Meet Marilyn Starkloff

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marilyn Starkloff. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marilyn, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

For a long time, I felt like I was constantly trying to prove that I deserved to be in the room. I’d pour everything into my work – my creativity, my time, my hear – and then immediately second-guess whether it was actually “good enough.” Even when people praised my work or used it in ways that reached huge audiences, I convinced myself it was just luck or coincidence. I didn’t feel like the expert. I didn’t feel like the artist. I felt like a placeholder.

That’s the thing about imposter syndrome – it doesn’t matter how much you accomplish, how hard you work, or how many people you help. It convinces you that you’re still somehow not qualified to claim it.

For me, the wake-up call came when I realized how much I had let myself be undervalued. I had given so much—creatively and emotionally – and yet I stayed quiet when credit or recognition didn’t come. I chalked it up to being “grateful for the opportunity” or “just happy to be here.” But deep down, I was playing small to make other people more comfortable.

Eventually, I reached a point where I couldn’t keep doing that. I had to look at the pattern and ask myself:
Why do I keep minimizing my voice?
Why am I afraid of asking for what I deserve?

And the honest answer was – I didn’t think I was allowed to. I had internalized this idea that I needed someone else to give me permission, to validate my value before I could speak up.

That belief had to go.

As I started unpacking that, I realized how much of my self-worth was tied to how I felt about my appearance. I started working out – not because I felt strong, but because I didn’t like what I saw in the mirror. I was insecure, and those insecurities bled into other areas of my life – how I spoke, how I showed up, and how much I asked for. I didn’t feel worthy of more because I wasn’t treating myself like I was. And like they say, your body is a temple. It all starts within.

I ended up losing 50 pounds – but more importantly, I found myself. I started figuring out what I wanted, what I deserved, and what I was no longer willing to tolerate. Movement became more than just physical – it became mental. It gave me clarity. It helped me reconnect with my body and taught me to stop avoiding the hard stuff. I slowly started to trust myself more. I stopped ignoring that gut feeling when something didn’t sit right. I began speaking up more—whether in work, relationships, or everyday situations. Even when my voice shook, I used it.

In so many moments throughout my life, I had lost my voice – or was too afraid to use it. Now, I’m learning to get my voice back. To speak with clarity, even if my confidence wavers. To advocate for myself, even when it’s uncomfortable. And to believe that I deserve to be heard.

Bit by bit, those decisions rebuilt my confidence. I wasn’t waiting for someone else to validate me anymore – I was becoming someone who validated herself.

Overcoming imposter syndrome wasn’t a one-time thing – it’s a practice. I had to start recognizing the lies I’d been telling myself and replace them with truth. The truth that I do bring value. That my creativity is impactful. That my ideas matter, even when they don’t come with instant applause. And most importantly—that I don’t need anyone’s permission to take up space.

Now, when those doubts creep in (and they still do), I ground myself in what’s real:
The clients I’ve helped.
The stories I’ve told.
The battles I’ve quietly fought.
The way I’ve rebuilt my self-worth after people tried to take it from me.

I’ve realized imposter syndrome thrives in silence. So I started speaking up. I started setting boundaries. I started creating for me, not just to be accepted or reposted.

Today, I’m not perfect – but I’m honest. I’m no longer shrinking to make others more comfortable. I walk into rooms knowing I belong – not because someone said so, but because I’ve earned it.

That’s how I overcame imposter syndrome – and developed the self-trust I used to think I needed permission to have.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m Marilyn Starkloff, founder of Stark Creators, a Southwest Florida-based photographer, marketing director, and storyteller who believes in the healing power of light – both literally and spiritually. I specialize in natural light photography because I’ve always been drawn to the beauty of working with what God already gave us. Light is one of His purest gifts – constant, powerful, and free – and I truly believe it shows up in my work. I use God’s resource – the sun – to illuminate people in their most honest form. Whether it’s the soft glow of golden hour or the way light catches in someone’s eyes, it’s those moments that bring depth and emotion to my photography.

My style is bright, clean, and colorful with intentional emotion. I’m always watching for how the light reflects on the subject’s face – especially the eyes – because that’s where the story lives. I work primarily outdoors or in naturally lit spaces, using what’s available and trusting the process. It’s not always predictable – sometimes the weather throws me for a loop – but that’s part of the art. I believe that working with the elements, rather than against them, sometimes it allows for something more raw, real, and meaningful to unfold.

Photography became my voice long before I knew how to use my own. For years, I stayed silent – afraid to take up space, undervaluing myself, and ignoring the red flags in situations where I deserved more. I gave my creativity freely, thinking if I worked hard enough or gave enough of myself, eventually it would come back around. But life has a way of teaching you hard truths, and through a series of challenging experiences – some personal, some professional – I realized how often I had allowed myself to be overlooked. I was pouring from an empty cup and hoping someone would notice.

It was during this time that photography became more than a skill – it became a form of healing. It became a mirror, not just for the people I was photographing, but for me. It taught me boundaries. It taught me bravery. It taught me how to see myself again, not just as someone who “takes nice photos,” but as someone with vision, voice, and value. I’m still learning that – still learning to stand tall, trust my gut, and know my worth. But every photo I take, every client I work with, is another step in that direction.

