Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Molden
Hi Heather, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am Heather Christian Molden (digitally known as Heather Chris), a girl born in Atlanta, GA and raised in Jackson, MS. From the time I was born, I was raised to appreciate fine and performing arts. As a young girl, I fell in love with dance and the art of fashion and design. I have always been intrigued by the red carpet specials on “E!” that my mom would watch. My mom always made room for my creativity to shine through no matter what. Of course there was parental advice, but she allowed me to embrace my love for fashion starting young. I remember this one time, we were going to the library as we always did on Saturday mornings, I was about 5 years old; I remembered the actresses and models had on jeans with heels and their tank tops. So What did I do? I put on my jeans, my white church heels with the socks and my lace-lined tank top to go to the library. It’s really funny to look back on and see that you are the same person but evolved and matured. Aside from the red carpet series on television, I have always been inspired by the way the women in my family embrace their personal style. Naturally, I learned and was encouraged to embrace mine as well.
As I was growing up there were more influences on fashion. I wore uniform my entire life up until college. From grade K-8th, I was able to still add my own sense of style to the bland every day khakis because it was public school. My parents decided it was best for me to attend private school for the duration of my secondary education. That meant, no self expression at all. During those 4 years, The only time I could use my creativity in fashion was on weekends or school breaks. My fashion sense also had an added influence because truth be told I attended a predominantly white private school. Although I stayed true to myself, there were some things that I changed. It wasn’t until I graduated and stepped foot onto the illustrious Tuskegee University’s campus that my sense of creativity and passion that I once had for fashion, design and clothes awakened in me again. You might say, so what are we doing now? I studied nursing while at Tuskegee, and for the 4 years I was there I battled with myself about changing my major to something less practical like fashion and design, communications, or majors alike. I even considered potentially transferring schools to better my education in those fields. I finally decided that despite there are so many things I want to do, and know that I can do because through Christ, I can do all things (Philippians 4:13). I completed my nursing program and began working as a nurse. I allow my professional career as a nurse to fund my other passions. I am now Heather Molden, BSN, RN, fashion content creator, and aspiring fashion designer/ blog owner.
Throughout the years, my style has evolved as expected as I have grown and matriculated through life. Not to be cliche ,but I’m so grateful for my many challenges throughout life because they have shaped me to be the person I am today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has definitely not been smooth, but what is a life worth having with a smooth road? My roadblocks were more internal than external. From a young age, I always wanted to shape my career around creativity rather than more practical options. I grew up with educators as parents so of course practical careers were plan A, B, and C. Internally I was battling with how to tell the people I respect and love so much that I don’t believe thats my only option in life. I eventually spoke up before heading off to college and during my first years in school, but not enough for them to take me serious because honestly I was scared to see what it looked like if i left “practical” all together. During college, I struggled a lot internally with trying to figure out what would best for me. I wanted to change my major, school and even leave college completely to pursue my passions that I had for fashion, styling, and creative writing. Eventually God and I had a c”Come to Jesus” meeting and I realized that I am passionated about health care and caring for people and I can do it all but not on my timing. My faith in God has brought me this far to understand my place as Heather, the registered nurse and Heather as the fashion enthusiast.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a lifestyle fashion content creator. I use my social media platforms to share my uniquely curated stylish outfits and distinctively designed spaces. What makes me most proud is when someone shares that they’ve been inspired by my fashion content and/ or interior decorating. I aspire to impact my audience through my story in such a way that inspires them to embrace their creativity as well. While content creation is currently experiencing a refreshing renaissance, I bring a harmonious fusion of versatility and depth to the fashion industry.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I intentionally place myself in rooms that promote my professional mission and values. Attending Tuskegee University equipped me with the networking skills that I use to meet like-minded professionals through social media and in-person. Since college, I have been a part of a digital professional networking platform, Genesis Collaborative Career Network, that provides the opportunity to share career related advice amongst other professional women in various industries. My advice to anyone looking for community is to intentionally put yourself “out there”. Attend events and seminars that position you in environments that nurture your growth in whatever industry you choose. Many people overthink the concept of mentorship and networking. Stay true to yourself and show up in places that promote growth, meeting the right people at the right time will happen naturally.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @_heatherchris
- Other: TikTok: @_heatherchris; Pinterest: @hearherchrisss
Image Credits
The personal photo was taken by Stephon Williams with Stephon X Studious. Instagram handle is @stephonxstudios| @stephonx
