@dechel_mckillian

• By theSKIN February 7, 2022

This Black History Month, theSKIN is highlighting Black founders and creators who are changing the world by letting their creativity shine – what’s more beautiful than that?

Sustainability in the fashion and beauty world is a big conversation, and moving it right along is Dechel Mckillian, celebrity stylist and founder of GALERIE.LA. Born out of a mission of sustainability, GALERIE.LA encourages customers to “shop your values” with their curated selection of sustainable fashion, clean beauty, and lifestyle goods. Read on for our interview with Dechel to find out inspires her, her career journey, and her clean and sustainable skincare go-tos.

TS

Tell us about yourself!

DM

I’m Dechel Mckillian and I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I’m the founder of GALERIE.LA, an online shop dedicated to sustainable fashion, clean beauty, and lifestyle goods. I’m all about conscious living, travel, and spirituality. I love to get out in nature as much as possible, whether that’s going for a hike or swimming in the ocean, I can’t get enough of it. I’m a dog mom to my pup Domino who is full of energy and keeps me going.

TS

What has your career path looked like so far, and how did you build GALERIE.LA into what it is today?

DM

I’d say I’ve taken the road less traveled when it comes to my career path. Growing up, I always thought I’d become a doctor and was pre-med throughout my undergraduate studies at UCLA. While on a gap year before medical school, I got an opportunity to go on a European Fashion Tour which set me on the path to a career in the fashion industry and I’ve never looked back. I was a celebrity stylist and creative director before founding GALERIE.LA, with a roster of clients including Drake, Fergie, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Lionel Richie, and The Black Eyed Peas.

I had the incredible opportunity to travel all over the world with my clients and I saw firsthand the negative effects fashion was having on our people and planet. This led me to seek out sustainable brands for my clients (and myself) that were fashion-forward. They were hard to find. I knew if I was struggling women like me all around the world were too. I spent many hours researching brands and decoding their sustainable messaging onto a spreadsheet. That’s how GALERIE.LA and our sustainable value badge system were born.

In 2015, GALERIE.LA started as a blog dedicated to highlighting sustainable fashion brands that fit my aesthetic and produced their collections following our sustainable criteria. After getting some traction and interest, the e-commerce store launched the following year. After curating small groups of sustainable brands online, I knew it was time to get the styles out to people IRL. The GALERIE.LA ethical concept shop opened at ROW DTLA and the growth took off from there. We were able to build a hub for sustainable fashion in Los Angeles with the brick-and-mortar shop. Sadly it closed in December 2020 because of the ongoing pandemic but we’re continuing with the same mission online.

TS

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received about career building?

DM

“You define your own success story.”

TS

Where do you find inspiration in your daily life?

DM

I find my daily inspiration by going within, getting out in nature, from my teachers, and communing with like-minded individuals.

OSEA

Atmosphere Protection Cream

GOLDE

Papaya Bright Mask

Earth Harbor

Aurora Ampoule

“A positive mind, radiant energy, and confidence projected outward is what makes someone beautiful.”

TS

As we celebrate Black History Month – what does this month mean to you? What are your hopes for the future of Black representation in your industry?

DM

To me, Black History Month means acknowledging, honoring, and celebrating the history of African Americans. I hope to see more Black representation in sustainable fashion, clean beauty, and wellness spaces. I want to see the same big-box retailers who highlight Black brands as a marketing tool for one month take the time to build partnerships, create collaborations, and opportunities for Black businesses all year-round.

TS

Tell us about your daily skincare routine! What do you use to keep your skin healthy and happy?

DM

I use a fairly simple skincare routine and alter it slightly as the seasons change. In the mornings, I use Earth Harbor Ahoy Love Nourishing Cream Cleanser, followed by their Aurora Superfood Luminance Ampoule, and Osea Atmosphere Protection Cream. I use Earth Harbor Citrine Sea Purifying Exfoliation Potion and Golde Papaya Bright Superfood Face Mask when needed during the week also. At Night, I use the same cream cleanser, followed by Beauty Counter Countermatch Intense Moisture Serum and Countertime Ultra Renewal Eye Cream.

TS

What is the one skincare product or treatment that changed your life?

DM

Peak + Valley Nurture My Skin Adaptogen Blend has helped tremendously with my sensitive skin and irritation caused by eczema. I can’t say enough about how wonderful this product is!

TS

What is your desert island beauty product?

DM

Sweet Almond Oil!

TS

What’s your self-care power move?

DM

A Radiant Facial Ritual with Julia of Jae and Leona Beauty Collective, coupled with a scalp facial from Lori Huitron. I’m golden with treatments from these two!