In this episode of Turning Pro, hosts Ben Sharf and Adrian Alfieri sit down with Shlomit Malka, co-founder and CEO of Happ—a platform designed to empower creative freelancers by streamlining the business side of their careers.
Shlomit’s journey is anything but conventional. After spending a decade as a successful model, she found herself at a crossroads, realizing that her true passion wasn’t just in front of the camera but behind the scenes, in the creative process itself. That realization, coupled with the challenges she faced as a freelancer, sparked the idea for Happ.
Shlomit’s transition from modeling to entrepreneurship wasn’t an overnight decision. She spent years grappling with an internal disconnect, feeling limited by the role she played in the industry. COVID-19 was a catalyst. With the world at a standstill, she was forced to sit with herself and ask bigger questions about who she was outside of her career. The stillness led to clarity. She realized that what she loved most was helping creatives bring their visions to life—not just as an artist, but as a facilitator of their business success.
Freelancers in the creative industry constantly juggle projects, invoices, and contracts, often struggling to turn opportunities into sustainable businesses. Shlomit, having faced these same frustrations, knew there had to be a better way. Happ was born to bridge this gap—giving freelancers the tools to manage contracts, payments, and milestones while staying in their creative flow. What started as an idea became a full-fledged startup, backed by her army-honed discipline and deep understanding of the creative world.
A major theme in this episode is Shlomit’s emphasis on intuition. She discusses how following her gut—not external validation—led her to make the tough but necessary decision to leave modeling behind. Spiritual practices, such as observing Shabbat and maintaining a disciplined morning routine, have helped her stay centered in the chaos of entrepreneurship. She also touches on her experiences at Burning Man, where she witnessed the radical dedication of artists and how that influenced her drive to support creatives through Happ.
Despite modeling being a world of glitz and glamour, Shlomit explains how it prepared her for the tough realities of entrepreneurship. Rejection is part of the job. Understanding how people perceive you versus who you actually are is a game every founder must play. Her ability to see through illusions—whether in the fashion industry or in startup culture—has helped her build a company that is authentic to its mission.
Ben and Adrian dive into the concept of Turning Pro—leaving behind a shadow career to pursue what you’re truly meant to do. For Shlomit, the process was messy, filled with late nights, doubt, and an undeniable pull toward something bigger. She discusses how entrepreneurship, like creativity, is about trusting the unknown, making space for reinvention, and surrounding yourself with people who push you forward.
If you’re a creative entrepreneur, freelancer, or someone considering a bold career pivot, this episode is packed with wisdom.
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