In the vibrant world of creative expression, three New Jersey-based visionaries are redefining how we see fashion, photography, and art. Mekalyn Peterson, Ciara Nicdao, and Cameron Clarke—each with a distinct background and style—come together in the groundbreaking project, Legends of Groove. Their work is a celebration of Black culture, the soulful spirit of the 1970s, and the power of self-expression. In an in-depth conversation, they share the stories that shaped their artistic journeys, the influences that continue to drive their creative visions, and the moments that have made their work unforgettable.
Tell us a little about yourselves—where are you from, and how did your creative journey begin?
Mekalyn Peterson opens the conversation with a heartfelt nod to her roots:
“I grew up born and raised in Northern New Jersey - Bloomfield specifically. Growing up in a family of majority of black women from the North East, I’ve always admired our distinct culture, clothing, and just way of life and ESSENCE.”
For Cameron Clarke, Jersey City isn’t just a birthplace—it’s where his passion was ignited at an early age:
“Born and raised in Jersey City, NJ. My journey started from young, convincing my parents to get me my first camera at the age of 12. My persistence in starting my journey so young was formed by what I consider to be some of my influences today.”
Ciara Nicdao reflects on her multicultural upbringing:
“I was born and raised in New Jersey, with Jamaican and Filipino roots. My Filipino family is full of artists, and they’re the ones who first introduced me to the art world. I’ve always had an interest in art, but it wasn’t until my junior year of high school that I started taking it seriously… I chose Montclair State University to study Fine Arts, where I discovered my love of production design & set design and started to incorporate that into my photography work.”
Each artist’s background paints a picture of a formative environment steeped in culture, family, and early exposure to the arts—a perfect foundation for the creative journeys that would follow.
What drew you to photography, fashion, and storytelling? Was there a moment when you knew this was your passion?
Mekalyn recalls formative moments in her youth that set her on her creative path:
“Growing up I remember my mom always coming home from parent teacher conferences and back to school nights each year and most of my teachers saying the same things - ‘She’s very good with her work, chatty and a social butterfly, & her outfits are always so fun & something to look forward to.’ That right there stuck with me. Clothing, colors, and accessorizing have always been a large form of self expression for me & I knew it always would continue to be.”
Cameron’s story is one of serendipity and early influence:
“When I first started, watching documentaries, looking at professional photography on magazines like XXL, The Source, Thrasher, TIME, etc., and Tumblr made me extremely intrigued and led me to my start. Getting into fashion was almost accidental. When I was looking for work early on in my professional career, I only had local brands to shoot with. After a few months of working on look books and campaigns, I realized I had some natural talent when it came to composing and conceptualization, so I stuck with it.”
For Ciara, photography became an emotional outlet during challenging times:
“I’ve always loved art, but I never had the patience for drawing or painting. Photography, though, was different—it felt like something I was actually good at. I started taking photos to cope, especially in middle school when I moved to a new town and faced bullying. The camera became my escape. I’ll never forget a family trip to Puerto Rico around that time where I accidentally deleted all my photos and ended up crying. That’s when I knew photography was my passion.”
Their journeys, though varied, converge on a deep-seated need to tell stories visually—each frame a narrative, each style a proclamation of individuality.
What inspires your personal style and creative vision outside of this project?
Mekalyn is unapologetic about her love for color and maximalism:
“I’d have to say that color and ‘maximalism’ really are my number one drivers when it comes to describing my personal style. I think being a late 90s - early 2000’s baby really did its number on me. From the movies, music, fashion & culture - I can truly be inspired by this era for the rest of my life.”
Cameron draws from the depths of his childhood interests:
“My childhood and my interests. I feel like in my personal life, I am very much so what I am into. My interests are a part of my personality and I like to indulge in these things beyond a surface level. For my creative vision, my end goal is always to make work that reminds me of things that enticed me as a child. Not necessarily in a nostalgic way, but in my way.”
Ciara, ever the nostalgic dreamer, embraces the magic of bygone decades:
“I have a weird fascination with the concept of nostalgia. I’ve always said I was born in the wrong generation because I love the ’70s, ‘80s, and of course, the ‘90s (I have to—I’m a ‘90s baby). There’s just something about that era that makes me so damn happy; it’s hard to put into words. I also tend to daydream a lot, so most of my work has a dreamlike quality and is all about making my inner child happy.”
Their inspirations, whether rooted in a specific era or the boundless energy of youth, form the backbone of their artistic expression.
If we were to step into your world for a day, what would we see? What’s a typical “you” kind of day?
