To pursue a career that isn’t deemed “real” and is constantly judged by society can get quite discouraging. Digital influencers have managed to conjure up a rep that isn’t necessarily one that many would be able to withstand, especially when the task itself asks for constant output of one’s personal life. In the realm of fashion, now more than ever the spotlight is put on consumption. In this case, more is definitely more, which is a meaning that goes both for the amount of clothing shown in a quick Instagram Reel haul, or the number of followers one amasses to in order to be perceived as successful.
That is why we find it applaudable when more and more digital creators emerge from the Instagram ashes and give a fresh perspective on fashion and consumption. Smart spending and smart consumerism are some of the pillars of what makes a sustainable closet, and Kelsey-Marie is here to attest.
Kelsey-Marie Mohammed has managed to cultivate an online presence that revolves all around slow and sustainable fashion, travel (when possible), bringing attention to black-owned businesses, and just random day-to-day musings of her everyday life. In addition, she always advocates for following your own creativity and not stifling it by fitting a certain mold. It was an honour talking with this young creative and having her be part of our latest Cool Faces of Bastet Noir series. If you want to find out more about Kelsey-Marie and get inspired, continue reading!
Who is Kelsey-Marie Mohammed?
Kelsey-Marie is an explorer who isn’t afraid of life and embraces change. I am a natural-born creator who is fueled by the beauty around me. I am also someone who prides myself on being a good person, a kind person, and someone who gives without expectations.
What’s your morning routine like?
My morning routine is super simple: I wake up, thank God for another day, and check my phone for any pressing updates such as email, messages from my team, or breaking news. Checking my phone first thing in the morning is something I’m trying to do less of, but right now, it works for me. I then get up, stretch and head to the bathroom to shower, brush my teeth and do my skincare routine while listening to The Daily podcast. I then head to the kitchen and make breakfast which consists of fruits, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and oat milk! While eating breakfast, I make coffee in my French press and pull up my tasks for the day and get to work. I work remotely, so I have an office in my apartment. I can’t wait for the days when we can work from coffee shops again — they make me feel so much more productive!
Your personal brand puts an emphasis on sustainable fashion and bridges that invisible gap between ethical fashion and consumers that think such a lifestyle has to be super expensive. How has sustainability shaped your view on fashion and your personal style growth?
Sustainability shaped my view on fashion by making me realize fashion doesn’t mean you have to only wear designer pieces. Fashion is an art form and a way of self-expression. It’s meant to be fun, explored, and played with. My personal style has grown from shopping sustainably and cutting down on the number of clothes and shoes I own because it’s forced me out of my comfort zone. It’s pushed me to be more creative with the way I style pieces. It’s made me pickier about the pieces I choose to purchase.
Modern professions such as being a content creator come with a lot of gray areas and misinterpretations of what the job actually entails. What is one piece of advice you would give to people who want to start a career in content creation and digital entrepreneurship?
One piece of advice I would give to anyone who wants to start a career in content creation and digital entrepreneurship is that you should truly be passionate about creating content before you start. A lot of people don’t realize how much work goes into being a content creator and digital entrepreneur. It’s so much more than dressing up and taking photos. There is a lot of thought and strategy into each image, caption, and campaign. There is also a lot of admin work such as building, nurturing, and growing relationships with others in the industry, answering emails, sending invoices, executing brand briefs…etc. If you are in it because you think it’s cool and not because you’re genuinely passionate about it, you may want to rethink this career path.
Three things you wish you knew before starting out?
Three things I wish I knew before starting out is that it’s never too late to start, it’s never the “right time” to start and to start with what you have, and then as you grow, invest in the items you need to create better content.
Biggest failure/setback in life, and what have you learned from it?
I don’t have a biggest failure or setback in my life because I truly believe that everything is a learning experience. However, if I could change anything in my life, it would be to start sooner and not worry about the opinions of others. I have learned that everyone isn’t going to understand your vision. It’s your life and you should show up for yourself the way that you want to, not how society tells you to.
Books that changed your life
Books that changed my life are The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and The Collected Autobiographies of Maya Angelou — I love that woman so much and wish I could have met her!
Favorite female empowerment speech?
I don’t have a favorite female empowerment speech, but I do love watching interviews with Michelle Obama and hearing her speak in general. She is such a strong, smart, and inspiring woman.
What’s in your Bastet Noir cart?
I am obsessed with the ALI Dress in green — so stunning!!
If you liked Kelsey-Marie’s story, there’s plenty more to come, just hit that sign up button to get in our inner circle of coolness and never miss a thang!