Bold Journey Interview 2026

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Bold Journey: Nicolette, thank you so much for making time for us today. We can’t wait to dive into your story and the lessons you’ve learned along the way, but maybe we can start with something foundational to your success. How have you gone about developing your ability to communicate effectively?

There isn’t one simple answer to that because I learned a lot about communications from social cues, body language, reading, traveling, failing to communicate, as well as listening to others. Ultimately, I learned how to communicate most effectively through writing. Since I was little, I’ve always kept diaries, and in hindsight, I think it was a subconscious space to speak my truth. Plus, I always loved reading at the library, so writing in my diary was also like my own little world in a secret book with a lock and key. Stories that belonged to me. Over time, as an adult, my passion for writing led to a career. 

Back to your question: in private, I’ve always written a lot of personal letters to myself. Even today, although I wouldn’t call it a journal or a diary, yet I suppose that’s what it is. Writing things down helps me organize my thoughts and decide what is relevant to my message and what is hindering my delivery. We can fine-tune our words, thoughts, and emotions just like we edit our papers.

Releasing my feelings through the written word helped me navigate life complexities that would have been too daunting to decipher alone if I hadn’t poured them out from my head. Because whether you’re interpreting your diary or a dream from the night before, we can learn a lot about ourselves by what we’re saying or thinking on the regular. We can also learn how to communicate more effectively, as well as pinpoint exactly where we are flailing, by reading our own words. People write down speeches before they rehearse and deliver them to the audience. Imagine being the reader or the listener to your own thoughts… the more you write things down, like exercising a muscle, the more your speaking voice is going to improve as well.

BJ: Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Born and raised in Texas and NYC—I’m an artist: published writer, dancer, vocalist, thespian, and amateur photographer. I’ve done a little modeling, too, and was accepted by Barbizon but declined their contract offer. For years, I’ve covered numerous press events as a (dyslexic) writer. My portfolio reflects a vast array of creative content, and I’ve obtained 110+ publications in the US and Europe so far. My career transcends multiple industries like AI content engineering, jewelry, publishing, sales, customer service, fashion, A&E, fine dining, and tech. No matter the job I work(ed) in order to make a living—my focus always finds its way back home to creative arts!

Over time, I’ve interviewed an extensive list of diverse talent that inspired me, including talent like Oscar nominee Greta Gerwig and Oscar winner Jimmy Chin. I’ve collaborated with companies and publicity teams from Texas Monthly, National Geographic, Prevention Magazine, HBO Films, The Hollywood Reporter, SXSW, The David Lynch Foundation, The University of Texas at Austin, and more. Presently, my portfolio entails 12 national awards or scholarships, including both individual and group projects. 

Looking back, SCAD and Texas Monthly were the launchpads of my professional journey as a writer. But my artistic journey began back in pre-K through music, dance, sports, and theater arts. Since childhood, I always believed in my heart and soul that I was an artist! College forced me to choose between the arts or athletics, and I am grateful I chose to follow my artistic dreams rather than a sports scholarship. To each their own.

BJ: There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Oh, wow. I often struggle with these questions and wish I had come up with a more refined answer later on. Today, I’m going to go with my gut instincts: 

1. My willingness to put myself out there, even if it means embarrassment or facing rejection. For instance, my grammar is a humbling work in progress due to struggling with dyslexia on my own until college. A story I’ve discussed at length before. Basically, I never know whether to be transparent or to withhold my dyslexia, because some people see it as a disability and others see it as a superpower! Regardless, the amount of rejection letters I’ve received from editors and the scrutiny, or judgment, from teachers and society because of grammatical errors is profound. At first, it was scathing to hear, and back then, I allowed others to make me feel inferior or uneducated.

Some people might have found the feedback too discouraging, disheartening, and given up from the external harshness. For me, it fueled my fire to prove them wrong! We must develop thick skin, like a python, and keep going if we want to succeed. Bravery takes courage; you can still be afraid of failure and intimidated by rejection. People can hurt your feelings. We might even make a fool of ourselves, which might bruise our ego or self-esteem. No matter what happens, we must find a way to keep shooting our shot, particularly when we’re apprehensive! And if you’re struggling with courage, that’s simple: face your fear, swallow your pride, step out of your comfort zone, and ask for help (from those you admire or anyone stronger than you). There is no shame in admitting we need help sometimes.

2. Balance is a lucrative life skill! Finding that balance of work versus playfulness, discipline versus rigidity, and pleasure versus inordinate indulgence is a lifelong challenge for many, myself included. I’ve always contained vibrant energy, a strong work ethic, and lots of passion. That’s simply part of my innate, vigorous nature, whether it was sports, the arts, school, relationships, or my career. However, constantly enduring that high level of energy is a lifelong practice that requires extra self-care. 

My own intensity can wear out my nervous system. Meaning, in order to balance out my passionate life, I have to pour extra love and care into myself. Otherwise, I hit a burnout. We are not machines, and even machines require a reboot. Adulting is challenging, and your personal life will affect your work life, and vice versa. Your daily lifestyle choices, habits, friends, thoughts, and sleep cycles—all of those elements impact your performance, and more importantly, your peace of mind. 

3: Ignoring the haters and the naysayers is vital. I’ve always been a misfit, and it used to sear my emotions when people didn’t see me, underestimated me, or made snap judgments based on my appearance, or whatever. But we have zero control over what society thinks of us or how other people behave. We can’t control how others see us. People are viewing life through their own personal lens. How we treat others is a reflection of how we feel about ourselves, so don’t take it to heart if people don’t always like you. What matters is that YOU like and respect yourself.

Focus on what you can control, like regulating our emotions and our responses to said emotions. Focus on evolving into a mature, grounded, confident person that knows their self-worth and identity. We need constructive criticism, but don’t allow dysfunctional, immature vipers to steal your light or poison your spirit with negative, inaccurate judgments, projections, and jealousy. Concentrate on your character and how you treat others, not your reputation or the gossip. Do not let other people define you. Make it a priority to like and love yourself, without the approval of others. We all want to be loved, and we all want to feel seen, but it’s O.K. to be alone and misunderstood sometimes. 

Word of caution: Be careful of the company you keep. Sometimes it’s your own tribe, the people closest to you, that want to derail you. Hanging out with rotten fruit will contaminate you, too.

BJ: Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I am looking for collaborators and people that I can also learn from. Presently I am open to trustworthy connections that lead to radio, sports entertainment, and video editing. I applied to a radio job long before podcasts ever went viral and was told that my demo was fantastic, but I needed experience. Sports entertainment mixes my passions for theater arts, athletics, and entertainment all into one role.

As for video and film, I want to share my dancing online rather than commit to a dance troupe like I did for years. Alas, I’ve hidden myself away when it comes to my singing voice and my dancing. Solely in fear that my dancing, my music, or my sensuality in general might be considered too scandalous or too provocative for corporate and might cost me a job. Or cause people to not take my career seriously, like a wild card. But I want to safely showcase all my talents; I am so much more than my writing career! Although I am proud of my hard editorial work thus far. 

https://boldjourney.com/meet-nicolette-mallow-2

Highlighter Series Interview: Voyage Austin

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Note: This interview was published by Voyage Austin in the Highlighter Series of December 2025.

Good morning Nicolette, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?

Daydreaming and writing can often compel me to lose track of time, yet simultaneously rediscover myself. Since I was little, daydreaming has been a joy of mine. The same applies to writing: if I begin my mornings with writing and I do not set a timer, I can lose track of time. Someone once advised me to allot time for daydreaming, the same way I plan time for any other habit like exercise, sleep, or meditation. Now, on the one hand, I think this is great advice to help keep me grounded and focused. But I also believe in giving your imagination permission to wander freely, to daydream naturally, without limits or timers. Regardless of how one daydreams, writing is so cathartic and evocative; it’s one of the only times I feel that I can truly be myself without hesitation. Writing it out—whether I share it with a friend, publish it, or keep it in a diary—helps me release everything that I’m bottling inside. The power of writing helped me find my voice, and that allowed me to speak my truth.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?