Mekalyn offers an honest glimpse into her daily routine:
“Embarrassingly, I’d say it might be a little boring. I work from home—in the Fashion Tech field, which I’m incredibly grateful for—so my days and mornings are quite hectic. Tea in the morning, pump through work for the day, & in my free time, prep my home for the weekend as I enjoy hosting my friends and arranging group outings.”
Cameron’s life is a study in contrasts—a blend of technology and artistry:
“I have a double life. For the first half of my day, I’m spending time indulging in tech. I work in the city and spend most of my days working on automation and incidents involving hardware and software issues. The rest of my day is spent working on photography and videography. Very late night and very early mornings, but it’s all worth it!”
Ciara’s schedule is as dynamic as her creative spirit:
“Very hectic. I work full-time as a marketing assistant and social media content creator, so most of my day is spent filming new content or editing videos. Sometimes, I also travel to conferences to capture content for my company. Outside of work, my days are more flexible and fun. I’m either shooting personal projects, working on client shoots, or making time to socialize.”
The contrasting yet complementary routines reveal how each artist finds balance between their professional obligations and their artistic passions.
What’s a song that instantly makes you feel like the best version of yourself?
Music is an essential part of the creative process for all three, serving as both inspiration and a source of empowerment.
Mekalyn shares her love for a classic hit:
“Trust A Try by Janet Jackson - I love good guitar solo.”
Cameron finds energy in modern beats:
“Long Time by Playboi Carti.”
Ciara’s pick reflects a blend of modern soul and creative energy:
“Best To You by Blood Orange.”
These tracks are more than just background music—they’re anthems that fuel the spirit of creativity and self-confidence.
Who were your biggest influences growing up—artistically or personally?
For Mekalyn, the matriarchal figures in her life and the icons of childhood left an indelible mark:
“I’d have to say black women and the black women in my family were my biggest influences and still continue to be. The era of Bratz (still current), American Girl Doll, and My Scene Dolls heavily influenced my personal style and my love of styling as well.”
Cameron recalls a mix of cultural touchstones that expanded his artistic vision:
“My influences range from a variety of things. One big influence of mine was definitely magazines, specifically magazines that captured black culture. Another influence of mine, believe it or not, was skateboarding. I’ve never been an actual skateboarder, but the composing and attitude of the culture always left me intrigued to start documenting something myself. Lastly, the internet. Different pockets of the internet would influence me to start and to continue shooting once I really got into it.”
Ciara’s inspirations are as layered as her heritage:
“Besides my family, my biggest artistic influences would have to be Petra Collins and Alessandro Michele. I’m drawn to Petra Collins’ moody, dreamy photography—it evokes such a unique atmosphere. As for Michele, I’ve always admired his creative direction at Gucci. His campaigns carried a strong sense of nostalgia that deeply resonated with me, especially since he often spoke about the 1970s as a period of liberation and change.”
Their diverse influences—ranging from family and childhood toys to high-fashion visionaries—underscore how personal history and cultural icons inform creative expression.
If your younger self saw where you are now, what do you think they’d say?
Mekalyn envisions her younger self as both amused and proud:
“I think she’d giggle at how I’ve curated my life to be many days of playing dress up. She’d also be incredibly proud & know so much more is to come.”
Cameron is confident that his younger self would admire his journey:
“They would think I’m that one cool person they wanted to be like when they were first starting at 12.”
Ciara sums it up with heartfelt encouragement:
“Damn, you’re really living your dream. I’m so proud of you and how you keep growing and pushing yourself.”
These reflections are a reminder that every creative path is a journey—one filled with growth, nostalgia, and the excitement of becoming.
How did Legends of Groove come to life? What was the spark that set this project in motion?
For Mekalyn, the idea struck in a moment of serendipity:
“I was sitting at a comedy show waiting for it to begin when clips of Soul Train silently played & I knew then I wanted to recreate these scenes, this energy & these looks with my touch.”
Ciara adds her own flavor to the project’s origin, citing her love for a bygone era:
“I’ve always said I want to do something inspired by the 1970s because I genuinely love that era. My personal style draws heavily from that time, mixed with elements of punk and grunge.”
The convergence of these inspirations birthed a project that is both a homage to the past and a statement of modern creative expression.
Soul Train was a stage for self-expression. How does this project capture that same energy for today’s generation?
Mekalyn reflects on the timeless nature of self-expression:
“Self expression is timeless & we’ll forever find ways to celebrate our lives and joy and that’s something we’ll forever be able to connect with. JOY. From our outfit checks, to our viral dance trends & new music - the essence of joy and individuality continues to thrive, keeping the spirit of self-expression alive for new generations.”
