Hidden Gems: Meet Terrell Starks of STARKS

Today we’d like to introduce you to Terrell Starks

Hi Terrell, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey has been one of transformation, self-discovery, and ambition. I started with a background in chemical engineering, earning my degree from Tuskegee University. Before stepping into the creative world full-time, I worked as a Research & Development Scientist for some of the biggest brands, including Procter & Gamble and Kraft Heinz. While I had a promising career in science and business, I felt the pull toward a more dynamic, creative life—one that allowed me to merge my analytical skills with my artistic vision.

Modeling found me when British photographer April Alexander scouted me, opening the door to an unexpected yet exciting career. What started as an opportunity soon evolved into an international journey—working across six countries and landing campaigns with major brands like Footlocker, Abercrombie & Fitch, Psycho Bunny, and Kohl’s, among others. Leaving my full-time corporate job was a leap of faith, but it allowed me to pursue modeling, acting, and entrepreneurship on a much bigger scale.

At the same time, I’ve been building a science-driven skincare brand alongside a talented team of chemical engineers and business strategists, focusing on clean chemistry and innovation. My entrepreneurial drive doesn’t stop there—while in Cape Town recently for a modeling job, I took a bold step into filmmaking. I built a team, wrote a script, and went on to produce and direct my first film, merging my passion for storytelling with my business-minded approach to creation.

Through it all, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about strategy, discipline, and taking risks. My ultimate goal is financial independence, building my dream home, and making a lasting impact through my creative and scientific endeavors. Every step I’ve taken has been about aligning my work with my purpose, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been anything but smooth. Leaving a stable career in research and development to pursue modeling, filmmaking, and entrepreneurship was a leap of faith—one that came with uncertainty, self-doubt, and moments of questioning whether I was making the right decisions. There were times when I wondered if I was chasing a dream or simply walking away from security.

As I advanced in my career, I also experienced shifts in my personal and professional relationships. Some connections naturally faded because they no longer aligned with the person I was becoming or the path I was forging. Letting go of what felt familiar wasn’t easy, but I realized that growth often requires shedding what no longer serves you.

Financially, emotionally, and mentally, this journey has tested me. There have been moments of instability, where bookings weren’t as consistent or business plans faced setbacks. But through it all, I’ve learned that resilience and adaptability are just as important as talent. Each challenge has pushed me to refine my vision, trust my instincts, and keep moving forward.

Despite the struggles, I wouldn’t change a thing. The obstacles have shaped me, and every risk I’ve taken has brought me closer to the life I truly want. I’m still evolving, but I know now that the uncertainty of chasing something greater is worth it.

As you know, we’re big fans of STARKS . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At the core of my business is storytelling—whether through film, media, or my personal brand. I’ve always believed that the most powerful way to inspire, connect, and leave an impact is through compelling narratives, and that’s exactly what I’m building.

My filmmaking business is an extension of this vision. While my career started in science and modeling, I’ve taken those experiences and transformed them into a creative enterprise. I recently wrote, produced, and directed my first film while in Cape Town, bringing together a team to turn an idea into a full production. That experience solidified my passion for visual storytelling, and now, I’m building a business that focuses on bringing fresh, dynamic stories to life—whether through film, digital media, or branded content. My goal is to craft work that is not only visually striking but emotionally resonant, blending entertainment with meaning.

Beyond film, my personal brand is a fusion of everything I do—modeling, content creation, and business. I’ve worked with global brands like Footlocker, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Psycho Bunny, but I also use my platform to showcase the journey of entrepreneurship, creative direction, and artistic growth.

In addition to filmmaking, I’ve been developing a science-driven skincare brand alongside a team of experts in chemistry and beauty innovation. While we haven’t launched just yet, we’ve been working behind the scenes to perfect formulations and build something that isn’t just another skincare line—it’s a brand rooted in research, inclusivity, and long-term skin health.

Ultimately, whether through film, business, or personal branding, my work is about creating something that lasts. I want to tell stories that matter, build businesses that shift industries, and inspire others to take bold risks in pursuit of their own vision. This is just the beginning, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m always seeking knowledge and inspiration, whether it’s for business, creativity, or personal development. Some of my favorite books include The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, which helps me push through creative resistance, and The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss, which reshaped the way I think about efficiency and building a life on my own terms. I also love Atomic Habits by James Clear for refining my routines and staying disciplined in my goals.

I deeply connect with the wisdom of Black thought leaders whose insights have shaped my perspective on life, purpose, and self-mastery. The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav, a book often recommended by Oprah, has been transformative in understanding intention, energy, and spiritual alignment. Finding Me by Viola Davis is another powerful read—her journey of resilience and self-acceptance is deeply inspiring. Additionally, I find works on the subconscious mind, such as The Power of the Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy, essential for reprogramming limiting beliefs and manifesting success.

When it comes to apps, I rely on Notion for organizing everything—business plans, film ideas, modeling schedules, and content strategies. Canva is a go-to for designing visuals, and Voice Memos is an underrated tool I use to record thoughts and creative ideas on the fly. Trello is another key tool for project management, especially in coordinating film production tasks.

For podcasts, Super Soul Conversations by Oprah Winfrey is a major source of wisdom, offering insights from thought leaders across industries. Indie Film Hustle has been a valuable resource as I navigate filmmaking, and How I Built This inspires me with stories of entrepreneurs who turned ideas into empires. The Business of Fashion keeps me informed about trends in fashion and media, while The Tim Ferriss Show is great for deep dives into high-performance habits.

I believe in always being a student of life, and these resources help me refine my craft, build smarter, and stay aligned with my purpose.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrell.starks?igsh=NW5zcjk0amYyN3dh&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@terrellstarks1273?si=fb1Yu-FnLi0li37D