Yes, my artist bio is a great introduction to my career: Nicolette Mallow is an artist. Her journey began in performing arts and athletics, but her love for writing led to a career! Since college, Nicolette has covered numerous press events as a (dyslexic) writer. Her portfolio reflects a vast array of creative content, and she’s obtained 110+ publications in the US and Europe so far.

Mallow has interviewed an extensive list of diverse talent that inspired her along the way, including Greta Gerwig, Jimmy Chin, Bob Roth, Dr. Travis Stork, Joan Lunden, Jay Roach, and Roc Chen. She’s collaborated with companies and PR teams from Texas Monthly, National Geographic, Prevention Magazine, HBO Films, The Hollywood Reporter, SXSW, The David Lynch Foundation, The University of Texas at Austin, and more. Presently, her portfolio entails 12 national awards or scholarships, including both individual and group projects. Working with press and publicity teams from companies like Sunshine Sachs, Fons PR, Frank PR, and CW3PR — Mallow can liaise with publicists, entrepreneurs, and their brands.

Her career transcends many industries like AI content engineering, jewelry, publishing, sales, customer service, fashion, A&E, fine dining, and tech. But her focus always returns to the arts. Obtaining two degrees from the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD), Nicolette has a Master of Arts degree in Arts Administration and a B.F.A. in Writing.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?

Lack of trust, lack of boundaries, and lack of communication break the bonds between most people, because it’s hard to respect someone that you don’t trust. And once that trust begins to deteriorate, it’s hard to move forward. We can restore trust by being honest with ourselves and transparent with others. We can restore trust by taking accountability and admitting when we are wrong. Likewise, we can heal broken bonds by opening our hearts to healing. Pride and ego destroy a lot of bonds as well; a lot of people would rather burn bridges than admit they were wrong or accept they’re a flawed human being (like the rest of us). But people often lie to themselves, and that leads me to another quote I love: “Above all, don’t lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love.” —Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky

What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?

In the past, I somehow thought you could plan milestones and goals (success) like a to-do list. Alas, success does not operate on a timeline, and failure taught me patience. Life is not a grocery shopping list that you can check off and complete all at once. Think of it like booking a vacation: you can plan months or a year in advance, but the weather or illness might still cancel the flight and cause delays to your destination. Unlike travel insurance, where you can get your money back, there’s no such thing as insurance when it comes to your time. If life blows up in your pretty little face, there isn’t a number you can call to file a claim and get your time back. So I had to learn patience and adaptability. Failure forced me to learn how to show grace and compassion for myself when things don’t go to plan. Failure taught me that if things don’t work out, it wasn’t the right path for me, and instead of resisting failure, accept it and alter course.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?

We have all heard the phrase “love is blind,” but it took a lot of unnecessary heartache for me to believe that true love does not conquer all. I wouldn’t relay any of this to little kids or teenagers, but past the age of college, we should start to embrace the stark reality that chemistry and compatibility are not the same. We can love someone who is all wrong for us, and therefore it’s not a healthy love. In the past, I based a lot of my choices in relationships upon the chemistry I was feeling instead of looking at compatibility and character. We should not only want someone we share chemistry with, because passion and excitement are important. But I didn’t use to consider the bigger, long-term realities: Is this person safe? Is this person kind? Are they trustworthy? Do we share the same values? Can they regulate their emotions when angry? Are they emotionally mature? Do they have a strong work ethic? Are they honest? Do their actions match their words? Do they take care of themselves and have healthy boundaries? Etc… This fanciful, romanticized idea that “true love conquers all,” solely based on the chemical dopamine hits we get from falling in love, is incredibly naive, self-destructive, and foolish. I now seek chemistry and security (instead of simply chasing my passions, because the word “passion” has both negative and positive connotations). The truth is, there’s no such thing as a perfect relationship, and love won’t keep the lights on. Having said this, I’ve never had a relationship that was solely based on security because without passion it’s lifeless and boring like a dial tone. Finding that balance of passion and security is lucrative to your peace! There’s a quote from the movie How to Make an American Quilt that I adore: “Young lovers seek perfection. Old lovers learn the art of sewing shreds together and of seeing beauty in a multiplicity of patches”.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?

My body will tell me when I am out of my element, and I’ve pushed my boundaries too far. We all have intuition, but some people are more naturally in tune with their instincts (a skill that we can all learn or enhance). Years ago, I was guilty of ignoring my gut instincts, and I used to rationalize my anxiety or trepidations around a person, place, or thing. Like I just needed to take a deep breath and let it go, or I kept making excuses for other’s bad energy. Even with all the rationalization, the angst in my gut never really went away in certain environments; I simply became masterful at disassociating from it. After learning the hard way one too many times or making myself physically sick from stress—I now know that if my nervous system is lighting up like a pinball machine, it’s not cutesy “butterflies in the stomach,” and it’s not something to be ignored. Because that is my instinct warning me that something is awry, toxic, or dangerous. If something feels wrong in your gut, listen closely and honor your body

https://voyageaustin.com/interview/story-lesson-highlights-with-nicolette-mallow

Photography : Steve DeMent
Make-up/Hair: Summer Edwards
Jewelry Head Piece: Adrian Nichole Amiro

Inspiring Local Stories – Voyage Austin

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Note: This interview was published by Voyage Austin in July 2025.

Hi Nicolette, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

My artistic journey began in performing arts and athletics, but my passion for writing led to a career. Ultimately, I feel that SCAD and Texas Monthly were the foundations of my professional path as a writer. Since those roles as student versus employee, I’ve covered numerous press events as a (dyslexic) writer. Over time, I’ve collaborated with companies and PR teams from National Geographic, Prevention Magazine, HBO Films, The Hollywood Reporter, SXSW, The David Lynch Foundation, The University of Texas at Austin, and more. I’ve also interviewed an extensive list of diverse talent beyond my years, including Greta Gerwig, Jimmy Chin, Bob Roth, Dr. Travis Stork, Joan Lunden, Jay Roach, and Roc Chen. My portfolio reflects a vast array of creative content. I’ve been published in the US and Europe. And my career transcends many industries like jewelry, publishing, sales, travel, customer service, fashion, A&E, fine dining, and tech.

Presently, I work as an AI Content Engineer. But I’ve known I was an artist ever since I was little, so that has always been part of my identity, with or without my career. Art and athletics are two of my greatest loves!

As a kid, I always adored sports and performing arts, and my family could see that joy within me, too. I knew from a young age, even around pre-k, that the arts were my true calling in life. Throughout childhood, I focused on music/vocals, theater arts, dance, swimming, and volleyball. Other hobbies and athletic activities came and went, like soccer, gymnastics, modeling, ballet, piano, church choir, Girl Scouts, tennis, or tumbling. But it was abundantly clear when I lost interest in something that didn’t align with me or felt forced. Looking back, I was fortunate to have a family that encouraged me to explore my interests and sponsored such diverse sports and hobbies! I wish I had stuck with piano, but I wasn’t officially diagnosed with dyslexia until college. Learning to read music the traditional way was giving me headaches and anxiety. The instructors didn’t believe my dyslexia struggles, so I memorized keys and melodies instead, but I couldn’t read music.

Early in my junior year at Lake Travis High School, I applied for the Media and Performing Arts (MPA) program at SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design) and was accepted that summer. I graduated early from high school in December as an Honor Thespian and went straight to SCAD after winter break. I attended their campus in Savannah, Georgia. Halfway into my sophomore year at SCAD, I switched my degree from MPA to Writing. Secretly, I could not bear another moment of being on stage pretending to be another character. I was so internally conflicted because my life dream was to be an actress, a movie star, but my spirit felt otherwise. So I paused my undergraduate studies and went home for six months. During that break from SCAD, I trained with a Masters Swim Team at St. Stephen’s in Austin, Texas, and worked at a marina, but that’s an entirely different story… Once I returned to Savannah and switched majors, I wrote for the District, an award-winning student newspaper. It was cool watching my grades shift after I changed my focus from theater arts to writing. I went from mediocre grades, mostly B’s, to qualifying for the Dean’s List five quarters in a row. My art was shining in a whole new way! Sometime later, the Georgia College Press Association awarded my co-writer and me second place for Best News Article: Objective Reporting. After that, I became the first SCAD student ever selected to serve as an editorial intern at Savannah Magazine and soon completed my B.F.A. at SCAD.