Ciara chimes in with an observation on today’s cultural trends:
“I swear, we’re all just craving that old-school vibe, especially with fashion and music. So many things now are straight-up throwbacks, and I’m here for it. One trend I’ve been noticing is people doing this TikTok dance to Earth, Wind & Fire’s ‘Let’s Groove,’ and honestly, I love it. That song is such a bop.”
Through Legends of Groove, the energy of Soul Train is reimagined for a new era—a vibrant call for authenticity and the celebration of individuality.
What does this project mean to you on a personal level?
For Mekalyn, this project is a milestone in her creative career:
“This project was my first time creative directing & taking the lead & I’m so incredibly grateful for the opportunity & the trust of my team. This was a huge goal & milestone for me & we’re just getting started baby!”
Ciara reveals how the project became a journey of self-discovery:
“As someone who’s half Jamaican and half Filipino, I don’t really know my Jamaican side all that well, so I initially felt like a poser being part of a project for Black History Month. But I’ve always said I was born in the wrong generation because I love the ’70s, disco, and soul music. This project felt like a self-portrait—everything I adore coming together, but also a journey of self-discovery. The more I learned about Soul Train and what it represented, the more I wanted to explore my Jamaican heritage. It hit me that there’s a whole side of my culture I haven’t explored, but the music really speaks to me, and I love that connection.”
For both, Legends of Groove isn’t just another creative project—it’s a personal breakthrough and a tribute to their heritage and individuality.
In what ways do you see Black creativity and culture from the 70s shaping what we see today?
Mekalyn sees undeniable influences in contemporary art and activism:
“I see it in our music, from RnB & Soul, our social & political movements, like BLM, and our film and the rise of black film and directors such as Jordan Peele, Gina Prince-Bythewood & Shaka King.”
Cameron sums it up succinctly:
“In everything, literally. I see our culture and creativity from the 70s shaping a lot of the stuff we see today.”
These insights highlight the enduring legacy of the 1970s—a decade that continues to influence modern aesthetics, social movements, and artistic expression.
If you had to describe Legends of Groove in three words, what would they be?
The responses capture the essence of the project in vibrant snapshots:
• Mekalyn: “Soulful. Reminiscent. Expressive.”
• Cameron: “Lively, nostalgic, fun.”
• Ciara: “Fun. Iconic. Moments.”
Each set of words encapsulates not only the energy of the project but also the diverse ways in which its spirit resonates with different creative minds.
What’s one thing about this project that people might not realize just by looking at the final product?
There’s more to Legends of Groove than meets the eye:
• Mekalyn: “A majority of our models met for the first time that day - not many of us knew or worked with one another before and it became a beautiful day of coming together and creating.”
• Cameron: “I shot this digitally and graded it to look like motion picture film.”
• Ciara: “That this project took a month and some change of planning.”
These behind-the-scenes revelations speak to the dedication, spontaneity, and collaborative spirit that made the project truly unique.
What was the most unexpected or hilarious thing that happened during the shoot?
Light-hearted moments often become the most memorable:
• Mekalyn recalls a serendipitous find:
“A favorite moment of mine was while filming, Kobie - one of our male talents - randomly reappeared with this disco ball helmet that just worked so beautifully with the set and his look. He randomly found it somewhere in the studio. Very serendipitous.”
• Cameron shares an impromptu burst of creativity:
“One of the models didn’t know he needed to dance on set - watching him improvise for the entire day was hilarious honestly.”
• Ciara paints a vivid picture of on-set antics:
“We had the guys trying to do the baby freeze pose, but it was a total fail. Then outta nowhere, Selah—one of our female talents—just nailed it like it was no big deal, and the whole team was like, ‘Wait, WHAT?!’ And Mekalyn straight-up started screaming—mad funny!”
These moments of spontaneity and humor remind us that creativity is often born in unexpected circumstances.
If Legends of Groove had a signature dance move, what would it be?
Mekalyn brings the fun with her declaration:
“The ‘Disco Finger’!!”
Ciara offers her own twist:
“Rolling Arms.”
If you could teleport back to any moment in the 70s for one day, where would you go and why?
The dream destinations reveal both nostalgia and a yearning for iconic moments:
• Mekalyn:
“I’d Love to be a stylist on The Cher show!! Her looks were amazing!”
• Cameron:
“To watch the premiere of Saturday Night Fever.”
• Ciara:
“umm STUDIO 54! The legendary dance club of course because I want to boogie my ass off and pretend I am in Saturday Night Fever. Plus, bumping into a few icons wouldn’t hurt either.”
