Meet Maahleek

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maahleek and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maahleek, what do you attribute your success to?
Honestly the most important factor would be consistency. I’ve seen my page grow so much by simply putting in the time and effort to create content. Another factor would be Instagram reels & making diverse content.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a visual artist deeply rooted in a love for cultural studies, my work is profoundly influenced by the artistic traditions of Africa, Oceania, and Indigenous communities. Being Afro-Indigenous myself, it feels natural to weave together these diverse cultural influences into my artistry, with a futuristic twist. My journey in the world of art(professionally) began in 2018 when I made the bold decision to move to New York City to pursue a career in modeling. This leap of faith marked the beginning of a blossoming career that continues to evolve and inspire me.

Reflecting on my creative path, I am particularly excited about my recent foray into creating video content. Initially, I did not take this medium seriously, but it has become a transformative aspect of my artistic expression, reshaping the trajectory of my creative output. Out of all my accomplishments, I am most proud
of achieving one of my long-held goals:
appearing on a billboard in Times Square. This milestone marked a pivotal moment in my career, affirming that I could reach significant heights while staying authentic to myself.

Navigating the challenges of the industry, especially in the initial stages, was not without its hurdles, as my appearance posed a challenge in finding my place. Despite facing numerous rejections and hearing “no” repeatedly, I remained steadfast in my pursuit, refusing to succumb to discouragement. Through perseverance and unwavering focus, I eventually found my niche within the industry, forging meaningful connections with talented artists and photographers along the way.

One crucial lesson I have learned is the importance of maintaining a professional online presence. In my younger years, I was prone to oversharing personal thoughts and opinions online, but with maturity, I have adopted a more discerning approach, realizing the significance of curating a professional image. Additionally, understanding the distinction between personal connections and professional relationships has been an eye-opening revelation. Learning to prioritize business boundaries and navigate professional interactions with clarity has been a key takeaway from my experiences.

Overall, my artistic journey has been a testament to the power of resilience, focus, and adaptability in pursuing one’s creative passions. Embracing the intersection of cultural influences, personal identity, and artistic expression, I continue to evolve as an artist, guided by a commitment to authenticity, perseverance, and growth.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Morning: Start the trip off with a hike at
Temescal Canyon. This is one of my favorite trails, especially because of the view of Santa Monica Mountains, making it a perfect way to get a workout while enjoying the beauty of CA.

Late Morning: Head over to “HO.P.E.” in Studio City for a delicious vegan Thai lunch. They offer a wide range of flavorful dishes that are light and satisfying.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at Point Dume Beach in Malibu. This beach is a wonderful ending to a day of exploring, with its giant cliffs and amazing ocean view

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maahleek

Image Credits
Tommy Ton
Arkan Zakharov
Ruven Afanador