Pronouns: they/she
Location: Boston/New York
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bytheblade777/

Cam is a queer, nonbinary, plant-based activist and digital creatrix who is passionate about revolutionizing fashion by moving the needle towards sustainable and ethical fashion sourcing. They do this by sharing their styling with the world via Instagram. Cam is also a partner at the production house Deeper Impact Productions and the owner and principal of Deeper Impact Consulting. Join us as we explore what being a creator means to them!

Inspiration: As a queer stylist, where do you find inspiration for your bold and eclectic styling choices?

I draw my inspiration from the queer community, from various eras, and from aesthetics that I emotionally and spiritually relate to. I love eclectic maximalist fashion and looks that balance sophistication, boldness, subversion, and sexiness. I also draw inspiration from dreams, fantasy, literature, art, and nature <3

Ethical Queer Fashion: How do you ensure your fashion styling remains ethical, and why is this intersection important in your queer identity?

I only purchase ethically sourced clothing. I made this switch in 2023. Although I had thrifted heavily for 10 years, I still bought some new items until 2023. Embracing sustainable and ethical fashion has been a journey of self-discovery for me—a path where I've found my truest expression. Aligning my creative personal expression with my values feels like coming home to myself. Choosing garments made from ethically sourced materials and supporting fair labor practices feels like honoring my authenticity.

I have built my inventory of pieces over the course of a decade, and actually, I swap out about a third of it routinely- I'd say every 2 weeks. I have some mainstay pieces I hold on to, but in general, I try to participate in a circular economy that gives pieces a chance to have 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th lives with other people after me. Spiritually, cycling out my closet so often is also an opportunity to practice detachment. I am very passionate about not contributing to oppression via unethical labor practices or contributing to harmful waste that harms the environment. I especially uphold these values as a queer person who wants to ensure I live gently, ethically, and constructively and in a way that creates the world we envision and want to live in.

Journey as a Queer Stylist: Could you describe your journey to becoming a fashion stylist and how your queer identity has shaped your career?

I have always loved fashion. My friends growing up joked about me that if you told me to come to something casual, I would show up in a ball gown. I have gotten more serious about styling in the last two years. I have been out and queer since I was a teen, and I was raised in the queer community. I went to art schools, and over 1/3 of the student population in my high school was LBGTQ+ identified.

Queerness is so innate and inherent to me that it runs in my blood. I love being queer, so I think it shapes everything about how I live, express myself, perceive the world, and create. Brandon Wendt defined queerness as "escaping definition," "some sort of fluidity and limitlessness at once," "a freedom too strange to be conquered", and "the fearlessness to imagine what love can look like and pursue it" and my highest honor is to embody some of those sentiments in my styling.

Signature Queer Style: How does your signature maximalist style reflect your queer identity and personal beliefs?

My style is very inspired by my own queer femme nonbinary identity and by just queer culture in general. The queer community embodies the qualities of resilience, power, dignity, distinction, revolutionary, passion, and ethereality, and I try to convey those qualities through my styling. My personal style developed a great deal through my lived experience, personal evolution, and overcoming trauma.

I have lived so many lives, all archived in small ways in my styling. My style is inspired by fantasy, utopian ideals, and maximalism. I think of maximalism as representative of really living authentically and living life to the fullest- which I think is inherently so queer.

Empowering Queer Aspirants: What advice would you offer to queer individuals aspiring to make their mark in the fashion industry while honoring their authentic selves?

Dress for yourself, dress to self-express, and dress ethically!! :)

For the fans!
Fuck, Marry, Fear = Aubrey Plaza, Kate McKinnon, Kristen Stewart

Ooh, I'm so bad for this, but I am not a stan of any of the three of these people, haha!! I guess I fear Aubrey Plaza, though haha

Work-life balance tip of the week ✏️

Creatives often thrive on inspiration, which can strike at unexpected moments. To foster this, it's essential to schedule unstructured time into your week. This isn't time for client work, chores, or errands; it's reserved for activities that inspire and recharge you, whether that's a walk in the park, playing an instrument, or simply daydreaming. This deliberate downtime can boost your creativity, prevent burnout, and maintain a healthy balance between work demands and personal well-being.

Article of the week

Harnessing the Power of Morning Routines for Enhanced Creativity

For creatives, how you start your day can significantly influence your effectiveness, creativity, and overall mood. A well-structured morning routine can not only enhance your creativity but also provide a sense of stability and preparedness that carries throughout the day.

Starting the day with activities that stimulate both your physical and mental faculties can set a positive tone. Consider these steps to create a morning routine that fuels your creative energy:

Mindful Meditation: Begin with five to ten minutes of meditation to clear your mind of the previous day's clutter and focus on the present. This practice helps reduce stress and boost creativity by allowing your mind to quiet and your thoughts to flow more freely.

Physical Activity: Engage in light exercise like yoga, stretching, or a short walk. Physical activity increases blood flow, which not only energizes your body but also enhances your cognitive function, making it easier to tackle creative tasks.

Nutritious Breakfast: Opt for a healthy breakfast that fuels your body without weighing you down. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein can enhance brain function and maintain energy levels throughout the morning.

Creative Free Time: Dedicate at least 15 minutes to a non-work-related creative activity. This could be sketching, writing, playing an instrument, or any other form of artistic expression. This practice can stimulate your imagination and open your mind to new ideas and perspectives that can be applied to your work.

Planning and Visualization: Spend a few minutes reviewing your goals for the day. Visualize accomplishing these tasks successfully, which can help manifest a positive outcome. Setting clear intentions can help you focus and stay on track with your creative projects.

Journaling: End your routine by journaling your thoughts, feelings, and any dreams or ideas that might have surfaced. This can help capture fleeting ideas and serve as a reference for future creative projects.

Remember, the goal is to enhance your overall well-being, allowing your creativity to flourish naturally!

Empowering quote of the week 💪🏾

Resource of the week

Resource Type: Art Organization

Description: This organization offers a platform for queer artists to exhibit their work and engage with the community through the Queer Arts Festival. This annual event promotes diverse artistic expression and discussion.

Craving free goodies? Of course you are... 🎁 🎁 🎁

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