Following graduation, I left Georgia to begin an internship with the Editorial department at Texas Monthly magazine. While serving as an intern, I was additionally hired as a contract employee to work in their Custom Publishing department for the Texas Tour & Meeting Guide Magazine. I also wrote three stories for the Texas Monthly website, which was special and exciting! That’s how it all launched and how I began my professional journey as a writer.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Overall, no, it’s not been a smooth road. For instance, being a dyslexic writer with colorful grammar is a lifelong struggle. Depending on the time or phase in my life I’ve been interviewed, I share more (or very little) about my personal and professional struggles. However, the journey has been rewarding, humbling, scathing, beautiful, and exhilarating. I am so grateful for all the highlights and the blessings! And I’m proud of myself for chasing my dreams despite all obstacles. But I would like to return to media and performing arts, dance, and music. I’d like to create a podcast. And I’m interested in broadening my skills and getting into radio, TV, sports, and film. Plus, I need to finish my memoirs and a magical realism book. Ergo, I have a lot more work to do!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

After Texas Monthly, I was hired as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the copy, mail, and print department at The University of Texas at Austin. I worked there successfully for a couple of years, and I obtained several awards on behalf of the company. I even landed a public speaking gig at a national conference because of a portfolio I created, winning the IPMA In-House Promotional Excellence Award for the second year in a row! Eventually, I realized that I terribly missed the arts. Copy, mail, and print weren’t my passions, even if I was excelling at them. Sadly, I felt something was missing. I will always be very grateful for my time and the opportunities at UT Austin, but I felt in my heart it was time to rekindle my relationship with the arts. As a result, I went back to grad school to get my Master’s degree. It was tough to decide where to enroll, because I was also accepted to Richmond University in London, England, but I accepted SCAD’s offer. Based on a thesis paper I submitted to SCAD Admissions about Ancient Greece, that paper awarded me academic scholarships to help with tuition. Since I realized that I could not juggle both UT Austin and SCAD— I took a voluntary demotion and resigned from my corporate, salary job with benefits at UT, and I started to work hourly with no benefits in the service industry in order to focus on my studies.

During graduate school, I was not only a student. In that time, I also completed two internships, on top of working at a waterfront country club, as well as freelance writing. In hindsight, I was juggling too much! Grad school was an intense time, even for me. However, when I finally graduated after two years of calamity and controlled chaos—I was relieved and proud of my accomplishment! Yet, I was also confused and astonished that after graduation, I had such difficulty getting back into the corporate world. Suddenly I felt stuck and invisible in the service industry. Although I loved many aspects of the service industry, and I think everyone should work in it at some point, that wasn’t my long-term goal. Or I wouldn’t have enrolled in graduate school.

Suddenly, I wondered if I should’ve played it safe instead of chasing my “silly” passions. I started to doubt my decisions. Growing up, I saw a lot of my elders sacrifice or abandon their dreams for duty, responsibility, and financial security. Since I wasn’t married, and I can’t have kids—I seized my moment and rationalized my decision to pursue my heart over my head. And I’m glad I did! Despite not knowing how difficult it was going to be to return to the corporate world after completing my Master’s degree: I now have zero regrets that I went back to the arts. I learned so much in that tough time, and I came out a stronger, more resilient, emotionally intelligent person from the challenges of starting over. Nevertheless, the truth is that pursuing my artistic desires came with a heavy price because I got stuck in the service industry much longer than I anticipated, and some people enjoyed watching me struggle. However, during this prolonged season of professional exploration, uncertainty, and angst, I never lost sight of my goals. Even if at times I temporarily lost hope or momentum in the future. At the end of the day, I kept looking up, I continued freelance writing, and I focused on my dreams—kind of like a slow-motion personal and professional glow-up.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?

I recommend gravitating towards people who are smarter, stronger (mentally, emotionally, physically, financially, etc.), and more experienced in skills than you are. Allow others to inspire you to grow, to flourish, and to become an optimal version of yourself. As we grow professionally, it’s important to emotionally mature, too. We need to train our mind and heart to be flexible, powerful, and resilient, the same way we train our body. I have learned so much from interviewing talent beyond my years and observing the masters of their craft! Reading is another powerful learning tool.

Keep your eyes open and trust your gut to find the right, healthy people who want to be a mentor or guiding light to you, and be willing to ask them questions. Mentors may come and go like seasons, but their valuable insight or impressions last a lifetime. Also, it’s lucrative to remain open-minded to listening and learning from people that think, act, and feel differently from us. Even if the lessons they teach us are what not to do. We still learned something valuable.

Be willing to put yourself out there and face rejection or criticism. Remember that mistakes are opportunities to improve. And be kind to yourself, especially when you fail.

https://voyageaustin.com/interview/conversations-with-nicolette-mallow

NY Weekly Magazine

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An editorial published by NY Weekly Magazine went live in March. I’m grateful to be featured in their “Top 30 Women Disruptors to Watch Out for in 2025” issue. Out of several headshots, the editor and publicist chose that one.

“Final Thoughts: The women on this list prove that real change happens when you dare to do things differently. They are solving problems, inspiring others, and opening doors for the next generation. Their stories remind us that disruption is not about breaking things, it’s about building something better. As they continue to shake things up, one thing is certain: the world is paying attention”.

Photography by Steve DeMent

Bold Journey Interview

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Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nicolette Mallow. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation:

Nicolette, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

From a very young age, I was fortunate to know my life purpose: to be an artist. However, that is not always a secure or stable journey. Even in high school, when I told people I was enrolled at Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) for my undergraduate—many adults looked at me like, “Oh, that’s cute, but what are you going to do for a real job after graduation?” These remarks were constant, and it felt condescending, hurtful, and often ominous, like, “You’re just a foolish kid chasing a childish dream, and it’s only a matter of time until you fail and join the real world”… True, the arts do not always pay well. You must be open-minded to accepting jobs outside of the arts. (I discussed some of this in my first interview with Voyage Austin and my second in your Canvas Rebel series.) But I pursued my dream and didn’t let others take that vision away from me.

Do not let other people steal your light or your love for life. I’ve explored many other forms of employment to support myself financially. Regardless, I’m a published writer with over 110+ publications in the United States and Europe (including 12 national awards/scholarships based on individual or group projects). I’ve had the privilege of working with companies and media outlets, including The Hollywood Reporter, HBO Films, SXSW, Prevention Magazine, National Geographic, Texas Monthly, and more. So clearly, these naysayers weren’t totally correct. Admittingly, I wasn’t prepared for how arduous the journey would be, but I didn’t give up on my dream. Even if I sometimes felt lost at sea and as if the arts were drowning me rather than smooth sailing to exotic beaches. I remember this particular awards event many years ago, interviewing Hollywood talent as a member of the Press. Standing there waiting my turn to ask questions on the red carpet: I felt so unseen, undervalued, and disrespected by the Hollywood talent I was interviewing–I almost wanted to quit red carpet events for good. I was tired of working hard to help other famous people shine while being invisible and unappreciated. And for a while, I took a break. I only worked on my personal portfolio instead. Then I returned with an even better press gig, and I got to interview Greta Gerwig on the red carpet for the debut of her film “Lady Bird” at the Austin Film Festival. So, if you get burnt out, take a break. I personally love to seek out the water when I need to heal or decompress, which is why I recently explored San Diego, La Jolla, Del Mar, and more. It’s healthy to relax and give yourself recovery time. It’s O.K. to set boundaries and know your worth. Even if you’re an underground writer/performing artist – and nobody in Hollywood knows or cares about me – we all deserve to be treated with kindness and respect!1F14E3

Resilience is crucial to survive in the arts. As a published writer, the amount of rejections I’ve received compared to publications is startling! You must develop a tough exterior, like python snakeskin, in order to continue thriving in publishing or entertainment. I have vulnerabilities like any human, but I am resilient, fierce, and empowered. For instance, editors and critics are going to tear some of your writing projects to pieces—or simply ignore you altogether because the project wasn’t deemed worthy of their time – and you’ll need to be tough to learn from these experiences without letting them break your spirit. Ask for feedback if you’re ghosted. Ask the uncomfortable questions about why you weren’t selected or rejected – so you can work and excel at your craft to improve for the future. Accept that everyone won’t appreciate your artwork. It’s O.K. to be different. Find your tribe! But above all, stay loyal to you.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

In my previous two interviews with Voyage Austin and Canvas Rebel, I delved deeply into my artistic background, story, and purpose. It would be repetitive to rehash all that once more, but those links are still live, and my Artist Bio on my website is a great reference point.

