Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Malia Catalina. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Malia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

The first time I knew I wanted to purse music professionally was in college. My freshman seminar class was designed to help us navigate classes, our mental health, and getting involved on campus. Our professor didn’t mind if we were on our phones or listening to music as long as we did what was asked up. However, there was one day in particular that I decided to pay attention and on this day I learned about the art of self expression through writing. He said, “If you all ever feel indifferent, hurt, or even confused, just write it out.” This made my ears excited at the idea because I never thought about writing to release. I always enjoyed creating poems and short stories but those were for school assignments, never to be heard. He then went on to say, “Even if you burn it, throw it away, mail it, share it, or keep it for yourself, just write it out.” I ran to my dorm after that and immediately started to write; from paragraphs into a poem. I shared it with my roommate and she loved it, she resonated. Being able to take what I felt and transfer that to a poem/song was all I needed to feel to understand that this is something I always want to be able to do. Not only for myself but for those who can relate, those who can’t put things into words. I found a reason to use my voice.

Malia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Catalina! I am woman who feels, lives, and puts those experiences into songs. I create music for those of substance that may not always be able to put their feelings into words but have something to say. I am beginning my journey in the music industry with a goal of being a positive example and impact. A lot of what is trending and the image that is being praised in the industry is different from who I am. I want women to know they do not need to fit into a certain image to feel heard and seen. It is okay to just be who you are, it is okay to be vulnerable, it is okay to love how you were born. My brand stands for just doing what you love, finding a way to express yourself and running with it; whether people like it or not!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist/creative is seeing the reaction you get from others. When I see my friends sing and play my songs it makes my heart smile. Knowing they dance to it, drive to it, get ready, or even cry to it reassures me that I am doing something right. Even the reaction I receive from people who don’t know me reassures me that I am on the right track with what I am doing!

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

The book “IT’S ALL IN YOUR HEAD” by Russ significantly impacted my thinking because Russ took the time to breakdown the good and the bad about being an artist. He emphasized the importance of believing in yourself and sticking the course even if you feel like you’re on it by yourself. Imagine who you want to be and believe you are that as you take steps to transform your reality.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/malia.catalina
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLCwtWxHO_s7VWFORqzK7HQ
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/malia-catalina

Image Credits

Photos by Walter Orellana