. The industry will try to change you and trends will come and go but if you can stay true to who you are then you will be successful. I am one of one and so are you!
Contact Info:
- Email: malakkaderstyling@gmail.com
- Website: malakaderstyle.com
- Instagram: malakaderstyle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/malak.kader.3/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/YourFav_Malak
Image Credits
Jordyn Ari Photography
