Maya Halabi
Maya Halabi
Content Creator / Marketer / Creative Director
Austin, TX
www.mayahalabi.com
pinterest
instagram @mayaemii
Q What do you do?
“I work with words and visuals. ”
In a technical, creative, and innovative sense. As a writer, editor, and creative director with a background in marketing, I have worked on a variety of projects from magazine publishing to brand strategy to directing editorial content. I approach my work with a creative eye and an understanding of best business practices in order to ignite every project I work on. I also source and curate vintage clothing and antiques for shops in my local area.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
In my sophomore year of college, I was accepted into Spark Magazine as a clothing stylist and online contributor and moved to Austin, Texas. Eventually, I became the magazine’s Digital Director then Editor-in-Chief. Before I stepped into my role as EIC, our magazine underwent a *hefty* rebrand. This experience made me realize how much I love brand direction and implementing it into a marketing strategy.
As EIC, I led a staff of 200+ creatives and a 30+ leadership team. I oversaw all five of our departments: editorial, web, design, creative, and business. You can read all about my experience here 😋.
When it comes to my curation experience, I really owe it to the connections I made in Austin. I started interning at a shop called Mutual Feelings and had the opportunity to be mentored by my bosses; two incredibly creative vintage veterans with extensive knowledge of fashion. I learned a ton about creative direction, social media curation, and also space and clothing curation. I then started working at Lofi Vintage where I began directly assisting in sourcing, curation, event planning, and social media management. I had the opportunity to style shoots and also began my own vintage brand called @ineedibuprofen. Under this brand, I curated and sourced vintage clothing, designed the visual and written identity of my brand, and curated pop-up event spaces.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I always approach my projects from a creative *and* business perspective. With a business and leadership background, project management, digital strategy, and marketing go hand-in-hand with my creative direction and editorial expertise. I also very much enjoy a niched side of fashion and can serve up tons of knowledge on vintage, antiques, and clothing curation :)
Q What are you working on right now?
Currently, book marketing and PR for a boutique publishing agency based out of Texas. I’m also working on creating a site for my new blog on Cargo and putting together content for a new podcast. I am also sourcing and curating vintage pieces and antiques for vintage shops around Austin, Texas.
Q What’s your style?
My style is eccentric, sometimes dismal, and a bit satirical. It’s a strong reflection of my personality and personal experiences, which are often brought into my work in some form or another. This past spring, I styled an editorial for Spark Magazine that displays this:
https://issuu.com/sparkmagazinetx/docs/finalfantasia-single/216
https://issuu.com/sparkmagazinetx/docs/finalfantasia-single/218
https://issuu.com/sparkmagazinetx/docs/finalfantasia-single/222
I enjoy playing around with dramatic silhouettes in the clothing pieces I choose, while also keeping the direction playful through vivid color palettes and interesting props.
In Fall 2020, I oversaw the creation of Spark Magazine's digital issue titled "Amuse Bouche". This project also elicits my style.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
As a curator, I wish I had the chance to plan more events and curate events spaces! I have planned quite a few pop-up events and enjoyed bringing those spaces to life - from the planning process to the actual curation of the space.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Finding project partners. I have some ambitious personal projects I’d like to start up but have had some trouble finding reliable partners - if you’re interested in fashion or vintage, hit me up.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I’d hire a reliable graphic or layout designer - always appreciate another set of eyes when it comes to design direction.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would tell freshman-me to listen to my desire for creative freedom! Don't put your creative pursuits to the side because you feel like you *have* to go down a specific professional path.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Would love to talk to a TikTok enthusiast or strategist. I know as a Gen-Zer I should be the most versed in being up to date on TikTok trends and understanding the algorithm, but there’s so much content on there that it’s a bit overwhelming to keep up sometimes. I think implementing TikTok content into a social-media first marketing strategy could be very beneficial, so I’d like to learn more about the platform!
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
My skill set is vast, so there’s variety in what kinds of projects I’m looking for. If you are a publication, brand or media company looking for: A brand strategist, creative marketer, editorial director, or content creator/editor, I'm here! I also have a niche in styling and clothing curation and always love working on projects centered around fashion or vintage.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My ideal client is a creative entrepreneur who wants to implement a niched and interesting creative direction into their work, whether it be through digital strategy, writing, or visuals. I would ideally take on the role of a creative consultant when it comes to visuals, as I’m not a designer or photographer but can bring in my network of creatives who do have that expertise to assist in the project.
For curation projects, my ideal collaboration is working with another creative individual who is flexible and open-minded when it comes to how the shop, event space, or similar project should be curated.
Who is a creative that has helped you elevate your work?
@airtomyearth is a stylist I’ve been following for forever now. Their attention to detail is immaculate!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Email me: mayaemha99@gmail.com or DM me on Insta. I'd love to connect with you <3
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Traveling and going outside. God knows I don’t get anything done by working in bed :-)
This member profile was originally published in August 2021.