We had the good fortune of connecting with Malissa “Lissy” Poeut and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Malissa “Lissy”, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’m beyond blessed to be able to pursue a creative career. It has challenges though I know they’re all worth it. I’ve always been interested in arts as a child and it followed me throughout my adolescents. Being able to express my thoughts and share them with the world in a visual and perspective is beautiful.

Apart of the job is definitely being social, I struggle with anxiety though being able to relate to others on what we’re passionate about makes it easier. There’s definitely multiple outlooks on how one would want to pursue a creative career – as in, a stable 9-5 or freelance entirely. For the longest, I thought about how I would need to pick up a stable 9-5 in order to fuel my creative endeavors and feel shame upon it. Realizing it’s my ego talking, there’s completely nothing wrong with having multiple streams of income in order to sustain a lifestyle you want for yourself. I don’t limit my crafts and my skillset, I picked up a few things up my sleeves that I can apply to projects that are presented to me. All in all, it’s what works best for you. I’m still new to all of this and forever a student to this.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m excited about what’s to come. I’ve been part of the industry back in late 2018 when I first approached my now-friend, Estevan to shadow him on brand projects. From there and forward, I was able to experience various layers on the industry – understanding what I wanted to invest my time into.

As many, it’s not an easy journey as it does require a ton of work though I like to change my perspective from “wow this is a lot of work, I don’t know if I’m able to keep up” to “as long as I sort my schedule accordingly, I’ll be able to do this.” It’s important to rest and have down time. It’s a hustle and bustle industry, though I also have to remember that taking a “break” is not a bad thing.

No matter how far I progress in my career, I’m always a student and most fortunate to be able to pursue this path.

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?
I’d take them to locations near downtown where there are great views of the Chicago skyline then jump right into restaurants. Chicago has the most diverse food and I’m so grateful for that because love taking friends and family out to the spots to experience it for themselves.

Uptown for Southeast Asian cuisine, Little India on Devon for Indian and Pakistani cuisine, and West Loop for diverse eats, desserts, nightlife, and upscale shopping. West Town is also a great neighborhood for good eats, especially in Division near Ashland and Damen. Wicker Park for shopping and bars. Logan Square is also my favorite for bar hopping. The list really goes on haha. One of the reasons why I love living in Chicago.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The friends I made over the years inspired me to be who I am today. When I decided to put myself out there, it was definitely nerve-wracking. Though being able to meet people who have similar goals in life while still being able to just enjoy the ride reminded me to stay grounded while still pushing forward. The list starts with my partner, brother, momma, and my friends. Y’all know who you are! <3

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

Other: Tiktok @/lissyxcam

Image Credits
First two photos by – Estevan, in frame Lanez & I Remaining photos were taken by me Third photo: in the frame, TJ Fourth photo: BTS at Layers Chi Fifth photo: in the frame, Deneza Sixth photo: in the frame, Ticara Seventh photo: in the frame, Ally Eighth photo: Julianna

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