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

Alright, Malika thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

How did you learn to do what you do?
I learned by doing. My journey began with a love for storytelling and performance at a young age, but it was through formal education, hands-on experience, mentorship, and countless hours of practice that I developed my craft. Earning my Master’s Degree in Theater Arts from Grambling State University gave me a strong foundation, but some of my greatest lessons came from being on set, working backstage, producing projects, and learning from industry professionals. I also had the privilege of being mentored by accomplished artists like Ella Joyce, who taught me not only about the business but also about leadership, professionalism, and creating environments where people feel valued.

Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
If I could do it over again, I would have invested earlier in building relationships and learning the business side of entertainment. Talent is important, but understanding contracts, producing, marketing, branding, and networking can accelerate growth significantly. I also would have spent less time waiting for opportunities and more time creating them. The moment I stopped waiting and started producing my own projects, my career expanded in ways I never imagined.

What skills were most essential?
The most essential skills have been adaptability, communication, leadership, and resilience. As an actor, producer, and director, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about talent. You must be able to collaborate with people, solve problems under pressure, manage projects, and stay committed when things don’t go as planned. Faith, persistence, and a willingness to continuously learn have been just as important as any technical skill.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
One of the biggest obstacles was access, access to opportunities, information, and people who could provide guidance. Like many artists, there were times when I had to learn through trial and error because I didn’t always have a road map. Fear of failure and self-doubt can also be obstacles, especially when you’re stepping into unfamiliar territory. However, every challenge became a lesson. Looking back, I realize that the obstacles didn’t stop my growth; they helped shape it. They taught me to be resourceful, trust my instincts, and keep moving forward even when the path wasn’t clear.

Today, I understand that learning is a lifelong process. Every project, every success, and every setback has contributed to the artist, producer, and woman I am becoming. My goal is to continue growing while helping others shorten their learning curve by sharing what I’ve learned along the way.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

Malika Blessing is an award-winning actress, producer, director, host, and storyteller whose passion for the arts is matched only by her commitment to uplifting others. A native of Oakland, California, and a proud graduate of Grambling State University with a Master’s Degree in Theater Arts, Malika has built a career rooted in excellence, authenticity, and purpose. She’s also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

Her impressive body of work includes television, film, and theater projects such as Wicked City on ALLBLK, where she portrays Caden, The Lost Souls Cafe alongside Loretta Devine, Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots, Grim Weaver, Hope Street Holiday, and numerous stage productions that have earned her critical acclaim, including a NAACP Theater Award nomination for A Lady in Waiting. Beyond performing, Malika is a respected producer and creative force who helps bring stories to life both in front of and behind the camera. Malika produced two Comedy specials “The King of Venice Beach” & “All New Sh**” for comedian legend Michael Colyar, who also serves as his producing partner on all projects.

What sets Malika apart is her ability to combine talent with service. She believes success is not just about personal achievement but about creating opportunities for others. Whether she’s producing projects, mentoring aspiring artists, teaching theater workshops, hosting events, or serving her community through initiatives like Annual Bless Day, Malika leads with heart, integrity, and a genuine desire to make a difference.

Of all her accomplishments, Malika is most proud of being a mother to her son, Nehemiah and two bonus kids Maya and Donivan. While awards, television appearances, and professional milestones are meaningful, she considers motherhood her greatest role and most important responsibility. Her kids remains her daily motivation and greatest source of inspiration.

The main thing Malika wants her fans to know is that her journey has been fueled by faith, perseverance, and hard work. She wants people to understand that success doesn’t happen overnight and that every challenge has helped shape the woman she is today. She hopes her story encourages others to pursue their dreams boldly, trust God’s timing, and never allow obstacles to define their future.

Above all, Malika wants to be remembered as someone who used her gifts to inspire, empower, and create meaningful opportunities for others while remaining authentic every step of the way.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to impact people through storytelling. Whether I’m acting, producing, or directing, I love creating moments that make people feel seen, inspired, challenged, or simply entertained. Art has the power to connect people from all walks of life, and there’s nothing more fulfilling than hearing someone say a character I portrayed, a project I produced, or a story I helped bring to life resonated with them. It reminds me that what we do matters. I’m also passionate about creating opportunities for others and helping artists shine. Seeing a project come together from an idea to a finished production and watching people grow in the process is incredibly rewarding. At the end of the day, if my work leaves a positive impact, sparks a conversation, or encourages someone to pursue their own dreams, then I’ve done my job as a creative.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my career came when I realized that being talented as an actress wasn’t enough, I needed to become a producer and create opportunities for myself and others. Like many artists, I faced moments where projects were delayed, roles weren’t available, or opportunities didn’t come as quickly as I had hoped. Instead of waiting for the next door to open, I decided to help build the door. I expanded my skill set beyond acting and stepped into producing, project management, event coordination, and content creation. That pivot changed everything. It allowed me to have a seat at the table, help bring stories to life from the ground up, and create opportunities for other creatives as well. It taught me that sometimes your next level isn’t found by doing more of the same thing, it’s found by being willing to evolve. Looking back, what felt like a setback was actually preparation. That experience reinforced my belief that faith, resilience, and adaptability are essential in both life and business. Sometimes the pivot isn’t a detour, it’s the path that leads you exactly where you’re meant to be.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.malikablessing.com
• Instagram: @actressmalikablessing
• Facebook: Malika Blessing|Actress

Image Credits

Freshlookphotos
Donisha Brumfield
Jaimyon Parker