We were lucky to catch up with Malaiye recently and have shared our conversation below.

Malaiye, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I began training in the arts around 5 years old. First was singing in choir, then I went on to study violin, and after I was placed in dance class. I’ve been in love with training all throughout my life, however it wasn’t until I was out of high school I made any strides towards my career. From studying film in college to interning any industry event I could get my hands on, I began to experience life beyond the camera and get more of a reality of the dream. Public relations, Event Production, and Celebrity/Executive Assisting were my first real opportunities of experiencing the entertainment industry. I’m extremely grateful for that start because I had and currently have no public pressure. I was able to learn and roam freely at huge industry events, and that was the most amazing thing to me at 18/19.

I have no regrets of how and when I started my creative career. I say that as I look back on the journey though. During the journey, I think it’s normal to think about other roads I could’ve taken, but I don’t know if I would be as secure in my purpose as I am now if I started earlier. I know I’m blessed to have gotten to this place of peace regarding my journey though. Something I’ve always wanted was to receive a sign that what I’m doing is aligned with my purpose. I think my timeline will continue to be reassuring that I am.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My name is Malaiye, I’m born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and I am an Artist and Entrepreneur. I’ve led 3 films within the past year, and am the Writer and Producer for my debut film “Deserve”. I freshly own a MultiMedia Entertainment Company, “10Ev” which specializes in Entertainment Production, and Consultation. My company has been fortunate to be able to produce films and collaborate with companies to create, design, and direct prototypes for their brand campaigns. Problems I solve for my clients is being able to get their vision pass a thought. I provide them the space and freedom to say their wants and needs then provide them with a structure to get it done. 

As well, I am a mentor for WACO Theater Center’s Angels and Warriors, For Teens By Teens Film Program. It still amazes me at times, when I recall how far I’ve come. I’ve planted seeds to many dreams, and each one is slowly but surely beginning to sprout.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

First, I think everyone has the ability to be a creator. Any consideration someone has who doesn’t desire to intentionally create, stems from their personal experiences and beliefs. Everyone’s experience is valid, and I think we as a society forget that when we make life black or white, this or that. Life is simply not that at all. As a creative person, I get the opportunity to go anywhere, in the world, in my head, on the internet, anything I can think of for inspiration. That’s a lot for anyone. We’ve never had this much access to the world and one another throughout human existence. I think it’s natural for people to have no desire to find use in something bigger than their wants and needs. It’s also natural for people to have curiosity and desire for something outside of them. Spectrums exist and they help us identify and measure life. It’s a respect that should just be mutually given.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was having a lack of trust in people. When I was kid I told a family member something, and long story short, it created chaos outside of the household. I was having the aftermath conversation with my Uncle when he said to me “Once you’ve told one person, you’ve told too many”. From then on, that advice gave me a sense of control in my life. I was always the kid who knew everyone’s business because I didn’t tell anyone. I wasn’t in drama, I simply just didn’t care enough, I was way too busy. However, I never developed a true trust for people. People would tell me all of the tea and their actual feelings for people then go and live a different life. I didn’t want to be on the other end of that (which I learned is inevitable) so I never truly confided in anyone until maybe 19 years old.

Til this day I have the mindset of “never telling anyone something I’m not afraid to lose”. No matter the case. Which is something I’m working through, but also has protected me more than stifled me. However, as an adult I’m able to look at my environment and adjust as needed. I’m very good at being able to know who I can trust and on what level I can trust them. 

The hindrance of not being able to trust people slowed me down in most aspects of my life. Doing ALL of the work because you don’t trust people to do even the most mundane task is insane. I’m learning the importance of trusting myself, my work, and my leadership. It’s enabled me to be able to trust the people that I bring on to work with, and others I find myself working with. We all have at least one similar, if not same, goal in one way or another. It’s important I find that common ground and work from there.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.malaiye.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/malaiye