Today we’d like to introduce you to Mallory Pineda.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Mallory. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It all started back in Greensboro, North Carolina. That’s where I’m originally from. I’ve always been the artsy type, I just never knew exactly what was my calling until about 6th grade. I saw a girl that had a sketchbook, full of designs. Then, it clicked that’s what I wanted to be a “fashion designer.” So, fast forwarded to freshman year in high school, I started thrifting, reconstructing clothes then my mom’s friend must’ve seen the potential and drive I had so she bought me a sewing machine. I started perfecting my craft, watching YouTube videos to learn how to sew and learn about construction.
In 2013, I went to the Art of Institute of Charlotte to study fashion design. I stayed for one year, then I moved back to Greensboro, NC to work on myself.
Four years later, I ended up in Tampa, FL to start a new chapter in my life, to get my career started somewhere bigger than NC. At first, it was hard getting out there, networking. Until the last year 2018, I reached out to a photographer that helped me with a photo shoot, then eventually became friends then met another set of artists. I started going to events and networking, getting my foot in the door. Then, everything started to fall into place, people were taking notice in my designs, they were contacting me up to help with photo shoots or style my designs. I’ve met some amazing people along the way & friends. It’s only the beginning for me and my fashion career! There’s so much I want to do, some many places I want to travel. And a lot of people to meet on the way.
Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing is smooth. Everybody goes through challenges. Ups and down. Not just in our careers but personally.
I dealt a lot with depression and self-esteem issues for years, and it has held me back from a lot of opportunities and myself.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Lé Onyx story. Tell us more about the business.
My clothing line is called Lé Onyx, it’s a versatile woman’s brand. Mostly focused on the woman’s body shape to designed high quality ready to wear pieces. Lé Onyx means “The Black.”
I’ve always liked the color black and neutral colors. Also, Onyx is a stone that has a color scheme of black and neutral tones. So, everything meshed together.
Eventually, in the future, I would love to design shoes, purses, and men’s fashion.
What sets me apart from other fashion brands out here, it’s that I’m bringing high fashion with a twist to everyday wear. My brand is unique and I work hard to put a lot of creativity into my designs to show how passionate I am about this fashion.
We always love to ask about the support network – have there been people, perhaps mentors or advisors, who have played a big role in your success?
I give credit to God and my mom because without them, I’ll be nothing.
They have guided me, encourage me, and always been there even when I couldn’t be there for myself.
I also give myself credit for always pushing and never giving up!
And I also give credit to people who have supported me, my friends!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.le-onyx.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/theleonyx
Image Credit:
Purple set: Savana Rose @savanarose41 @studio41.photo, Teal set: Tempestt Harper @t.couture, Chamaeleon dress & Blue Cover Up: Gabriella Santos @_gabuelo
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