These choices not only reflect their personal tastes but also echo the influential cultural moments that continue to inspire their work.
What’s one fashion trend from the 70s you love and one you’d leave behind forever?
Mekalyn is all in for a trend that epitomizes bold style:
“PLATFORMS FOREVER! I’m not feeling ‘shiny’ or metallic shirts too much.”
Ciara is equally passionate, though with a hint of playful critique:
“I love me some Zo plaid, flared jeans & a good ass platform boot but one thing I’d leave behind are high waisted pants… let your stomach breathe please.”
Their opinions remind us that while fashion is cyclical, personal style is all about knowing what to embrace and what to let go.
If you had to put together a dream 70s dinner party with three iconic guests, who’s invited?
Mekalyn’s guest list reads like a roster of musical royalty:
“Diana Ross, Grace Jones & Ms. Eartha Kitt - we’d have a ball!”
Ciara opts for a mix of soulful legends and dynamic performers:
“Stevie Wonder, Donna Summer & Michael Jackson.”
Imagining such an intimate gathering of icons underlines the project’s deep connection to a transformative era in Black culture and music.
What’s your guilty pleasure song that’s not from the 70s but gives you that same vibe?
Mekalyn cites two tracks that carry a modern twist on vintage energy:
“‘Forget Me Not’ by Say She She & ‘Other Voices’ by LCD SOUNDSYSTEM.”
Ciara’s pick is a danceable hit that transcends decades:
“I’m Gonna Get You- Bizarre Inc.”
These selections show that while the project is steeped in 70s aesthetics, the artists are not confined by time—they blend the old with the new to create something uniquely refreshing.
What do you hope people take away from Legends of Groove?
Mekalyn’s message is both inspiring and a call for empowerment:
“I hope this project inspires everyone but specifically my black brothers and sisters to never cease to express their joys, sorrows, stories and wins - we deserve to be seen and heard, even if we have to create the spaces to do so ourselves. & dance a little more as we do it.”
Cameron’s succinct encouragement speaks to creative freedom:
“Express yourself as you see fit!”
Ciara reinforces the project’s liberating spirit:
“I truly hope this project inspires everyone to express themselves freely, let loose, and dance more!”
At its core, Legends of Groove is a celebration of individual expression—a reminder that every voice matters in the tapestry of culture.
How do you see this project fitting into the broader conversation around Black History and culture today?
Mekalyn encapsulates the significance of the project with visionary insight:
“I see this project as a powerful spotlight on the young Black creatives of our generation. It highlights how we’ve built supportive communities, uplift each other artistically, and create spaces and opportunities for storytelling and curation.”
This sentiment resonates deeply as Legends of Groove not only honors the past but also paves the way for future generations to continue the dialogue on art, identity, and culture.
Conclusion:
Legends of Groove is much more than a creative project—it’s a movement. Through the candid reflections of Mekalyn Peterson, Ciara Nicdao, and Cameron Clarke, we see a tapestry woven with threads of nostalgia, innovation, and unapologetic self-expression. Their stories remind us that creativity is not bound by time or convention. Instead, it evolves—drawing inspiration from the past to shape the future.
In the words of Mekalyn, the journey is just beginning:
“We’re just getting started baby!”
As you listen to the beats of Janet Jackson, feel the energy of a Playboi Carti track, or let the soulful strains of Blood Orange lift your spirits, remember that every note, every frame, and every stylistic choice is a celebration of individuality. Legends of Groove is a call to dance, to express, and to be unapologetically yourself.
Whether you’re a longtime admirer of 70s culture or someone discovering these vibes for the first time, the message is clear: express yourself, cherish your heritage, and keep the spirit of creativity alive—today and always.
The Team:
Creative Director & Stylist: Mekalyn Peterson:
@breathemekalyn
Art Director/ Photographer: Ciara Nicdao:
@ciaramisst
Videographer/ Photographer: Cameron Clarke:
@_tripzy
Photo Assistant: Luce Valdez: @feel.camera
Styling Assistant: Zinayah Watts: @zinayahh
Makeup Artist: Emily Cohen: @empowered_faces
Makeup Artist: Elianny Rodriguez: @eliannyyesenia
Wardrobe Pull: Zero Kid NJ Vintage in Jersey City: @zerokid_nj
Talent:
Tshana Barrett: @tshana_b
Selah Monet: @sayless._
Gypsy Soto: @princesspanicc
Jakobie Britton:@kobieworld
Daniel Esteban: @daniestbn
Jacob Moss:@adulthuman