Well. This is a bit surreal.
I’ve been nominated (again?!) for a Sydney Mardi Gras Community Awards and I’m honestly sitting here like… wait, me?
For the second time.
Which feels equal parts validating, chaotic and slightly unbelievable.
Let’s Talk About 2023 For A Second
The first time I was nominated was back in 2023.
And look — I didn’t win.
I was up against a group of nine design students… and I was just one chaotic human running on vibes, caffeine and stubbornness.
But here’s the part that still matters:
I designed and built my entire stall alone.
Every detail. Every choice. Every product. Every bit of visual chaos that made it what it was.
No team. No backup. No “let’s circle back on this”.
Just me, figuring it out and making it happen.
And honestly? I’m still proud of that.
This Time Feels Different
Getting nominated once is wild.
Getting nominated twice? That hits different.
Because it means this isn’t a fluke.
It means people are seeing what I’m building.
Not just the products — but the energy, the identity, the message behind it all.
Harlem Starlet has always been about:
- Being loud
- Taking up space
- Making things that feel like you
- And creating pieces for people who don’t always see themselves reflected in the world
So to have that recognised again… yeah, it means a lot.
Building This Brand Has Never Been “Easy”
There’s this idea that creative businesses are all fun and glitter and cute moments.
And don’t get me wrong — there is a lot of that.
But there’s also:
- Late nights
- Second guessing everything
- Having people copy your hard work and ideas
- Doing the work of multiple people
- Learning things the hard way
- Showing up even when you’re exhausted and in pain
Especially when you’re building something that sits at the intersection of:
- Queer identity
- Neurodivergence
- Disability
- And unapologetic self-expression
It’s not always neat. It’s not always polished. But it’s real.
This Nomination Is Bigger Than Me
This isn’t just about me or the brand.
It’s about:
- The people who wear my pieces
- The people who feel seen by them
- Our friends who support us during events, helping us set up and pack down when they should be off having fun
- The community that shows up, supports and hypes it all up
Every sticker, every fan, every chaotic little accessory — it’s all part of something bigger.
And this nomination reflects that.
Win or Not… I’m Still That Bitch
Look, I’d love to win. Obviously.
But even if I don’t — I’ve already done something I’m proud of.
Twice.
Built something from scratch.
Kept going.
Got recognised again.
And I’m still here, still making loud, weird, expressive pieces for people who get it.
That’s the real win.
Thank You For Being Part Of This
If you’ve ever:
- Bought something
- Shared the brand
- Told a friend
- Worn your piece out into the world
You’re part of this.
And I mean that.
Because none of this happens without community.
Come Be Part Of The Chaos
If you’re new here (hi), or you’ve been lurking for a while — now’s a very good time to dive in.
We've got Statement Accessories
We've got Glitter Stickers for every mood
We've got Bamboo Clack Fans to keep you cool while looking hot
Come find something that feels like you.