UNIK Muse, Ally Aflalo

This Mother’s Day, we are so excited to share the story of social media and partnerships director, brand consultant and founder of iid, Ally Aflalo, whose career across fashion, beauty and branding has been shaped by creativity, storytelling and an intuitive sense of style.

Born and raised in Malibu and now based in Southern California with her husband and baby, Ally has spent over a decade building a career in the fashion industry. From working as a model scout and agent in New York City to launching iid, a collective that represents and connects top creative talent and brands, her journey has evolved alongside motherhood in the most meaningful way.

In this edition of UNIK Muse, we sit down with Ally to talk about motherhood, identity, personal style, finding balance between home and work, and the perspective that comes with stepping into a new season of life.

 

Ally wears the Ling silk blouse and Ida silk pant in Black. 

 

Can you tell us a little bit about your background, where you’re from, where you grew up, and where you live now?

I was born and raised in Malibu, where I grew up surrounded by a strong sense of family and creativity. My upbringing played a big role in shaping my perspective on style, confidence and self expression. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, whether through fashion, business or personal experiences, and that curiosity ultimately led me to build my career in the fashion space.

Today, Southern California is still home. Living here continues to inspire me both personally and professionally, as it’s such a dynamic place that blends culture, innovation and individuality. My journey has always been rooted in staying true to who I am while evolving through different chapters of life, including motherhood, which has added a whole new layer of meaning to everything I do.

 

Ally wears the Valdis dress in Black. 

You have built a creative career across beauty, fashion and beyond. How did your business come to life, and what does it mean to you now that you're also a mother?

My business really came to life organically through my experience in the industry. Starting as a model scout and agent in New York City, then moving into casting, I was constantly building relationships and gaining a deeper understanding of talent, branding and storytelling. Launching my own agency felt like a natural next step, an opportunity to create something that reflected my perspective and the kind of work I believed in.

Now, as a mother, my relationship to my work has evolved in a really meaningful way. I’m more intentional with how I spend my time and the projects I take on, and I think I lead with a greater sense of purpose. Shifting into working in house with brands on social strategy and partnerships has allowed me to build something that feels both creatively fulfilling and aligned with this chapter of my life.

Ally wears the Anya kimono in Shell.

Motherhood has a way of shifting everything you thought you knew. What has changed most for you, and what has surprised you most about this season of life?

Motherhood has really reshaped how I see everything, my priorities, my pace and even how I define success. I think I’ve become more present and more grounded, both in my personal life and in how I approach my work.

What’s surprised me most is the sense of intuition and confidence it’s brought. I’ve learned to trust myself on a deeper level and to let go of things that don’t feel aligned. It’s been both humbling and empowering in ways I didn’t fully expect.

How do you take care of yourself in the in between moments? Any small rituals that keep you grounded and feeling good?

I’ve really come to appreciate the in between moments, those small pockets of time that can reset your energy. For me, it’s simple things like stepping outside for fresh air or grabbing a coffee and actually taking a moment to enjoy it.

I also try to stay connected to the things that make me feel like me. Getting a workout in when I can and keeping up with my skincare routine are small but important ways I take care of myself. Those rituals help me feel grounded and more balanced.

Mother's Day means something different to everyone. What does it mean to you, in this first year of motherhood?

Mother’s Day feels especially meaningful this year because I found out I was pregnant around this time last year, so having my baby earthside with me now makes it feel incredibly full circle. It’s emotional in a way that’s hard to put into words.

I also feel like I’ve become part of a kind of secret club, one you only truly understand once you’re in it. There’s an unspoken depth to motherhood that shifts everything. I have the utmost respect for mothers everywhere, especially my own mother and grandmother. It really takes a village, and I feel so much gratitude for the women who came before me and continue to inspire me.

Where do you feel most like yourself right now?

Right now, I feel most like myself in the quiet, everyday moments at home with my baby and husband. There’s something really grounding about being fully present in that rhythm and routine. It’s where I feel the most connected and real.

I also feel most like myself when I’m working creatively with brands, especially in spaces where I’m helping shape ideas and storytelling. That balance between home life and creative work feels most aligned for me right now.

What are you wearing on rotation right now, and what do you look for in the pieces you keep coming back to?

Right now, I’m living in pieces that are effortless, comfortable and still feel put together. Easy sets, soft denim, oversized shirts and simple staples that I can mix and layer without thinking too much. Anything I can throw on and still feel like myself ends up on rotation.

I tend to gravitate toward pieces that feel easy but intentional, things I can move through my day in without overthinking, but that still feel chic. I also wear at least one piece from UNIKSPACE almost every day. It’s become such an easy, reliable part of my wardrobe. I’m actually wearing the Nic shirt as I sit down and write these answers.

If you could sit down with your younger self, what would you tell her? What advice would you give her?

I would tell my younger self to trust the timing of everything a little more. So much of what felt uncertain or slow at the time ended up making sense in hindsight, and I wish I had worried less about how it all looked from the outside.

I’d also remind her that growth isn’t linear, and that every shift, especially the uncomfortable ones, is leading you somewhere meaningful. Keep saying yes to yourself, stay open and don’t rush through any of it. The foundation you’re building matters more than you realise in the moment.

What are you looking forward to most in this next chapter?

I’m really looking forward to continuing to grow into this new version of myself, both as a mother and as a woman continuing to build a career I’ve been developing for over 10 years. I feel very grounded in the direction I’m moving in and excited about what’s ahead.

I’m also looking forward to creating more balance between work and home, and being even more intentional about the projects and people I bring into my life. And of course, watching my baby grow is the most incredible part of this chapter. This next chapter feels rooted in depth and purpose, and I’m excited to see where it continues to take me.