Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Malaiye . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Malaiye, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?
My first dollar I earned as Malaiye was actually last year, I believe. I lead a short film “Oh Great, Riley Is Depressed Again” Directed by Charia Rose. The experience was amazing. Every speckle of that production had the most inspiring and incredible talent that I’m beyond blessed to have experienced.
Last year, I also got my first client for my production company 10 EV, and got the chance to Create and Direct a few Ad Campaigns for a Black Women Owned Vitamin Company based in my hometown LA, Perserverance Vitamins, founded by Rese Clifton. This was another amazing experience. To be supported, and trusted by my own community on this level meant the world to me.
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, and I am an Actress and Filmmaker. I got into acting and filmmaking as a teenager. At the start of my work career, I began in Marketing, Public Relations, Celebrity and Executive Assistant, Event Production, and Background Acting. This past year, I’ve gotten to work post- production as an editor on the film “Black Terror ” Directed by Richard Lawson. As well, I’ve begun circuiting my debut short film “Deserve” in National and International Film Festivals. The journey of the circuit has been great so far, my cast and crew have been receiving Honorable Mentions for our hard work, and audiences have been well receptive at screenings.
Deserve is what I am most proud of in my career. It’s my creation, and it’s at a huge checkpoint right now. I believe every actor should create their own stories. Deserve was created from a conversation I was having with my Best Friend/Director. We were on the phone, and I was doing research for a scene I could potentially write for my actors reel. There were some Oldies playing in the background I was humming along to and I said “I wanna sing something like this on screen”, I was dreaming out loud. Then she says to me how she sees me in a movie intro, where I’m walking in my home from a long day, humming away, then my scene partner comes and we just have this cute greeting and moment. Then I say, “OMG YES!!… and then we flip this whole thing around!” Thus creating “Deserve”! Truly a moment that will stay with me throughout my life. Seeing this dream manifest into a reality is surreal, and this is only the beginning.
What I want people to know about me is my passion, and purpose is about creating environments and experiences where people are inspired and motivated to become their best selves. What I’m good at is understanding Human Nature and The Arts. I use these skills as a vessel to create these spaces, not only for myself but for others.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Promote the art and artists that you like, and get to work on learning about the artists that surround your community. Art is a universal healer, and there are so many community events that exist where local artists come and showcase their work. Go to those events. You never know how influential and grounding those moments can be for you. A local theater I work at sometimes is The Miracle Theater in Inglewood, California. I get exposed to so many different realms of artistry and community that inspires me just as much as my favorite mainstream artists.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Will Smith with Mark Manson, “WILL”. That book has such an impact on me. To go through his life, his point of view was so beautiful, and motivating. You get a deep look into how his mindset developed and evolved throughout his life and career. It’s humbling, it made me so emotional to experience his life through this book because of how familiar he felt. The book was crafted in a way where you celebrate with him, you cry with him, you laugh out loud with him, it’s all around one of my favorite books to read.