However, I am creating a digital space for my music and dancing and to feature my publications, other than my website. My business website is strictly publications and editorial. I am in the process of launching a social media page that is more expansive and showcases all my artistic talents beyond the workplace. I’m also really anxious to partake in podcasts! That’s all I wish to say until I bring a few more loose ends together.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Self-confidence/self-love. Speaking my truth. Thriving after disappointment/ failures.

Self-confidence and self-love go hand-in-hand. Loving others is part of self-love, so the more (love) we give out, the more (love) we get in return. I know many people from all walks of life, not just artists, who possess gigantic (fragile), grandiose egos. Yet they do not truly love themselves. They just put up a good front to the world, like wearing a theatrical mask and being nice to people in public but hiding a dark persona behind closed doors.

Loving yourself isn’t the same as holding high regard for your talents, vanity, or God-given abilities. Self-love comes from within, not from awards, accolades, popularity, beauty, money and achievements. Finding that healthy balance of confidence and humility is challenging to master. On the other side of that coin toss lies fear (insecurity) and arrogance, which aren’t constructive to optimal success. Sometimes, we must learn to swallow our pride/ego and think beyond ourselves. Other times, we must use our voices to speak the truth and fight for what we believe in! Balance is an obstacle I’m still learning, like a dancer staying grounded at all times or else you’ll fall down.

Beware of never making yourself smaller or minimizing your light/skills/talents in order to suit others’ comfort levels; it’s another form of self-betrayal that will steal joy and distort your truth. Stand in your truth! Know that not everyone will like you, nor will they support you. You must accept that some people will desire to see you fail, some won’t be your advocate, and you do not want those people in your corner. Some people won’t have your back, even if they love you, whether it’s an employer, family member, friend, or lover. Because they don’t love themselves… Be your own number-one cheerleader! Quit waiting for someone to come to your rescue – quit seeking the approval of others – be the champion of your dreams! Move at your own pace. Find the people that love and support you. But most of all, be sure that you love yourself. Cliché but true because, in life, we don’t always like ourselves, but do you love yourself?

Lastly, do not be afraid to ask for help if you are struggling, whatever it may be. Keeping that burden a secret will eat you alive from the inside out. True, many employers will not hire people with disabilities or ailments. Even though it’s illegal, they lie and save face by advertising it’s a safe work environment, even when it’s not. Safeguard your private information until you can trust someone, do not overshare because manipulative people use that personal intel like ammunition to destroy you. But also make sure to have a support system where you can speak your truth! There is no shame in asking for help. Even kings/queens had people at their side to support their empires. We cannot do it all on our own. There are good, humane employers out there that are more concerned with your work ethic, work experience, and proven ability to excel – as opposed to whether or not you’re “perfect” outside work in your personal life. We all have a work persona and a personal life – don’t be fooled – everyone is facing their own inner demons, so don’t be afraid to be human. You are not a machine. Emotions are not a sign of weakness. I know athletes that are physical powerhouses but are so messed up in the head & the heart. Being healthy and whole – mind, body, and soul – is demanding, and if it were easy. We would all be healthy. Ergo, don’t be afraid to showcase the fact you’re imperfect. It doesn’t make you a failure. It means you’re human. People can relate to someone with an open, loving heart.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

Out of all these closing questions – the number one obstacle or challenge I’m facing in my present life: People often see you how they want to see you, based on their beliefs, experiences, or life perspectives (often programmed from their childhood). You cannot control this false narrative, even if it’s inaccurate. Seeing ourselves through other people’s harmful, critical eyes can be scathing and disheartening. Often, as a woman, people will not take your intellect seriously if you also partake in modeling, the arts, music, etc. People often see me and make snap judgments from afar, like my rose-colored glasses, my love of Hello Kitty, my dyslexia (grammar errors), and my tender heart for animals, and think they have me all figured out. To many outsiders, I’m just a silly, daft airhead with s*x appeal who dreams of being talented and only obtained her success through luck or privileges. But I know I’m very smart and gifted, despite being dyslexic and having colorful grammar. I worked hard for my artistic achievements because I had zero connections to the publishing world. Regardless, I’m most empowered by my inner emotional/spiritual tenacity and all the things I’ve overcome behind the curtains when no one was watching. I grew up with mostly all males and generations of family in the military, which toughened me up from the get-go. I was sent to etiquette school for three semesters as a child, only so I would embrace my femininity. At heart, I’m a wild tomboy that can hold her ground and speak her mind: I just like wearing the costume of a fashionista, girlie-girl.

Shakespeare is not my favorite writer, even if a brilliant one. Still, it’s good to remind ourselves when it feels as if society wants to demonize you, falsely portray who you are, or change your identity to suit their conformity: “To thine own self be true.”

To view the original interview please visit: https://boldjourney.com/news/meet-nicolette-mallow/.

Canvas Rebel Interview

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Before the end of summer, I received a letter from the editorial team at CanvasRebel to interview me a second time for their zine. “Their mission is to create a space for artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs to be able to learn from their peers through the magic and power of storytelling. The CanvasRebel series was designed to go beyond the personal story covered last time and to highlight more attention to the artists and creatives in the community.” In 2021, their team contacted me for an interview featured in VoyageAustin. So I was delighted to partake in another interview and hope you all enjoy the read!

Alright, Nicolette thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Yes, I’m happy to be an artist. Do I wish the path were (financially) easier for artists? Yes, of course. I’m an underground artist. Not a celebrity or an icon. Outside corporate, state, publishing, or PR gigs– I’ve worked many “regular” jobs for income: a hotel, a jewelry store, a country club, bars, restaurants, fine dining, cafes, and the list goes on and on. So yeah, I’ve wished that the road was shorter and more manageable for most artists to make a living based on their creative talents. I wish it were easier for artists to thrive in the corporate world and enjoy the same financial security as someone in tech or sales. Some people get lucky with connections or Fate–but most of us have to struggle along the way and work harder to achieve financial goals. Most artists have to invest a lot of time in a series of successes, setbacks and mistakes. And the struggle or the wait isn’t always fun; it can be scary and discouraging. But in the end, hard work always pays off through the ups and downs. So long as you keep going, even when you fail. And learn from each mistake. It’s O.K. to get jaded, but don’t give up. Focus on the positive and rekindle the spark, the light, the drive, and the passion to carry on.

Emotionally, I feel blessed and fulfilled with diverse artistic talents. Thankfully, I discovered my purpose in life early on. The arts help(ed) me express my voice and identity, which gave me self-confidence and self-empowerment. Art is transcendental and can heal us, give us a safe place to display emotions and create magic in what can be a melancholy world. I would be too repressed and lost without writing, singing, and dancing to my love of music. Without art, without the freedom of imagination or daydreaming, I would be a tormented spirit. Therefore, art is essential to me, like sleep, water, nutrients, fitness, money and oxygen.

Nicolette, 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?

My professional writing career began in 2005 at Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD). I joined the District, an award-winning student newspaper, and started to get published in my undergraduate program. The Georgia College Press Association Conference awarded an article I wrote for District newspaper 2nd place for Best News Article – Objective Reporting. I was also the first SCAD student ever selected to serve as an Editorial Intern at Savannah Magazine. After graduation, I left Georgia to begin an internship with the Editorial department at Texas Monthly magazine in ATX. Then I was hired as a contract employee to work in their Custom Publishing department for the Texas Tour & Meeting Guide Magazine. I wrote three stories for the Texas Monthly website, which was exciting!