Alongside photography, I work full-time as the marketing director at Treeline Realty. I help agents find their voice in a noisy industry – showing them how to share who they are, not just what they sell. I lead marketing workshops that teach professionals how to use tools to create meaningful content, stay consistent, and scale their business while staying true to themselves. Whether it’s brand strategy, social media, or storytelling – I help people see the big picture and find the confidence to show up fully.

I put a lot of care into editing – refining light, sharpening details, adjusting tones, and ensuring the final images feel both elevated and personal. I want every client to feel like their photos reflect who they are.

And while all of this brings me so much joy, one of my biggest dreams is still in the works: I want to create a print magazine – something soulful and grounded in real stories. A publication that features not just portraits, but the emotions and life experiences behind them. A place where someone can flip through the pages and see themselves in a story, in a smile, in a struggle – and feel a little less alone. I want people to feel proud that their truth is on a page. And I want others to feel supported by it, comforted by it, and inspired to share their own.

Funny enough, I named my brand Stark Creators as a play on my last name, Starkloff – without even realizing that “Stark” means “strong” in German. It feels almost poetic now. I chose the name without knowing what it would come to represent. But strength has followed me through every step of my journey – quiet strength, resilient strength, even the kind that breaks before it rebuilds. Now, that word feels like a badge of everything I’ve overcome.

Through Stark Creators, I’m not just building a photography brand. I’m creating a movement rooted in authenticity, light, and second chances. My work is for the ones who’ve been underestimated, overlooked, or told they were “too much” or “not enough.” For the people finding their voice later than expected. For those rediscovering their purpose in the middle of their story – not at the end.

Everything I do – whether it’s capturing a photo, designing a brand strategy, or writing a caption that hits home – is about helping others feel seen. That’s the core of it all: being seen, not just visually, but emotionally.

Because I know what it’s like to feel invisible. And I know what it takes to come back to yourself – to rebuild. With God’s guidance, a lot of grace, and the light He continues to provide, I’ve been able to find my strength again. And I hope my work gives others the permission to do the same.

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?

Looking back, three things have been most impactful in my journey:

Resilience – This one wasn’t learned by choice, but by necessity. I went through situations – professionally and personally – where I felt undervalued, overlooked, and honestly, taken advantage of. It hurt. But those experiences forced me to either stay silent or rise. And choosing to rise taught me that setbacks don’t define you – how you respond does.
Advice: Resilience doesn’t mean being unbothered; it means letting the hits shape you, not stop you. You build it by continuing to show up, even when you feel like shrinking. Start small – speak up once, set one boundary, walk away from something that drains you. It adds up.

Emotional awareness and intuition – I used to question everything I felt. I’d push my instincts down to make others comfortable. But photography taught me to trust what I feel. If a moment feels honest, it usually is. If a person feels off, there’s usually a reason. Learning to read energy – both in myself and others – has helped me create better work and stronger boundaries.
Advice: Pay attention to what energizes you and what drains you. Your emotions aren’t distractions; they’re data. Let them guide you. Build quiet moments into your routine so you can hear yourself clearly.

The ability to adapt and self-teach – I didn’t go to school for photography or marketing. I learned by doing, messing up, Googling at 2am, watching tutorials, and asking questions. The world doesn’t hand you a guidebook. I had to figure things out by leaning into curiosity and trial and error.
Advice: Don’t wait until you “feel ready” – you learn faster by doing. Give yourself permission to be a beginner. You don’t have to know everything; you just have to be willing to learn. Keep moving forward, one imperfect step at a time.

If you’re just starting your journey p creatively, professionally, or personally – my biggest advice is this:
Don’t let silence become your comfort zone. Speak up for yourself, even if your voice shakes. Value your time, your art, and your energy. And know that no one’s journey is linear. You’re allowed to evolve, change your mind, start over, and grow louder. Just don’t give up on yourself before the breakthrough comes.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

Right now, the biggest obstacle I’m facing is fully owning my worth – creatively, emotionally, and personally-without shrinking to make others comfortable. For so long, I was a people-pleaser. I stayed silent in situations where I should’ve spoken up. I let others take from me – my time, my talent, my energy – because I thought if I just gave enough, eventually I’d be seen, appreciated, or chosen. Instead, I lost pieces of myself.

One of the biggest turning points for me was when I made the decision to take care of myself first – for me. I dropped 50 pounds, and with it, I let go of so much emotional weight too. That process wasn’t just physical – it was spiritual. It was the first time I truly did something for me, not for approval or attention or to meet someone else’s expectations. It taught me discipline, self-respect, and that I don’t need permission to prioritize myself. I learned that transformation starts when you stop waiting for others to tell you you’re worth it – and you decide to believe it on your own.

Photography has played a huge role in helping me find my voice again. When I couldn’t speak, I let the images tell the story. My camera became a mirror – not just for my clients, but for myself. Through every photo, I was slowly rebuilding confidence and reclaiming my voice. I try to capture: honest, soul-level moments that remind -people (and me) that we’re allowed to be seen.

There are still moments where doubt creeps in. But I don’t sit in it anymore. I keep showing up. I keep creating. I keep walking toward the version of me who knows she doesn’t have to shrink, settle, or prove anything to be worthy.

That’s the obstacle I’m still overcoming: not just fighting for space – but believing I deserved it all along.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.starkcreators.com
• Instagram: starkcreatorsphotography / MArilyn_star
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarkCreators https://www.facebook.com/marilyn.starkloff/
• Other: https://g.co/kgs/QT1uCW6