Halle Malcomb Succeeds by Combining Creativity with Positivity and Poise

Interview by Dayna Brownfield

Originally from Cleveland, Halle Malcomb moved to Columbus in 2001 after receiving a full scholarship to The Ohio State University. After graduation, she went to work for what is now Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland as a Graphic Designer. After GSOH, Halle became the Communications Coordinator at OSU’s Student Life Multicultural Center, which led to her current management role with the Ohio State Bar Association. Along the way, Halle has also expanded her portfolio as an entrepreneur with WeDesign Graphix, a design boutique business that she started in college, and an online empowerment apparel company called HalleBird that donates ten percent of proceeds to nonprofits.

Name: Halle M. Malcomb
Age: 35
Company & Job Title: Ohio State Bar Association, Senior Manager of Marketing
Neighborhood: Waltham Place (Minerva Park Township)
Connect: LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

How did you get started on your career path?
I left OSU for a management role at the Ohio State Bar Association. I focused on relationship management as Manager of Committees and Sections. This role helped broaden my management and relationship-building skills, which I knew might be a catalyst for future leadership roles. Since 2003, I have also owned and operated WeDesign Graphix, a design boutique business that began with a college roommate. I have continued to take clients over the years, which include departments at OSU, The Women’s Book, The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, J. M. Smuckers Company, RAMA Consulting, plus a variety of small businesses.

And over the last three years, I’ve developed an online empowerment apparel company called HalleBird (which happens to be my nickname). I’ve had fun vending at local fairs and I donate ten percent of proceeds to nonprofits. I’ve relaunched the website and plan to get even more involved in sharing my apparel designs.

What advice or mentors have helped guide you along the way?
Mentors come in so many shapes and sizes. I take tidbits from wherever I can get them. I am pretty sociable, so I am always listening for things that will help me lead a fulfilling life. My best mentors have always been the people that gave me a chance. My design professor Brian Stone, my bosses throughout my career, and many members of my sorority, Delta Sigma Theta.

Some of the best advice I can give others is to build your network, connect with people often, and get involved with a national or international organization.

What is your current role as Senior Manager of Marketing like at the Ohio State Bar Association?
I really enjoy my new role. I manage our email marketing, marketing for some of our major events, and I oversee our social media with lots of other stuff in between. On a busy day, my day-to-day consists of assisting with content for our social media, curating content for one of our digital newsletters, sending out member benefit emails, and working on marketing strategies.

What gets you up in the morning? And what gets you through the workweek?
To be honest, I have never been an early bird. I have always been a night owl. Getting up in the morning is hard. You have to shake off any stress, worry and/or anxiety that life throws at you, and just go. My dog makes me get up in the morning, but to be completely honest, my boyfriend gives me motivation. He is up earlier than I am and out the door.

What are some of your work-life balance challenges & how do you address them?
I really try to keep a positive outlook as well as a calm head and attitude. Work-life balance has become very important to me. I do my best not to work too late and not take any of the work stress home. When I am home, I focus on spending time with my loved ones, my dog, and making (or finding) dinner. If I am working on my own projects, I make sure to isolate that work within a few hours once I am home. When the weekend hits, I am all about me time, time with friends, and Sunday Funday. This is not to say I do not have challenging days. When I do, I find peace in meditating often, singing and dancing at home to loud music, and good food.

How do you unwind from work?

I mentioned a few things above, but I also like to hang out at Upper Cup (Parson Avenue) to unwind during lunch. The coffee is perfection, plus the vibe and people keep me relaxed. And when I can get away, my favorite place is the beach.

What super power would you choose?
I would teleport. That way I can visit any country and see my mom and dad in an instant. I also wouldn’t have to deal with traffic.

When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?
When I was a kid, the first thing I wanted to be was an Egyptologist. I was obsessed with archeology and the ancient Egyptian culture.

What books or podcasts are you reading/listening to right now?
I’ve recently been reading various summaries from John C. Maxwell.

What are among the top places you’d recommend to someone who is visiting or new to Columbus?
As a person who loves Marvel movies, I would suggest Super Chefs as the first breakfast stop to really indulge in some creative and decadent food. Then for a healthy lunch, I would suggest seeking out Willowbeez downtown at Hills Market on Mondays and Fridays to get the absolute best vegan soul food ever. Next, stroll down the Short North on a Gallery Hop night and slip into the Guild House, one of my favorite restaurants.

What’s the most exciting thing about Columbus right now?
The most exciting thing is the evolution of the city. There is immense urban planning and development happening in the city. Columbus is growing at a fast pace and with that brings a wonderful melting pot of cultures.

If someone were to ask you what the “pulse” of Columbus is, what would you tell them?
In my eyes, the artists and the creativity will always be the pulse of the city. Art influences the city heavily, and it surrounds us and speaks volumes in our many festivals, downtown, Short North, and Franklinton. I always keep an eye out for flea markets at Strongwater, special events at Blockfort, and of course my favorite, the Creative Control Fest.