We recently connected with Malika Blessing and have shared our conversation below.

Malika , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

It all started when I was a little girl and my mother said as a kid, the teacher would tell her that I read with expression. So my mother knew that there was something special about me. I remember when I was in the 6th grade, and I wanted the lead role in the Christmas play which was the role of Santa Claus, and I was told that was a male role. I didn’t allow that to stop me and I campaigned to be able to audition for the role, which I did get an opportunity to audition for and LANDED the role. So I started off young understanding about fighting for what I want, as long as I did my part by being prepared. I knew then that I wanted to be an actress, I would study actors on various TV shows and films, intensely watching their every move. During High School, (shout out to St. Joseph Notre Dame in Alameda, Ca) I took the leadership of directing, casting skits for school events, and at the time I didn’t realize then, my ability and understanding of working behind the scenes. However, once I graduated I wanted to attend a HBCU but also wanted to study theater, so I decided to attend Grambling State University and that is where it really all began, with my continued love for acting and finding out that I had a gift in directing and producing as well. Grambling taught me everything, but mostly the survival of the entertainment business.

Malika , 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?

Any position I take, I take it very seriously. I always give 100% and if I can’t I won’t take the job. I go over and beyond the call of duty to ensure any project I’m working on I give my absolute best. I’m inspired by the content first, and who I’m working with. I have taken jobs from people that have just started off, and my colleagues will say “Why are you working with that person, when you don’t have to.” I pray before I take a job, and I allow the Holy Spirit to guide me in my decision. I thrive off of people’s energy. When I detect a passion and a drive from someone, that moves me to want to work with that individual. I honestly love to see people win, and however, I can be an asset to make dreams come true is a joy for me. I will do whatever it takes to help execute that. As an actor I am driven by the story, and often look at how I can make that character come to life. Also a deciding factor for me as an actor, am I able to educate and help someone through my performance. I like to be challenged, and I am motivated and determined even more when I am questioned if I’m capable of taken on a role that doesn’t seemed like it “Fits Me” I’m also a mother, so that plays a big part in my decisions as well, because I want to make sure that I’m always representing my best self and not being an embarrassment.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

The biggest risk I took where I had to pivot was after I graduated from Grad school, was leaving my corporate job in Sacramento, Ca and moving to LA to pursue my acting career. At first, I thought I had it all planned out.I was going to stay in my position, save my money and then move to LA or I was going to transfer to LA and continue to work my job. My job was very demanding, and it didn’t allow me to audition as often as I would have liked to. Meanwhile, I was moving up the management ladder, and started getting addicted to the money I was making and the perks of being in a high profile position. My heart was wanting to pursue my acting career. So one day, I decided to quit, even though I was scared I knew that I had to take that leap of faith. My mother said “Let’s go and celebrate, because your life is about to change, and I’m proud of you for trusting your gifts from God” I didn’t have a acting gig waiting for me or nothing, I knew then if I didn’t make that decision to leave then I would never leave my comfort zone. Literally, the next day I received a call to stage manage a stage play that starred Ella Joyce and Lawrence Hilton Jacob and directed by Woodie King Jr. (Director and Founding director of the New Federal Theater in New York that worked with stars who we admire today). I was in awe of how quickly God had moved and orchestrated my steps. That play changed my life, Ella Joyce became my mentor, I moved to LA, I started directing, producing and acting. I have now shared the stage, and screen with a myriad of celebrities I once dreamed of working with. Nothing but GOD!!

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

Number one, always believe in YOURSELF and know that GOD gave you your gifts, it isn’t something you asked for. Surround yourself around like minded people. Know that competition is not with others, it’s within you. Share the knowledge, so it can help elevate your sistah in need. Be courteous and remain humble, so your blessings can overflow. Don’t be afraid to go after what you want, SET A DATE and believe and have faith that dreams do come true. Write a manifestation letter as if what your dreams and desires are, are happening in real time, pray over it and let it go, and when a year passes, look at it and see what you have accomplished. God is my ROCK and I know where my blessings come from and I continue to thank HIM, and remain grateful. Remember everything is divine. Let God lead you. Psalm 32:8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” We are more powerful TOGETHER, support and know that when one wins we ALL WIN.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.malikablessing.com
• Instagram: @actressmalikablessing
• Facebook: Malika Perkins Blessing
• Twitter: MalikaBlessing
• Youtube: RoyaleBlessingEnt

Image Credits
1st Pic Quain Photography 2nd Pic Fresh Look Photography