Malia Anderson
Photo credit: Loren Hansen Photography
I grew up in San Francisco in a rough part of town with what most would consider to be a rough upbringing. My Southern grandmother raised me to be strong and independent, resilient, and graceful. Growing up, I knew two things for sure: I would be a business owner like my grandmother, and I would never give up her love for making things pretty.
As a wardrobe stylist and influencer, I believe style is personal, ever-present, attainable, and necessary. We all have style, but we may not always be sure how to present it. As a classically trained image consultant, I focus on every client’s unique qualities to reveal their natural, personal style. The promise of Style by Malia is that everyone will look and feel confident, no matter their body type, career path, lifestyle, or budget.
With the death of Breonna Taylor, I got mad in a way I had not in a long time. I knew I could use my influence to share a narrative people needed to hear—that black women fight two wars, racism and sexism. So, I took a photo. I didn’t know how much impact it would have, but I am proud of the work and conversation that have come from it.
Photo Credit: Loren Hansen Photography
I am a North Bay Business Journal Forty under 40 winner and founder of the North Bay Women’s Professional Network. I blog at maliaanderson.com and recently launched a new brand, ladylike420.com—a collective of voices that shares our thoughts on cannabis products and works to change how people see cannabis consumers.
I have been involved with several nonprofits throughout Marin and Sonoma Counties, including Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow, Volunteer Center of Sonoma County, and many more. I currently serve as vice president of The Lime Foundation and was a founding board member of the Cannabis Apprenticeship Social Equity Board. I’ve served on many boards, including Soroptimist International of Santa Rosa and North Bay Black Chamber of Commerce. I was raised to understand that I can only effect change in my community if I become part of that community.