Today we’d like to introduce you to Zarah Spencer.
Hi Zarah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been a naturally curious person. Growing up in Chicago, I was constantly finding something new to make or experiment with. I went through phases of making friendship bracelets, custom bow ties, and putting studs on practically everything I owned. I was especially obsessed with Converse, so naturally, I started bleaching, distressing, and customizing every pair I had. I loved fashion, but I think what I loved even more was the challenge of taking something that already existed and turning it into something completely different.
Both of my grandmothers played a huge role in shaping that love. One was a seamstress who made custom clothes for my siblings and me. Every time we visited, she’d take our measurements and update them in her little book. I spent hours in her sewing room looking through old patterns and fabric swatches, and when I was 16, she taught me how to sew. My other grandmother was quite the diva. Most of her clothes were custom-made, her hair was always done, and she was rarely without red nails, red lipstick, and eyeliner. It didn’t matter where we were going; she was going to look good. Between the two of them, I learned both the art of making clothes and the power of personal style.
Interestingly enough, I went to Howard University and studied health science because my original plan was to become a physical therapist for the NBA. I come from a basketball family, so the sport was always part of my life. Growing up, I was inspired by women like Vashtie, and later Aleali May and Teyana Taylor, who showed me that women could have their own voice and influence in a space that was so heavily dominated by men. I knew I wanted to be part of that world in some capacity.
Howard only reinforced my love for fashion. Being surrounded by so many stylish, confident Black women who treated getting dressed for class like an occasion was inspiring. Howard is the epitome of Black excellence, and fashion was absolutely part of that experience.
I graduated right as COVID began, which naturally disrupted my plans. I stayed in DC for a few years and worked at A Ma Maniére, a Black-owned luxury streetwear boutique. Eventually, I went on to work with Joe Freshgoods, where I was introduced to fashion production from a completely different perspective. I had expressed an interest in styling, so Joe invited me to shoots, allowed me to assist with styling, and occasionally sit in on design meetings. Beyond the creative exposure, what really stuck with me was seeing someone so established in their career remain unapologetically themselves. I had always been hesitant about traditional corporate environments because I wanted the freedom to create, dress, and work on my own terms. Seeing that freedom exist at such a successful level made me realize I could build something of my own without compromising who I was.
Starfish Mrkt actually started somewhat on a whim. I made a dress out of vintage jerseys for my birthday trip to Brazil and posted my outfit on Instagram and TikTok, as I normally would. I wasn’t trying to sell anything or even thinking about starting a brand at the time, but people started reaching out asking about the dress and if they could get one for themselves. I had already been toying with the idea of creating something of my own, so I figured, why not give it a shot? I remember talking to Joe about how much I planned to charge for the dresses, and he immediately told me I wasn’t charging enough. It was a small moment, but an important lesson in recognizing the value of my own creativity and not undervaluing my work simply because I was just getting started. I ended up making a small batch of about 25 dresses, and they sold out. I kept going from there. The first few designs were all reconstructed, one-of-one pieces made with local seamstresses. I didn’t have the resources to launch everything exactly how I envisioned, but I had a group of incredibly supportive friends who helped me bring it to life. I came up with a name, built a website, and tried to make it feel like a real brand from the beginning. It wasn’t perfect, but that’s what made it perfect. One design turned into another, and eventually I transitioned into working with manufacturers.
Moving to New York was something I’d wanted to do for years, but I hadn’t found the right opportunity. I also knew I wanted to deepen my understanding of fashion beyond design. When I discovered Parsons’ master’s program in Fashion Management, with its focus on sustainability, it felt like the perfect intersection of my interests. I was fascinated by the systems and structures of the fashion industry and how they impact the world around us. Having spent so much of my life reconstructing and reimagining existing garments, I was excited to explore those ideas from a more academic perspective. The program also gave me an opportunity to live in a city I’d always loved while continuing to grow Starfish.
Most recently, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Jordan Brand, which felt both surreal and strangely natural. I’ve always loved the brand, and I’ve always dreamed of designing my own sneaker, so, humbly speaking, it didn’t feel entirely far-fetched! The collaboration gave me an opportunity to explore what feminine streetwear looks like through my own lens, reimagining classic Jordan pieces in a way that felt true to my aesthetic.
The collaboration also brought me back to Howard, where my designs were featured in the Homecoming fashion show. I had actually walked in that same show as a student during my junior year, so returning as a designer was incredibly full circle. It was one of those moments where all the seemingly unrelated interests I’d had growing up came together in this beautifully serendipitous way.