SCAD and Texas Monthly are the launchpads of my professional journey as a writer. First, however, I began my artistic journey in performing arts, tracing back to pre-k to college. Born and raised in Texas and NYC—I’m an artist: writer, dancer, vocalist, thespian & (amateur) photographer. I’ve done a little modeling, too, and was accepted by Barbizon Modeling in the 1990s but declined their offer. As a little girl, I was fortunate to be exposed to a colorful variety of music, artwork, and cultures. A third-generation American, I’m a Latina, Lebanese girl that has always adored theatre arts, dance and music. So, it began with theatre, music/voice classes, choir, and endless dance lessons, year after year. I tried the piano, too, but enjoyed singing and dancing far more than sitting still in one place. Although, I wish I had mastered at least one instrument. Initially, I was accepted to SCAD to study Performing Arts. Halfway through my sophomore year, I switched my major to Writing. I went from a mediocre GPA to qualifying for the Dean’s List five quarters in a row. It showed on paper how much I loved writing! Which was interesting since I am dyslexic.

Internationally published in the United States and Europe, I’ve obtained 110+ publications thus far. For 17 years, I’ve interviewed an extensive list of talent and collaborated with companies, directors, and PR teams from The Hollywood Reporter, National Geographic Channel, Prevention Magazine, HBO Films, SXSW, The David Lynch Foundation, Cine Las Americas, The University of Texas at Austin and more. Presently, my portfolio entails 12 national awards or scholarships, including both individual and group projects. Obtaining two degrees from the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD), I earned a Master of Arts degree in Arts Administration & a B.F.A. in Writing.

But yeah, I’ve loved performing arts and playing sports for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was always torn between the arts and athletics.  I would bounce back and forth between my two greatest loves. I played many sports, but swimming, volleyball, and dance were my favorites! My first swim team in Kindergarten was the Shavano Sharks, then West Austin Athletics, until my Master’s swim team in college at St. Stephen’s. When I finally had to choose in college, I chose the arts. A decision I do not regret; alas, it was one of the most challenging choices of my young adult life. I am still an athlete—that energy in my heart will never die. But art heals me and gives me a purpose in a way sports cannot. However, dance is a sport, too, not just a form of art. As an adult, I took belly dancing classes with Stacey Lizette and still love to dance with my finger cymbals!

It’s been a wild adventure since I devoted my heart to the arts. One of the most incredible moments of my career was in 2010 when my editors at WideWorld Magazine in London, UK, commissioned me to interview a photographer for National Geographic and a sponsored athlete for The North Face, Jimmy Chin. They flew me to Washington, DC, where I interviewed Chin before attending a banquet at National Geographic headquarters in his honor. In 2019, he won an Oscar for his Documentary, “Free Solo.” It’s amazing! This interview made me internationally published in the US and Europe, a massive step in my career. Plus, I’ve adored Nat Geo since childhood, and this was a dream come true. Mr. Chin was also very kind to me, and I remember that kindness because I was so new to the game and trying not to look or sound like a rookie. Another great day was when I got to interview Greta Gerwig on the red carpet at the Austin Film Festival about her “Lady Bird” film debut. The story was published in The Hollywood Reporter and IMDb.com. I could keep going with happy memories from freelance writing!

In hindsight, my career is diverse and transcends many industries, but the end goal is the arts. Customer service and communications are another big focus in my career as I’ve worked for companies like Nordstrom, Hotel Van Zandt (Kimpton/IHG) and Kendra Scott. I love to transcend industries and learn new skills like event planning, sales, marketing, design, and promotional publicity. I’m a great assistant, too, as I’m very organized and efficient. Alas, some companies see my desire for knowledge and change as flighty, like a butterfly, but I choose to see it: I’m adaptable to environments. I’m intelligent and skilled. And I bring excellence, kindness, and intellect to anything I set my mind to.

Lastly, I enjoy all forms of writing, but my favorite writing genres to create entail arts & entertainment, literary journalism, travel, magical realism, and nonfiction. I’m eager to rekindle my spot on stage or behind the camera! Lately, I’ve been recording music. But I have a lot of goals to achieve in the next ten years, personally and professionally. I’ve been doodling costume ideas for my voice and dance routines. Due to the pandemic and personal reasons, I’ve been quiet for the last few years, and I’m ready for some noise and to meet some new creative talent. It took me a long time to realize that it’s OK to be an introverted writer and an extroverted performing artist.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A good writer can have dyslexia. Unfortunately, there is a stigma: all dyslexic writers are destined to fail due to bad grammar and the inability to read or spell. This is a false narrative I had to rebuke. It took time and still does, considering most of society holds misguided views about dyslexia. And dyslexia doesn’t go away. Thus, my dubious and faulty grammar will follow me all my life. I wrote a story about it called “Dare to Dream with Dyslexia.”

A dyslexic writer is an oxymoron for most. Dyslexia is often associated with incompetence. It took many years, tears, and accolades to believe that I’m a writer. When it came to my writing, my confidence was intermittent and inconsistent for years. One day I felt good and knowledgeable. Another day I felt lousy, often depending on the company I kept. People can enjoy talking over me and correcting my grammar, even when they understand me. Finally, after living with dyslexia my whole life, I sought an Educational Diagnostician for an official diagnosis. I fall into the category of 2E dyslexia, which stands for twice-exceptional. According to the International Dyslexia Association, “Twice-exceptional or 2e is a term used to describe students who are both intellectually gifted (as determined by an accepted standardized assessment) and learning disabled, including students with dyslexia.” Statistics estimate that about 2-5% of the population has this form of dyslexia, maybe higher.

It’s funny because I taught myself the alphabet and how to read when I was three. With the use of Hooked on Phonics and the guidance of my parents: I was fully literate before elementary school. By the time I turned four, I was reading chapter books on my own. I asked my parents to go to the library for fun. The catchy slogan, “Hooked on Phonics worked for me!” is true. So, how can society deem someone like me as lacking intelligence when I taught myself how to read at the age of three? And yet, they do question my abilities. C’est la vie!

Flash forward to adulthood, a story I addressed in detail within my previous VoyageAustin interview. After years of success, suddenly, no company would tell me why I wasn’t selected for writing or editorial work. Each time I came in silver or bronze, I kept asking about each rejection so that I could work on the issue. But I kept getting ghosted, or sent an insincere PR note without explanation. All that time, writing samples I’d submitted to prospective employers for free—writings that took hours, days, or weeks to complete—and the editors or hiring managers didn’t even reply as to why I wasn’t hired—only a generic rejection letter.

I asked myself: Does that seem right to you, Mallow? Do you want to work for a company that asks for free work without the respect of a critique or an honest rejection? The answer is a bonafide, no. Finally, last summer, a hiring manager from a book publishing company told the recruiter to inform me. I was not selected because I made too many grammar errors for hire. Sadly, I’ve heard these words since the seventh grade: your grammar is lacking. Ain’t nothing new. I’m aware that people love to hate on my grammar. I simply didn’t know how to fix it. No one knew I was dyslexic, even me, till my AP English teacher in 11th grade. Until then, I was able to fool the system and myself into believing that I knew grammar.

Last summer, when I read the email from the recruiter about my grammar or lack thereof. For the first time during the interview process, especially since I had nothing to lose, I confessed my secret: I am dyslexic. To much surprise, the recruiter told me that dyslexia is a superpower and nothing to be ashamed of. She advised me to check out Grammarly, which I now pay for and utilize. The recruiter also advised me to be forthright with employers about dyslexia. In private, I cried because I was heard, seen, and acknowledged. And I thanked her for the kindness and professionalism. They asked if I wanted special accommodations, but I declined.

