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

Hi Starr, what role has risk played in your life or career?

Being true to yourself and your craft should always be at the forefront of your mind when creating. However, I advise my fellow creatives to explore opportunities that lie outside their usual norms or timelines. It is often in those moments when people see me in a space where I originally had not put myself that my life, career, and perspective on my art are changed. Now you know in your gut when something isn’t right for you. I’m not suggesting you go against that instinct. But I’ve found that every time I’ve felt slightly uncomfortable yet intrigued, it has pushed me to grow stylistically and technically. I can honestly say that every leap of faith has paid off in one way or another.

My advice regarding taking risks is not to expect an immediate reward. Taking risks is about how you grow from the choices you make in uncertain moments—times when your back is against the wall, and it’s solely about your passion, effort, and creativity. For me, these moments are where I’ve found my confidence and artistic direction.

There was a time when I was incredibly shy about the relationship between my art and my body. I had danced around creating art about or with it for years, mostly focusing on supporting other people’s journeys while neglecting my own. It wasn’t until a dear friend nominated me to model for an underwear brand in NYFW that I truly began to discover myself. This opportunity was well outside my comfort zone from start to finish. Even though it encompassed everything I loved and supported creatively, I had never envisioned myself in that space. I wondered if this experience would hinder my career and change people’s perceptions of my art.
I left my fears at the door (or backstage, in this case) and embraced everything I loved about the project. I approached this journey with an open mind and genuine appreciation, allowing the experience to teach me instead of solely focusing on the “huge risk” I was taking. Which resulted in genuine relationships that have propelled my career forward.

Immediately following this experience, I did not become America’s Next Top Model. However, within a few short years, I was asked by the same brand (Chulo) to co-design their 2023 and 2024 NYFW shows. Which recently led to my first solo show that just took place March 1, 2024. Taking risks has shifted my career as a designer, influencing how I express myself artistically and my position within the fashion world.

Fashion Week 2020 wasn’t the first time I had taken a risk with my art. I had been slowly pushing my boundaries before then. For my thesis project I created photograms that represented my femininity. I had created beautiful patterns of objects such as pearls, lashes and stockings alongside detailed impressions of condoms and tampons. The juxtapositions of treatment and subject matter made me want to play it safe and pull the latter images from the collection. Despite my initial doubts I stayed true to my art and kept them in the collection; and with the encouragement of peers chose them as my display pieces. Trusting my creative vision paid off when the right person saw and appreciated my art enough to purchase it as a gift for a friend. This later led to a merchandise deal for their band (TheFM’s) and formed new lifelong friendships and business partnerships.

Taking risks and having genuine faith in them can lead to life-altering opportunities.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

As a multi-disciplinary artist, I always have multiple projects going on at once. I have a full-time job as an in-house stylist for a photo studio. There I collaborate with major brands alongside their style and design teams to create enticing and thoughtful advertising imagery. Additionally, I am a crochet clothing and accessories designer, creating pieces for photoshoots, vendor events, and custom orders for clients. Although I have a BFA in Photography and Video from SVA, I shoot the least in a professional capacity. I still actively capture events, portraits, and album covers. However, you’re more likely to find me with a Polaroid or disposable camera in hand.

As an artist, I strive to center my career around risk-taking and community.
Being an artist is neither easy nor as linear as it may seem in this highlight reel. It is sustained through hard work, faith in one’s vision, and reinvesting in the people who support you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Soho/5th Ave area are always great places to go for current name-brand shopping. For those looking for vintage pieces or clothes to upcycle, one of the best places in NYC is L-train Vintage. Additionally, NYC is known for its abundance of museums; if you happen to be here on the first weekend of the month, going to the MoMa and the Brooklyn Museum for free on Friday and Saturday nights is a must!  For an exclusive fun night out with amazing food and drinks, I take my friends to this little speakeasy called Do Not Disturb.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am very big on community and am grateful to have a large one from many creative corners. A major shoutout goes to the brands I mentioned earlier, TheFMs & Chulo families, for always having faith in my creative vision. My roommate, Alessandra Weaver, is also a multi-disciplinary artist who has played a pivotal role in many of my projects. She designed my crochet brand logo, created jewelry for my runways, photographed my Fashion Week collections, and overall kept me sane. Two incredibly talented photographers whom I collaborate with often, Imani Hamilton and Steve Jackson, have helped me find my voice as a stylist. I cannot mention my growth in styling without acknowledging Ayoka Lucas, who has been an inspiration and mentor, especially when we got to work together full-time. She continues to inspire me, particularly with the looks she curates as Chance The Rapper’s stylist. My favorite jewelry and accessory brand to pull from is Grise (founded by Georgina Ogirri), which provides products for most of my projects. Lastly, I would like to recognize Darciana Reynolds who is the founder of the art collective I am a part of, Lemonade in the Garden. She consistently opens up opportunities for her team, just like this one!

Website: www.starrcallaha.com

Instagram: @Starr-Callahan

Linkedin: Starr Callahan

Image Credits
image 1: Shot by me for Rachel Norman Coming Home Album image 2: Shot by Imani Hamilton of Morgan Styled and crocheted by me (Starr Callahan) image 3: Shot by Imani Hamilton of a shoot designed and styled by me (Starr Callahan) Image 5 & 8: Shot by Alessandra Weaver Image 6 & 7: Shot by Starr Callahan Profile image shot by Alessandra Weaver

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.