Today, I see Starfish Mrkt as something much bigger than a clothing brand. At its core, I want it to be a platform for individuality, curiosity, and creative expression. I’m excited to continue exploring collaborations, creating experiences that bring people together, and finding new ways to express my ideas across different mediums. I’ve never been particularly interested in limiting myself to one definition of what a creative should be, and I think that’s what makes this journey so exciting.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s been a smooth road, but I also don’t think anything worth building ever is. One of my biggest challenges has been learning how to balance being a creative with being a business owner. Those two sides of me don’t always operate the same way.
I’ve never wanted Starfish Mrkt to feel like fast fashion, where there’s this constant pressure to release something new every week or even every other week. That’s just not how my creativity works. I get these random downloads of ideas, and when something excites me, I run with it. Sometimes those ideas come back-to-back, and other times I can go weeks without feeling inspired to make something. But running a business requires a certain level of consistency, so figuring out how to honor my creative process while also building something sustainable has been a learning experience.
I think another challenge has been learning to navigate the business side of fashion while staying true to my vision. I started Starfish with limited resources, a lot of ideas, and very little experience in manufacturing or running a clothing brand. There have been plenty of things I’ve had to figure out as I went, and I think that’s just part of entrepreneurship.
Ultimately, I’ve learned that consistency doesn’t necessarily have to mean constantly producing. For me, it’s about staying consistent in my point of view and making things I genuinely believe in. I think that willingness to create on my own terms is a big part of what makes Starfish different.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m the founder and creative director of Starfish Mrkt, a women’s streetwear brand rooted in individuality and self-expression. My work is really an extension of my curiosity and the way I see the world. I’m constantly inspired by art, culture, sports, and everyday life, and I love finding unexpected ways to bring those influences together.
If I had to describe my design philosophy in one word, it would be juxtaposition. I love the intersection of things that aren’t necessarily expected to coexist—femininity and edge, streetwear and high fashion, structure and ease. I think there’s sometimes a very narrow interpretation of what women’s streetwear should look like, and I enjoy challenging that. To me, femininity doesn’t have to be overly delicate or obvious, and streetwear doesn’t have to lose its edge to feel feminine. I’m interested in creating pieces that feel cool, intentional, and a little unconventional.
Beyond the clothing itself, storytelling is a huge part of what I do. I love developing concepts and creating experiences that give people something to connect with beyond the product. Whether it’s a campaign, a collaboration, or an event, I want everything I create to feel like it has a point of view. I’m not particularly interested in doing things just because they’re trendy or because that’s how everyone else is doing them.
What I’m most proud of is that I’ve been able to build something that feels genuinely representative of who I am. I didn’t start Starfish with a traditional fashion background or a perfectly mapped-out plan. I’ve learned so much through experimentation, curiosity, and being willing to try things before I knew exactly how they’d turn out. Seeing people connect with that perspective and make the pieces their own has been incredibly rewarding.
I think what sets me apart is that I don’t feel the need to confine myself to one aesthetic, medium, or way of creating. Fashion is my foundation, but my interests extend far beyond clothing. Ultimately, I want Starfish Mrkt to be a platform that encourages people to explore their individuality, embrace their curiosity, and feel comfortable expressing whatever makes them different.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Big risk, big reward! I think one of the biggest things I’ve learned is that playing it safe can rob you of two things: the opportunity for great success or the opportunity to learn something valuable. Either way, you’re missing out.
I’m naturally a curious person, and I’ve learned that curiosity is only valuable if you’re willing to act on it. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you start. When I launched Starfish Mrkt, I didn’t have a huge budget, an elaborate business plan, or even a clear idea of what it could become. I made something I genuinely liked, put it out into the world, and let the response encourage me to keep going.
I’d also say don’t underestimate the importance of the people around you. So much of what I’ve been able to build started with, and continues to be sustained by, friends who believe in my ideas and are willing to help me bring them to life. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to explore your potential, even when your ideas seem a little ambitious.
And lastly, don’t be afraid to do things your own way. There’s so much pressure to follow a certain path or measure your success against someone else’s timeline, but some of the best opportunities I’ve had came from following my interests, even when they didn’t seem connected at the time. You never really know where your curiosity and creativity might take you, and I think that’s the fun part.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.starfishmrkt.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starfishmrkt/
Image Credits
Jala Monee – Photographer
