We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marlene Escutia a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Marlene , so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever head any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?
As a fashion writer, I’ve discovered that cultivating curiosity and embracing a multidisciplinary approach are key to overcoming creativity blocks. My passion for learning drives me to explore a wide range of subjects, from history and science to fiction, poetry, and memoirs. I firmly believe that all information has inherent value and that every subject is interconnected. This understanding of intersectionality unlocks a vast reservoir of inspiration, allowing me to continually discover fresh perspectives and ideas.
To stay inspired, I prioritize keeping my senses open, embracing the world around me, and staying receptive to new experiences. Another valuable strategy I’ve adopted is committing to write for just 15 minutes each day, regardless of my mood or motivation. This technique, which I learned from Professor Robert Boice’s insightful work on writer’s block, has proven to be a powerful catalyst for creativity.
By embracing these practices, I’ve found that writer’s block becomes a distant memory, replaced by a steady flow of innovative ideas and inspiration.
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?
As a fashion writer and graphic designer, I founded mar.cultivate, an online community that fosters meaningful conversations about the fashion industry. Through my platform, I share my unique perspective as a member of Gen Z, who grew up witnessing the industry’s transformation alongside the rise of social media and influential bloggers like Tavi Gevinson. I also employ my background in Art by creating all the graphics for my posts and for the CBK Newsletter I write.
My passion for fashion and history was sparked at a young age, despite growing up in an environment where these interests were not widely understood. The limited access to fashion resources in my suburban community fueled my resourcefulness, and I spent hours researching runway shows on Style.com and devouring fashion magazines.
The fashion landscape has changed significantly since then, with social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok democratizing access to fashion information. As a result, a new generation of fashion enthusiasts has emerged, eager to engage with the industry in a more nuanced way. My writing on the platform I’m building reflects my commitment to exploring the intersections of fashion, history, and society. Through my Substack newsletter, I delve into current trends, industry issues, and emerging designers, while also sharing valuable resources and insights. My goal is to inspire curiosity and encourage readers to dig deeper into the complex and multifaceted world of fashion.
The mission of Mar Cultivate is rooted in my collaboration with fashion designer Karina Castillo of Castillo by Karina, who generously offered me a platform to publish my writing. Together, we share a vision for creating a more informed and engaged fashion community, and I’m excited to continue cultivating meaningful conversations through Mar Cultivate.
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?
Three qualities that are most impactful in my journey are my curiosity, dedication, and adaptability. But everyone has different qualities that will best serve their own journey. My advice for people who are early in their journey to is to really get to know yourself. What are your beliefs, how do you treat yourself and others, and your intentions are important topics to explore individually. Who we are is the foundation that we build everything else on and it is also informs our perspectives.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am interested in collaborating with Fashion publications that focus on digging into all of the roles in the industry: from the most obscure jobs to interviewing established figures who have made an impact on the industry. I would love to write for Vogue Runway, Harper’s Bazaar, and Business of Fashion which is a goal I’m working towards and one I think I could offer my perspective on the things I observe as an ‘outsider’ and someone who sees fashion living on the intersection of all aspects of our society (politics, religion, culture, science, etc.).
I also want to partner with fashion designers that are experimenting with different materials, practices, and are changing the way we wear clothes. Having conversations and sharing new perspectives is what I aim to do with Mar Cultivate and if anyone fits that description, let’s work together! You can find me on instagram @mar.cultivate. or email me at [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mar.cultivate/
- Other: https://substack.com/@newsletterbymarlene?utm_source=hoobe&utm_medium=social
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
