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

Meshaal , appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

Great question. I am big believer of whatever happens, happens for a reason but it took me some time to get to that. I wish I started my creative career way sooner. Backtracking to 2016, I knew from the jump I wanted to be a portrait photographer for a high end magazine. I fell in love with photographing people, the idea of being up close to them, and getting to know them on a personal level. After I graduated my associates, I needed a job, I needed to pay bills. I had this pressure where I needed a full time job like everyone else. It never went through my mind to start a full time career as a photographer. I guess I was a bit lost. So I did what everyone else was doing, I got a job at a special need school. It was a great part of my life but unfortunately it made me take a “break” from being a photographer for a bit. Then eventually I got married, I moved to a new state, and started my bachelors. And then it clicked in 2019 “YUP I’m doing this again”! I started fresh! Grasped all my knowledge and sort of started being a full time artist. It really made me think “why I ever stopped”, “why did I let my insecurities win”. I could have been a full time successful photographer now. My “career” could have taken me somewhere special. I was already “living at my parents” what difference would have made if I started a full time job or not. I got stuck in my ‘what ifs”, “I wish”, or “I could’ve”. Honestly nothing would have changed my past. So, I started again. Now as I look at it, the amount of knowledge I know is nothing compare to what I knew in 2015. I knew nothing on how to start a business and how to turn it into a job. Life was really different back then. So to re answer the question, no, there’s a reason why I’m starting again. I’m thankful for every step to get me here where I am now. I learned tons of life lessons. I would have not changed anything.

Meshaal , 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?

Hi, my name is Meshaal, but most people call me Mesh. I am a fashion and beauty portrait photographer who splits my time between Charlotte, NC and NYC. I am the founder of my own photography business, PhotoMeshM, which focuses on senior portraits and fashion photography. I am also passionate about incorporating my culture and religion into my work. As a Muslim woman from Asia and the Middle East living in the USA, I have faced many challenges and misconceptions from society. Despite these challenges, I have found strength and inspiration to use my art to showcase the beauty and power of women in my culture.

One of my proudest moments was showing my work called “Like every woman, I am like you” at the Mint Museum in Uptown Charlotte. This series sheds light on the struggles and misconceptions faced by Pakistani women who wear headscarves, and I am proud to have brought attention and awareness through my art. My goal is to continue to use my photography to highlight the resilience and hard work of women in third world countries and promote love and understanding towards their cultures.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Yes! Attending workshops are a fantastic opportunity for personal and professional growth. Not only do they provide valuable knowledge and skills, but they also offer a chance to network and connect with other like-minded individuals. I just returned back home last month from a photography workshop, called Colorpop by Marina Williams and I have another one coming up called PhotoCamp by Alex Blake. Workshops are a transformative experience. It leaves you with a stunning portfolio and new friendships that can last a lifetime. It’s definitely a great way to jumpstart your journey and elevate your brand.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

It is essential for artists to receive emotional, physical, and financial support in order to flourish and create their work. Successfully navigating a competitive art world can be incredibly challenging for artists. It might not occur to non-creative people how lonely it can be to be an artist; therefore, providing emotional and physical support to our local artists can be of great comfort to us. One of the best ways for society to support us financially is to donate to art funds that support local artists. Resources are available on the websites of local museums/galleries that provide financial assistance. Furthermore, supporting artists on social media and sharing their work can increase their following and attract new clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.photomeshm.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photomeshm/

Image Credits

Penida Magazine front cover: Katie Link
Selin Magazine front cover: Jocelyn Rojas
Antia Pichardo
Claire Koch
Nico Sweet
Shivani Dahya
Rebecca Gaitan
Trenedy Hayden