Ultimately, I’m grateful because now I can use Grammarly and overcome these challenges. Finally, I found some peace of mind and ease with Grammarly. Yes, the truth hurts to read. I’ve heard it for far too long. It’s disheartening that my grammar can overshadow my accolades. And it makes me sad for younger generations, the children, because what kind of message does that send out? “Kids, you can be anything you want to be, so long as you don’t have a learning disability.”

Fact: A good writer can have dyslexia. Unlike grammar, a heart and a voice cannot be taught in schools.

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

To better support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem–we can accept others’ uniqueness and oddities rather than rebuke them. Artists are different. Society often wants everyone to be the same because differences can make us uncomfortable, afraid, or insecure. In the animal world, we have many species, and each is created in its own design. Why does society often expect humans to all be the same? Artists are their own kind of breed. Accept us for who we are. And as we become more accepting of others, we become more accepting of ourselves. Love begets love. This idea of acceptance applies to my fellow artists as well because we need reminders to be open-minded, too.

We can also better support artists and creatives by showing monetary support. Buy a ticket to a movie, go to a live music show or donate to NPR. Share the wealth. Sadly, many corporate environments (outside the arts industries) claim they like to hire artists/creatives but do not and will not. Just like a lot of companies say they don’t discriminate because of age, gender, disability, etc., yet they do. Please be open-minded to change and give us a chance and hire more artists; those who work hard will impress you with our creative thinking, work ethic and visionary ideas. We have far more skills than paintbrushes, music and drawings. Let us showcase your companies!

Meet Nicolette Mallow

Voyage Austin Interview

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Imagery from VoyageAustin Magazine. Photography of Nicolette Mallow taken by Vivian’s Muse.

Last December, I received a note from an editorial team to inquire if I wanted to partake in a literary project called the “Inspiring Stories” series published by VoyageAustin Magazine. For the first time in 16 years, someone else interviewed me. It was so exciting since no one had ever asked in detail about my artistic journey. People usually only inquire about my writing career and forget about my performing arts history. I’ve conducted hundreds upon hundreds of interviews, but as far as I can recall. VoyageAustin Magazine was my first non-work-related interview where I was the subject matter instead of the interviewer. Perhaps on a few occasions, like at The University of Texas at Austin. I spoke on behalf of the company. But this was the first time anyone interviewed me. http://voyageaustin.com/interview/check-nicolette-mallows-story/

Hi Nicolette, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

My writing career began in 2005 at Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD). I joined the District, an award-winning student newspaper, and started to get published in my undergraduate program. After graduation, I left Georgia to begin an internship with the Editorial department at Texas Monthly magazine in ATX. Then I was hired as a contract employee to work in their Custom Publishing department for a different magazine. I wrote three stories for the Texas Monthly website and that was exciting! SCAD and Texas Monthly are the launchpads of my professional journey as a writer. 

Internationally published in the United States and Europe, I’ve obtained 110+ publications thus far, and counting. For 16 years, I’ve interviewed an extensive list of talent and collaborated with companies, directors, and PR teams from The Hollywood Reporter, National Geographic Channel, Prevention Magazine, HBO Films, SXSW, The David Lynch Foundation, Cine Las Americas, The University of Texas at Austin and more. Presently, my portfolio entails 12 national awards or scholarships, including both individual and group projects. Obtaining two degrees from the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD), I earned a Master of Arts degree in Arts Administration and a B.F.A. in Writing. But, writing is just one of the art forms I enjoy creating. 

From childhood until college, I focused primarily on performing arts. Born and raised in Texas and NYC—I’m an artist: writer, dancer, vocalist, thespian, model & (amateur) photographer. As a little girl, I was fortunate to be exposed to a colorful variety of music, artwork, and a beautiful array of cultures. A third-generation American, I’m a Latina, Lebanese girl that has always adored theatre arts, dance and music. 

Even at three years old, I knew I wanted to be a bellydancer after seeing the dancers and their costumes. My mummy says I ran to her at Disney in Orlando and declared, “I’m going to dance like that someday, too!” A year later, when I was four, my family took me to see The Nutcracker. Immediately, I was hooked. I needed to be part of the action on stage. I needed to dance! That desire only became more intense after seeing Phantom of the Opera at The Majestic Theater. Then, I wanted to be a vocalist, too. The makeup, the lights, the costumes and the music were hypnotic to me.

Anytime I saw a film, concert, or music video that inspired and enticed me. I wanted to be in it. Life just seemed so much more enthralling within the art world. And it is, for me. Tantalized by theatre arts and the world of music, beginning in pre-K and throughout elementary school, I partook in ballet classes. I attended music and voice lessons at the Jewish Community Center, even though I’m not Jewish. I was also part of our church choir. We showcased big theatrical productions in the winter and spring, as well as hymns every Sunday. 

When I got to middle school, I hid myself away artistically, at first, overwhelmed by the culture shock and the harsh adjustment from San Antonio to Lake Travis. In private, I auditioned for Barbizon Modeling and was accepted. In private, I kept singing and dancing. But I chose to focus on volleyball, swimming and academics, instead. In high school, I came out of my shell, once again. After I quit competitive volleyball and stopped swimming at West Austin Athletics, I re-focused my energy on performing arts. I became an Honor Thespian. And I think my favorite production we showcased was Daddy’s Dyin’ Who’s Got the Will? and I got to play Marlene Turnover. 

So, it began with theatres, classes and choirs, year after year. I tried the piano, too, but enjoyed singing and dancing far more than sitting still in one place. Although, I wish I had mastered at least one instrument. Anyway, I grew up in a house of musicians and artists. I am very fortunate to have grown up with such gifted, talented and intelligent individuals. I could go on and on with praise about each member of my family. 

But yeah, as long as I can remember, I’ve loved the performing arts and playing sports. As a kid, I was always torn between the arts and athletics. My first swim team in Kindergarten was the Shavano Sharks, up until my Master’s swim team in college at St. Stephen’s. I would bounce back and forth between my two greatest loves. In college, when I finally had to choose, I chose the arts. A decision I do not regret; alas, it was one of the most challenging choices of my young adult life. True, I am still an athlete—that energy in my heart will never die—but my career and my greatest passions lie within the art world. Art heals me and gives me a purpose in a way sports cannot. However, dance is a sport, too, not just a form of art. Regardless, it’s been a wild adventure ever since I devoted my life to the arts.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

I laughed when I read this question. No, it has most certainly not been a smooth road, and it still isn’t, especially with COVID-19. Artists all over the world can relate to this struggle. First, the most obvious challenge is that I’m a dyslexic writer, an oxymoron. It took many years, tears, and many successes for me to fully believe: I’m a writer. When it came to my writing, my confidence was intermittent, inconsistent. Even if I always knew from birth, I’m an artist and an athlete. I used to doubt my writing skills. 

Writers are supposed to be flawless at grammar. My dyslexia was and is a constant challenge. For decades, there has been a harsh stigma about dyslexia: if you have dyslexia, you must be incompetent, which is far from the truth. Earlier this year, I saw an article with a video featuring a dyslexic woman, Laura Schifter, that graduated from Harvard. She spoke of her struggles with dyslexia. Right before she attended Ivy League Harvard, an older man said something to Schifter: “Well, if you’re going to Harvard, then you must not have dyslexia.” Oy! It was hard to watch, but she talks about the brutal comments and the misinformed judgments many people hold towards dyslexia. 

For years, I kept my dyslexia a secret from employers. I was advised that no one wants to hire a dyslexic writer. It was implied most editors see a dyslexic writer like a deaf musician, a colorblind photographer, or a one-legged runner. I heard from other professionals that employers see a writer like me as too much work. It’s unfair, it’s wrong, and it’s saddening—but it’s the harsh truth. So I kept my dyslexia secret, which ended up hurting me in the end. Sometimes, I still get hate mail from a reader like, “You should learn to improve your grammar if you consider yourself a writer.” Or people will stop to correct me, mid-sentence, while I’m talking. I’m often treated as incompetent by insensitive people. But, I do not see myself as disabled or having a disability. Regardless, I am blithely aware that my grammar is a bit more “colorful” than most professional writers. 

