Today we’d like to introduce you to Malachi Jean

Hi Malachi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I began my journey as an insecure and mentally immature young man, unsure of my identity and potential. However, I recognized my talents in modeling and DJing, which sparked a passion within me that I had yet to fully understand.

At first, these hobbies were just ways to express myself, but they quickly evolved into deeper pursuits. Through modeling, I learned about self-confidence, presence, and the importance of embracing my unique qualities. DJing, on the other hand, allowed me to connect with others through music and create experiences that resonated with people.

As I immersed myself in these creative endeavors, I transformed. I honed my skills and began to see the impact I could have on others. With each performance and photoshoot, I gained confidence and clarity about my ambitions.

This journey of self-discovery guided me toward new opportunities and experiences, shaping me into a mature, ambitious man. I’ve learned to navigate challenges, embrace my passions, and continually evolve. Today, I stand firmly in my identity, driven by a desire to pursue my dreams and inspire others along the way.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

It hasn’t been a smooth road, which I’m thankful for as a few bumps helped me develop more wisdom and resilience. I had to look at myself sometimes and fight through various insecurities. I was unsure of who I am, what my purpose was. I truly was lost in many ways with a lack of identity. My focus was to be understood while being misunderstood instead of just accepting myself for who I am. I began to search for myself in others and doing things to please others rather than focusing on my own strengths and passions. Running from my pain and distracting myself with every possible thing to avoid full commitment to what I really wanted to do. Even within those passions, I struggled with self-confidence, uncertainty and fear of the unknown. I felt safe with mediocrity because I saw myself as such. I would times question the reason behind doing what I do. Was I doing it to fill a void of insecurity? For attention? For growth? To inflate my ego? To help people? I would question my purpose behind everything I did. Because I was unsure of that, I was unsure of myself.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I started freelance modeling in 2016 and started working with local photographers in the DMV area. Eventually I started occasionally working with YCMC and getting published in independent magazines such as Cole Magazine, Shuba Magazine (2x), Blouder Magazine, Picton Magazine, and recently L’Amour Magazine. From there, I started working more local models and collaborating with more brands such as Express and being featured on Vogue Italia. During the pandemic, I moved back to New York to continue to work on my creative passions. From there I worked with Extra Butter, New Balance, Canva and Daniel’s Leather, as well as walked NYFW shows. I also executive produced and styled a short film called “The Delivery” back in November 2023. I worked background in Mary J Blige’s “Gone Forever” music video as well as a Doordash & NBA Commercial with Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Kurtis Blow, and Lola Brooke.

I also started DJing back in 2022, transitioning from my dance background and my love of house music. I’m still on my journey within DJing, but one thing I’m most proud of is going to Tulum and DJing for Ephimera Tulum, which can be found on Youtube. It was the most nervous I’ve been yet I went out there and played some of my best music. I’ve also DJed dance battles and venues such as The Summer Club in New York and Eaton DC in Washington D.C. I’m working on adding more genres to my sets so stay tuned!

I believe what sets me apart from others is I try to add my own spin and flavor to everything I do. I love individuality and try to add that in every creative aspect of my life. I don’t want people to look at my work and what I do as something they’ve seen before. When it’s one of a kind, that means I’m doing my job.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?

I have many directions I can go so it’s hard to predict that. I’m the type where I let God determine as he’s ordered my steps before I came to this world. I have plans and dreams. I see the industries continue to grow in their respective fields. Everyone has different ways of executing their passions. I pray I continue to follow the path I’ve been following and I know that success will follow.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malachijean23
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djmalachijean
• Other: https://linktr.ee/malachijean23

Image Credits

Johnathan Mitchell
Marz Jones
Aaron Pegg