Nicolette, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose?
In preface, I’m an avid believer that most failures are a blessing in disguise, even if it can feel devastating. Perhaps if something implodes in your face, or things don’t go the way we hoped. Most likely, the Universe (destiny) was protecting you from the wrong outcome. But if I’m compelled to shed light on a personal regret about time… In hindsight, I wasted too much energy focusing on romantic relations. Instead of savoring being a carefree teenager or a single gal in her 20s and pouring that extra time into myself. Unfortunately, I was too concerned with romantic love and wanting to be in love. My passions got the best of me back then. Often, I was only feeling with my heart and focused on the chemistry I felt. Much to my chagrin, I was not always utilizing my head to make romantic choices.
Not everyone, but a lot of society routinely demonizes single women, like, there’s something wrong with “you” if you’re single. So that was one element of the complex predicament. Regardless of the reason I felt incomplete without a boyfriend at that stage in life, how I got hooked on a dead-end relationship, or why I felt trapped into a lifestyle that didn’t suit me. Ultimately, I wasted too much time and energy on romantic relationships. Whether it was a great relationship or not, the end result was that they didn’t last, or we grew apart because our values no longer aligned. A few caused sorrow, and that consumed my precious time as well, so it was an unwise investment overall. I’m just grateful I learned and healed from it, rather than let other people’s confusions dim my sparkle or break my tenacity. Chemistry and emotional security are equally important to me now. My head and my heart finally became aligned.
Psychologists advise spending three to four months getting to know someone before handing over your heart (complete trust). I read this in a legit medical article that most people cannot sustain a dual life or hide their bad habits past a few months, and you’ll start to see how they truly behave in life. Because when we meet people in the beginning. They are typically showing you the brand representative, not their true self. Generally, no one goes into a bad dynamic knowing that it’s impending doom. The situation usually starts very charismatically with a lot of love bombing. No matter how it begins, there are warning signs if you know what to look for. People will give you glimpses of their character, and it’s lucrative to trust your instincts.
Nicolette, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
NM: Looking back, SCAD and Texas Monthly were the launchpads of my professional journey as a writer. However, my artistic journey began 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! I feel blessed that I knew my purpose from a young age, and I’m proud of myself for preserving my authenticity into adulthood. Pursuing the arts was not an easy decision, and it’s been a wild ride.
Born and raised in Texas and NYC—I’m an artist: published writer, dancer, vocalist, thespian, and amateur photographer. 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. Over time, I’ve interviewed an extensive list of diverse talent that inspired me, including 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.
My career transcends multiple industries like AI content engineering, jewelry, publishing, voice acting, sales, customer service, fashion, A&E, fine dining, and tech. No matter the job I served in order to make a living—my focus always finds its way back home to creative arts!
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Yes, most certainly. I wish I’d obtained a minor in accounting to learn more about financial investments, high-yield savings, and bookkeeping. At that age, I don’t think anyone could have talked me into it because it sounded incredibly boring. But if I could travel in a time machine and talk to my college self and convince her, I would. I think an accounting minor might’ve helped me develop a deeper understanding of financial independence. So yeah, I wish I had obtained more financial resources in my twenties rather than waiting until my 30s to figure it out.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
NM: There isn’t one resolute answer to that question; however, one of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is the freedom and solace of self-expression. Whether it’s non-fiction or complete fantasy, art is a safe place to portray the human experience. Veritas vos liberabit (“the truth will set you free”).
Nicolette Mallow 