Thinking back on it, I was always writing. I even had some of my little chapter books laminated. My first research paper for this gifted and talented program was about Ramses II (Ramses The Great). Obviously, I had assistance from my parents, but I still picked the topic, read about it, and put together the project. I’ve always loved reading and writing! And no one should be able to take that away because I’m dyslexic. It makes me sad for younger generations, the children, because what kind of message does that send out. “Kids, you can be anything you want to be, so long as you don’t have a learning disability.” 

It’s funny because I learned to read at the age of three using Hooked on Phonics. So I was already reading chapter books on my own before I even got to elementary school. When I read books, I felt like I was entering this other world of daydreams and imagination. Writing, the written word, was a safe place to have a voice of my own. I loved my diaries! Art is a healthy escape for me from the real world. Through artwork, I can create, express, or alter my reality; convey my mind, heart, and soul in a safe place: light or dark. 

Sometimes it can be frustrating to create art when your mind gets the words, times, and tenses all mixed up. I advise reading aloud, helps you with pronunciation for public speaking, and catch errors or issues with chronological time waves. I hate it when I jump around from the first person to the third person in my diction. The worst! 

Nevertheless, I still struggle between writer versus performing artist: introvert versus extrovert. Initially, I was accepted to Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) to study Media & Performing Arts in my undergraduate program. In my sophomore year, I switched my B.F.A. to Writing and was amongst the first crew of SCAD Writing students to ever complete the program. I recall the exact moment I knew I’d become weary of performing arts. I remember the class and the assignment. Up until then, I loved being on stage! I loved being in the spotlight. I loved role-playing. And I was so thrilled to be centerstage: all eyes on me! 

I was always on a euphoric high each time we began something new. Suddenly, to much surprise, I dreaded playing someone else. I dreaded memorizing someone else’s lines and someone else’s voice. Because I didn’t know my voice. I felt like I’d been roleplaying my whole life and had no idea who I was. I didn’t want to wear a costume anymore. Suddenly, I didn’t want to be the center of attention. I wasn’t as extroverted any more. That’s a long story, too. 

Ultimately, writing helped me rediscover my voice and identity. Writing reminded me of my role in life. Writing helped me begin to heal from any secrets I was harboring. I could rewrite the story or not, but I had the control to make it fact or fiction. After college, I got back into dance and learned belly dancing through Stacey Lizette and Suhaila Salimpour. I performed at restaurants, nightclubs, and parties. Then I got into my Master’s, and I haven’t been on stage in a few years to sing or dance. Not including karaoke. I’ve hidden away, once again, for good and bad reasons. Of course, now I miss being on stage. So, I need to find that perfect ambivert balance of writer and performance artist.

Due to COVID, I’ll probably go digital until the pandemic clears. I do my best to keep my professional writing career separate from my performing arts interests and my nonfiction memoirs. I want employers to see the distinction and that the two are not intertwined. However, I’ve discovered that some employers dislike my modeling and dancing career. They think it’s too sexy or salacious, which saddens me because I’ve never been fired from a single job, and my credentials are pretty solid for my age. Thankfully, many employers do not feel that way and love having artists and creative types onboard. Who I am at the workplace is not who I am on stage or in a photoshoot. We all wear different masks and different costumes at work. I am grateful to everyone that believed in me along the way. I have so much work to do in the future. I am still far from where I need to be. But I am on the road. Books are my next goal.

So let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

One of the proudest moments of my career is when my editors at WideWorld Magazine in London, UK, commissioned me to interview a photographer for National Geographic and a sponsored athlete for The North Face, Jimmy Chin. They flew me out to Washington DC, where I interviewed Chin at The Madison Hotel before attending a banquet at National Geographic headquarters in his honor. The interviews were published in 2010. In 2019, he won an Oscar for his Documentary, Free Solo. It’s amazing! 

This interview made me internationally published in the US and Europe, a massive step for me in my career. Plus, I’ve adored Nat Geo since I was a child, and this was a dream come true. Mr. Chin was also very kind to me, and I remember that kindness because I was so new to the game and trying not to look or sound like a rookie.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?

Well, I’ve learned the hard way that not everyone is eager to help you. Especially if they’re competing for the same goal, you might find cold comfort from those who want to see you fail. Even if they like you, they might be disinterested in assisting you on your journey. And you may never know why. So, I advise going where you’re wanted and trusting your instincts. My advice is to seek mentorship from someone that is smarter than you, possibly older and wiser, but definitely more advanced in their career. You should not be competing with a mentor. You need someone to look up to. Seek out the “angels” of the art world that want to help aspiring artists. People that love and adore the arts and see their value. Also, be sure to remain open-minded to constructive criticism. Negative enforcement is not healthy, and you will know it when you hear it, feel it… Artists can get a little egotistical and hypersensitive when it comes to their craft, and rightfully so. But it’s imperative to be able to take advice from others that hold your best interests. 

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Stories from Texas Monthly

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Art in the time of COVID-19, it’s proven to be a quiet year for many artists, myself included. Sadly, the coronavirus is still rampaging the world and it will be sometime before things return to normal. (A word I try not to use.) During this quarantine, I realized that my Texas Monthly publications from 2009/2010 never made it to my business website. I have all three listed under publications with a link to Texas Monthly’s website, but I’d yet to repost. So, here they are for reading pleasure. Enjoy!

“The Illusionist”− Vol. 38 Issue No. 2

Born and raised along the Texas Gulf Coast, Damian Priour has a special affinity for water. And in his artwork, he uses glass to portray it. For more than thirty years, he has crafted beautiful sculptures made of limestone, metal, wood, bronze, and glass. Imagine water being trapped inside two pieces of glass, sometimes even dozens of pieces of glass. Priour either hand carves or sand blasts the glass, working to make it resemble water. Oftentimes by using different textures, shapes, and tricks, he creates the illusion that there is water inside the glass.

Fifty of Priour’s pieces were recently on display at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum in Austin. And while a majority of them depicted the water in diverse shades, hues, and tones of blue, many proved quite colorful and lively (think green, periwinkle, emerald, orange, lavender, and red). Most impressive was the way the sun hit Priour’s sculptures, light bouncing and absorbing. There were quite large pieces, some even twenty feet high, and others that could fit in the palm of a small hand. “Childhood Dreams” was a horse made of 24 to 26 pieces of thin-yet-sturdy pieces of blue glass and tilted wooden sticks. Other notables included a nineteen-foot-high arched doorway, a dragon, giant spheres, shadow boxes, and thronelike chairs.

“Water sparks my imagination, my memories,” wrote Priour. “Water sparks my ability to go places that only exist in my imagination … Water sparks wonder at life. Water sparks curiosity about death. Water sparks.“ Priour’s work has been exhibited across the United States and in Canada, Japan, and Germany. Many of his pieces are in private collections, public spaces, and local churches throughout Texas, Arizona, Florida, and California. For more information, go to damianpriour.com.

“Paper Trail” – Vol. 37 Issue 6

At a glance, Shou Ping Newcomb’s artwork appears flat and two dimensional, like a colorful still life. At some angles it resembles origami. But as you step closer to the picture frames, the fragility and detail of the paper art comes into focus, and you can clearly recognize that the art is three dimensional, mini paper sculptures of flowers, fish, hummingbirds, swans, plants, pueblos, hearts.

Shou Ping Newcomb, who was born and raised in Taiwan, started out as a cartoonist, a commercial artist, and an art teacher before moving in the nineties to the United States, where she was inspired by the landscape. Her artwork began to revolve around her love for her ecological surroundings and the splendor of the natural world. And so it is a natural fit for her work to be on display at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, in Austin, through May 31. The center, founded by the late first lady, is a testament to nature’s beauty, with a pond, wild fauna, outdoor sculpture, hiking trails, and a butterfly area.

