Meet Malenge Creative | Multicultural creative agency & event production house

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

Hi Malenge, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Marta Castellano & Maria Aramburu, founders and creative directors of Malenge Creative, started as roommates back in 2018. Since then our approach is centered on leveraging our unique perspective, understanding the needs of our audience, and delivering curated experiences that celebrate Latinx culture in a dynamic and engaging way. We are passionate about linking cultures, fostering connections, and creating memorable moments that leave a lasting impact.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about.

Our art is deeply inspired by the vibrant and diverse culture of Los Angeles. What sets us apart is our unique perspective as Europeans from Spain, bringing a fresh lens to the differences of Latinx experiences. We are most proud of our ability to curate events that not only showcase traditional aspects of Latinx culture but also highlight contemporary expressions, creating immersive experiences that resonate with a modern audience.

How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

Our journey to where we are today professionally has been filled with challenges and opportunities for growth. It wasn’t easy, especially navigating a new cultural landscape and building a business from the ground up. However, through perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to our vision, we overcame obstacles and forged meaningful connections within the community.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

One of the most valuable lessons we’ve learned is the importance of collaboration and building strong partnerships. We’ve also learned to embrace failure as a learning opportunity and to remain agile in the face of adversity. Additionally, we’ve learned the power of authenticity and staying true to our unique voice and perspective.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

We want the world to know that our brand is more than just events and experiences; it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and connection. We are a full-service creative agency and event production house that offers unique and vibrant concept ideas to deliver impactful and elevated experiences that work across the country and internationally. We hosted events from LA to Madrid.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
LA Things To-Do:

Restaurants:

Little Fatty: Affordable Asian fusion with great cocktails, perfect for a cozy dinner.
American Beauty: Best quick and tasty burgers near Venice Beach.
Wurstküche: Delicious German sausages and cool beer selection.
Bestia: Expensive but delicious Italian cuisine, reservation recommended.
El Cochinito: Tasty and affordable Cuban sandwiches on the east side.
Cobi’s: Great Asian food in a romantic setting in Santa Monica.
Gjusta: Amazing brunch spot with an adorable patio.
Gjelina: Delicious food on Abbot Kinney Street, reservations recommended.
Robertas: Delicious Italian food at an average LA price.
Margot: Pricey but delicious food on a very cool terrace.

Areas to Visit:

EAST LA: Explore Los Feliz, Silverlake, and Echo Park, known for their hipster vibe.
DTLA: Visit the Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Broad museum, and explore cool spots like the Last Bookstore and Grand Central Market.
VENICE AND SANTA MONICA: Stroll along Abbot Kinney Street, rent bikes, and enjoy the beach walk from Venice to Santa Monica.
Architecture: Visit the Eames house and other architectural gems.

Additional Activities:

Attend a concert at the Hollywood Bowl.
Visit the Getty museum for incredible views.
Watch the sunset at Marina del Rey beach.
Hiking: Try the Los Liones hike for stunning sea views.
Yoga: Join a donation-based class (Jerome is a great teacher).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely, if there is someone or something that deserves recognition in our story, it’s the City of Los Angeles. LA has fostered us since 2016, and it has been our home ever since. It was the city that opened the door and provided us with the opportunity to work in a creative field, doing something we love but didn’t discover until then. LA is known as the entertainment mecca, and this is our main focus in the events we produce and curate. From the film industry to art and music, these are the areas we focus on the most, and LA shines for having all of them.

Website: https://www.malengecreative.com

Instagram: @malenge_ca

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/92602061/admin/feed/posts/

Facebook: Malenge Creative

Youtube: @malengecreative

Image Credits
Elsa Melero
@elsurri – IG
www.elsamelero.com

Analia Aizer
@fotosdeana_
www.anaaizer.com