AITANA MALLARI

that girl with the bob

Aitana Yvette Mallari is the co-founder of TARO Magazine, Studio ARA, and previously, AZNA Dance.

Serial entrepreneur, luxury and profile writer, social media manager, marketing lead, and avid content creator.

TARO Magazine

Co-founder, Editor-in-Chief

Co-founded and currently lead a digital platform championing Asian American creative culture. I direct the editorial, social, and brand direction of the magazine. With team members in Phoenix and Portland, we provide support for Asian American creatives on and offline, collaborating and covering local talent as well as working with touring artists teams for Tiffany Day, Lyn Lapid, Stephanie Poetri and Keshi.

Studio ARA

Co-Founder, Owner

Co-founded and currently own a private, contactless creative studio in Arizona. I oversee day-to-day operations, social media and events. Notably, we successfully hosted the first K-pop Academy in Arizona through collaboration with the Korean Cultural Center of LA, flying K-pop industry instructors who’ve worked with groups like G-IDLE and aespa to provide expert teachings for community members.

Ability360

Social Media Coordinator, Marketing Lead

After five years of writing cover stories for Livability Magazine, I was brought on to run social media for the largest disability center in the southwest. With a marketing team of seven, I directed multi-media packages, recruited and mentored journalists, and revitalized internal operations, software, and donation campaigns. Fun fact: The director of the National Council of Independent Living said we had the best marketing out of all CILs nationally (very nice of her)!

LocalBuzz

Communications, Content Creator

Led communications and content creation for a video-based location app startup. Collaborating remotely with a 5-person team, I was in charge of copywriting, UX writing, social media, and press releases. Managing the Instagram account and moderating the WordPress beta site and the mobile app, I was key in successfully orchestrating the MVP launch in December 2020. During the pandemic, I facilitated PPE distribution and was a liaison for volunteer efforts and local businesses trying to survive economic hardship.

Modern Luxury

Editorial Writer, Social Media

Wrote and ran social media for national luxury magazine Modern Luxury Scottsdale as well as Interiors Scottsdale. I covered everything luxury from restaurants to businesses to renowned fashion and interior designers and celebrities in the Scottsdale market for print, digital publication, and email campaigns. Oversaw social media efforts in the lead-up to and on-day coverage of events such as Barrett-Jackson, Phoenix Fashion Week, and the WM Open.

Food Network

Production Assistant, Photographer

Assisted the chef casting, headshots, and interviews for national TV show "Chopped." I curated the contestant lineup, managed headshots, and interviewed chefs from all over the valley for those juicy narratives revealed in the show. I also ran on-location logistics in Scottsdale in coordination with the New York Food Network headquarters, collaborating closely with producers on everything from lighting and camera equipment and contestant database organization to travel, meals and ever-changing itinerary.

live laugh lore

I do contract work for photography, magazine writing and social media. My silly little tiktoks and IG reels have reached millions of people (unfortunately). My interns have gone on to do work for Dropbox and the NBA. I’m also a hand model (don’t look I’m shy). I love my friends and my community and I’m always recording something.

Lyn Lapid for TARO Magazine