After wandering the trails, step inside the McDermott Learning Center, where on the wall is a story by Shou Ping’s daughter Wendy describing the artist as a “paper magician with her enchanted scissors and magical brushes.” And that is how Shou Ping interprets nature—through paper, scissors, watercolors, and time. In this exhibit, Shou Ping pays homage to both Asian and Texan cultures—orchids, wildflowers, ginger lilies, magnolias, banana trees, hummingbirds, cacti, butterflies. Up close, the little pieces of her work begin to pop out: the petals of a bluebonnet, the scales of a koi. Within each piece, Shou Ping’s love of nature shines through. See for yourself.

“Toy Story” – Vol. 38 Issue No. 1

Got some last-minute holiday shopping to do? Well, remember that toys aren’t just for kids. This December we discovered three local toy stores around Austin that are unique in appearance and in merchandise. From a Magic Garden crystal kit to a plastic replica of R2D2 to stained-glass coloring books, the diverse offerings at these shops proved suitable for almost every age. In fact, we were so taken with all the fun items, that we couldn’t help ourselves and ended up buying three pocket-size metal music boxes that each play a different song. (My favorite was “Michelle” by The Beatles.) Here’s a sampling of what you’ll find. Get your wallet ready.

Terra Toys

At this spot that screams family friendly you’ll find everything from antique robots and magic kits to dinosaurs and wooden train sets. There is a variety of educational toys, including Zoob and Bilibo, and classics as well (think Madame Alexander dolls). We found ourselves drawn to the ultra-cool chemistry sets, action figures, solar system sets, and memory games. Never fear, there are lots of girlie-girl items too. The store is somewhat organized by category and has plenty of room to play. In fact, one of the sayings is, “If you can’t play with it, why bother?” Take your goodies home in white bags decorated by local kids and families. 2438 W. Anderson Ln (512-445-4489). http://www.terratoys.com

Toy Joy

Even if you aren’t in the market for toy, you must stop by this colorful spot near the University of Texas campus. This store has it all: peacock purses, Hello Kitty items, tinker toys, makeup kits, clothes, stationery, robots, sea monkeys, moleskin leather journals, music boxes, ancient Egyptian kits, 3D animal skeletons, ant farms, board games, Asian lanterns, coloring books, alphabet blocks, looming kits, and more. Custom gift wrapping is available. 2900 Guadalupe (512-320-0090). http://www.toyjoy.com

Anna’s Toy Depot

This is the spot to find classic, antique, or gently used toys. Anna’s specializes in selling and trading toys, so you can find just about anything you want here: doll houses, musical toys, action figures, stuffed animals, dinosaurs, kaleidoscopes, tray puzzles, dominoes, kitchen sets, Nerf bats, costumes, masks, cartoon memorabilia, rubber snakes and spiders, cars, airplanes, kites, puppets, books, puzzles, Legos, mosaics, tea sets, and more. In addition to the great selection of inventory, the prices are right too. 2620 South Lamar Blvd (512-447-8697). http://www.annastoydepot.com

El Amor en Tiempos de Coronavirus

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Fotografía de Nicolette Mallow. Pasaporte de Gabriel Garcia Marquez, 1969-1976.

As the COVID-19 quarantine began all over the globe, I knew the world news would be flooding, a swarm with coronavirus headlines, stories, and coronavirus-inspired artwork. I also thought of Gabriel García Márquez and his beloved book “Love in the Time of Cholera.” There is only one Márquez, just like there can only be one Detective Poirot, and I didn’t feel qualified to write about Love in the Time of Coronavirus. For weeks, during this time of social distancing, I waited for someone else to publish a play on Márquez’s words. I just knew someone else would and the story would go viral. So I waited. And I was delighted to read a story in The New York Times by Rodrigo Garcia, Marquez’s son. Rodrigo Garcia titled the piece “A Letter to My Father, Gabriel García Márquez.” How perfect that his son wrote a letter to Márquez about love in the time of coronavirus!

Márquez is one of my favorite writers, and this book “El Amor en Tiempos de Cólera” (Love in the Time of Cholera) holds one of my most beloved quotes ever written. Because of Márquez, I started to adore the genre magical realism, a genre Marquez created by accident. Simply because the words flowed from his imagination onto paper. How could I, and millions of other Márquez lovers, not think of the word—Love in the time of Coronavirus—during this strange, obscure and melancholy time of life?

Headline from Rodrigo Garcia’s story in The New York Times.

The letter written by Garcia to Gabo (his father) was fascinating, like listening to a private conversation between father and son, artist to artist. Garcia’s voice and the imagery as he spoke to his father beyond the grave were endearing, and you can see Márquez’s influence in his writing. Yet, Garcia holds his own voice, too, so it’s interesting to see the two styles. It’s a beautiful, evocative tribute to his father since Rodrigo Garcia knew Márquez at heart and not just through the pages like I did. True, Márquez spoke to all our hearts, the readers, the lovers of magical realism. But Rodrigo Garcia spent decades growing up with him and knowing details that we didn’t. For instance, in his letter, Garcia mentions his father’s greatest fear, something that Marquez dreaded when he was alive: loneliness. You must read it all, but I believe my favorite quote is this.

“I think that if you were here now, you would, as always, be enthralled by man. The term “man” is not much in use that way anymore, but I’ll make an exception not as a nod to the patriarchy, which you detested, but because it will echo in the ears of the young man and aspiring writer you once were, with more sensibility and ideas in your head than you knew what to do with, and with a strong sense that destinies are written, even for a creature in God’s image and cursed with free will. You would pity our frailty; you would marvel at our interconnectedness, be saddened by the suffering, enraged by the callousness of some of the leaders and moved by the heroism of people on the front lines. And you would be eager to hear how lovers were braving every obstacle, including the risk of death, to be together. Most of all, you would be as endeared to humans as you ever were.” – Rodrigo Garcia

My favorite line of that paragraph is when Garcia mentions lovers braving death in coronavirus: Márquez was a die-hard romantic! He had a love for life and an even deeper appreciation for love… A few years ago, I wrote a publication for Examiner.com about an art exhibition at The University of Texas at Austin regarding Marquez.

Born the year of 1927 in Colombia, Gabriel Garcia Marquez died of pneumonia in Mexico City circa 2014. A great artist was lost that day. The New York Times ran an article soon after the writer passed that read, “Mr. García Márquez, who received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982, wrote fiction rooted in a mythical Latin American landscape of his own creation, but his appeal was universal. His books were translated into dozens of languages. He was among a select roster of canonical writers — Dickens, Tolstoy and Hemingway among them — who were embraced both by critics and by a mass audience. Mr. García Márquez was a master of the literary genre known as magical realism, in which the miraculous and the real converge. In his novels and stories, storms rage for years, flowers drift from the skies, tyrants survive for centuries, priests levitate and corpses fail to decompose. And, more plausibly, lovers rekindle their passion after a half-century apart.”

Gabriel Garcia Marquez was a magical realism writer that created words of mysticism, beauty, love and tragedy. Marquez, also known as Gabo, had an eternal voice that was so unique it created its own writing genre. Marquez takes readers to another dimension within reality, like magic, and he can evoke heartfelt emotions that linger like the smell of fine perfume in the air, or a tender kiss on the skin.

nicolette mallow
Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s typewriter: Smith-Corona 250.

And now for one of my favorite quotes of all-time from his novel “El Amor en Tiempos de Cólera” (Love in the Time of Cholera).

“Así termino pensando en él como nunca se hubiera imaginado que se podía pensar en alguien, presintiéndolo donde no estaba, deseándolo donde no podía estar, despertando de pronto con la sensación física de que él la contemplaba en la oscuridad mientras dormía, de modo que la tarde en que sintió sus pasos resueltos sobre el reguero de hojas amarillas en el parquecito, le costó trabajo creer que no fuera burla de su fantasía.”

English Translation: “And so she thought about him as she never could have imagined thinking about anyone, having premonitions that he would be where he was not, wanting him to be where he could not be, awakening with a start, with the physical sensation that he was looking at her in the darkness while she slept, so that on the afternoon when she heard his resolute steps on the yellow leaves in the little park it was difficult for her not to think this was yet another trick of her imagination.”

– Gabriel García Márquez

Screenshot from the original publication on Examiner.com.