We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rebecca “Miss” Malik. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rebecca “Miss” below.

Rebecca “Miss Malik”, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

Being bicultural has brought about personal challenges as well as self-acceptance. Our society places a huge identity association around race and ethnicity.

My mother is Mexican and my father is Pakistani. I was born and raised in Texas. I never considered myself to be different than my peers until they pointed out my differences through intrusive questions and verbal judgments. Those came about as soon as I started kindergarten, and have not ceased to confront me.

Growing up I felt unaccepted, outcasted, and disliked. I couldn’t fit myself into one “category,” or clique, even when I tried. It is difficult for many people to grasp the understanding of a person having the ability and right to embrace, assert, display and use distinguishable cultural customs and languages.

When I speak Spanish I’m asked why I’m doing so if I’m “Indian.” (I’m not lol). When I refuse Chorizo and chicharrones I’m pressed about my religious beliefs. When I tell people my first name is Rebecca they ask why I have a “white” name.

Ultimately, I’ve been able to enjoy the beauty of being a Desi Latina. I love Pakistani clothing, accessories and makeup – especially mehndi also called henna. I love that both my cultures are very family-oriented and made up of boisterous, affectionate people. I love that both my cultures have a passion for mangoes, coconut and tamarind (yum)!

My cultural blend is the root of my creativity. I’ve had the opportunity to realize there isn’t anywhere to fit it. I can adhere to what resonates with me, and explore the depth of all my cultures face to offer. After all, societally, identity leans on race and ethnicity, so why not immerse in the beauty of mine?

I always wrote poetry as a form of escape and self expression. It wasn’t anything I shared for most of my life. In 2015 I went to a spoken word event and recited a poem on stage. That opened the door to publicizing my self expression and eventually translating my craft for words and idiom into songwriting. Having gained on stage experience, I became encouraged to attend auditions for short local, films and acted in various Houston based projects featured on YouTube and Prime Video.

I love acting, songwriting and modeling as well. In short, I’m an entertainer and I like to have fun and be positive! I am proud of my IMDB actor’s resume, there you can view some of the films I participated in. I hope I can make others smile, and inspired to find their unique traits.

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

In 2016 I learned about subconscious reprogramming and it transformed my life. I learned that I had a ton of self doubt stored in my subconscious mind, that I was taught from a young age.

I realized my mind is very sensitive and I needed to filter out watching/listening to negative content and people. That included media and unconstructive criticism from others around me. I learned how to improve self-talk and thoughts.

I highly recommend subconscious reprogramming techniques such as recording yourself saying, “ (your first name) is intelligent,” or any other positive statement, over and over. Then put headphones on and listen to it as often as possible. Many people write these statements down as well. I personally thrive off of listening because our subconscious mind is like a tape recorder that never turns off and has no sense of time. It’s almost like self hypnosis.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being openly creative is the connection you experience with other people. Expressing yourself draws others in and allows you to talk to them, learn about them and their views. It enhances human connection.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.missmalik.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_miss_malik
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/malik7royale
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/malik7royale
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@the_miss_malik

Image Credits
Angela Ainsworth, Greos Vision, Ty Pickett, and Sam Terry