Meet Molly Kirby of Mollymorphosis in Lakewood

Molly, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up I was very introverted, kept to myself, and had no idea who I was. After a year of hating community college, I was working retail and over the repetition. I was ready for more in my life, and it was just around the corner. One day in particular moved me, I grew up in Indiana not far from Chicago and was downtown meeting family to see A Christmas Carol. In terms of the theater I was lost, but I found myself in front of the fashion building of Columbia College Chicago. It was then I knew I was meant to embrace my passion for fashion. I studied there for a couple of years and when I felt I learned what I needed, I went on my way. I had the foundation I needed to build my career as a fashion designer. In my time there I realized I wanted to create my own line, instead of my original plans in the industry.

After stepping away from school, I’d find galleries and events to show in Chicago. At the end of the day there was always something missing. My soul wasn’t being nurtured by the community around me. Things were moving to fast and I needed to relocate. After working with hand dying, I had been talking about Colorado; it just felt more my style. It all came together last August when a friend brought me on their family road trip. I didn’t want to leave, so seven weeks later I moved here.

Currently, I am involved with a non-profit gallery in Santa Fe and absolutely love it. Denver Art Sociey is such a beautiful place to be; full of art and love. It’s amazing to have found such a beautiful community to be apart of. Today I feel grounded and confidant to allow myself to thrive as an artist. In the past I have held myself back, and today that is behind me.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have been many mini hurtles along the way, but my biggest obstacles were my mother’s suicide. I was an eight years old only child, so I spent a great deal of my life isolating myself. It’s taken me years to let go of the thoughts that I’m worthless and I’ll never make, but working past it helps fuel my passion. I’ve done lots of self-healing, and feel comfortable where I am to talk about this topic. Today I am proud to be where I am and recently I even started writing an autobiography. I realized my mother’s suicide broke me but it’s also what makes me.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about your art – what should we know?
I’m all about the wearable art; created with 100% recycled materials. My line Mollymorphosis is filled with upcycled fashion and jewelry; created with love, color, and loads of denim. I love color explosions because the color makes me happy! When I was lost in a dark place I started to play with hand-dying, and color helped guide me to the light. Today I’m still using scraps to create. I feel everyone deserves to be true to themselves, and I am proud of myself for doing what feeds my soul.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My father will always be my number one. Our relationship was gotten so strong over the last couple of years, and I feel I can go to him about anything. Through it all he never gave up, and he deserves as much credit as I do for pursuing my dreams.

Another huge supporter is my Aunt Ilona. Not only has she helped me build my platform, but she even came up with the name Mollymorphosis. So grateful for her love in my life, and her support drives me to keep improving myself. I’m so blessed to have my life filled with many amazing humans, and in reality they all deserve credit.