We had the good fortune of connecting with Mariah Russell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mariah, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
There was a lot of thought behind it because it’s so much more than one business. It’s actually three small ones i smashed together. I felt like i had my hands in too much as a creative, but that’s just what i am. At that point i figured why not house it all under one business since the mission is all the same? Now i’m thinking “how can i expand”.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art depends on my emotions. I also take commission requests. Sometimes I don’t feel like drawing, i might want to make a new outfit for myself and style it. I also make custom outfits for other people. Right now it’s local or friends from out of town until i redesign my website. It’s temporarily shut down. As far as my brand and my story and the lessons learned along the way, do not give up. The story i’m sharing isn’t mine. I lost my cousin and best friend to suicide in 2017. When I felt like giving up, my family and friends were there. Even though he’s not here, i can feel him telling me not to give up. It will only get better if you put in the effort to make it better. Take your time. It’s ok to make mistakes, everybody does but no matter what don’t give up. I just wang people to know they are worth something and that there are other ways out. My business is my vulnerability. My art is how i cope.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I actually don’t go out much. I don’t have a lot of friends. I do like to travel though so maybe somewhere like Brazil. Somewhere warm and tropical.Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents, my siblings, Chi, and my cousins have been nothing but supportive in any and everything i do.

Website: Temporarily shut down

Instagram: @Heaviiemetal

Facebook: Dilli Dill

Other: other social media platforms pending

Image Credits
N/a

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