Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Malikah Tamirah. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Malikah, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Art is my passion, but I’ve come to the realization that my true purpose in life is freedom. Spending intentional time with myself and really learning who I am, I’ve discovered that creating reconnects me to myself in ways nothing else can. Through my art, I experience creative freedom, emotional freedom, and I’m actively working toward financial freedom. I have used my art to travel, to connect with others who feel my work or relate to my story, and to show up as my most authentic self. My purpose isn’t just about me, it’s about breaking generational curses, building community, and using my creativity as a tool to shape the life my soul has always reached for. I think that understanding your purpose starts with spending real and uninterrupted time with yourself.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a visual artist from Savannah, Georgia, working across acrylic painting, drawing, and printmaking. My work centers on capturing the essence of my everyday life as an African American woman growing up in the American South, reflecting the authenticity of my experiences. I depict family, friends, and members of my community, often placing them in meaningful settings that highlight raw and intimate moments. Drawing inspiration from both my childhood and my current life, I strive to portray personality, culture, and character of growing up in the urban South. Through my art, aim to tell honest stories that portray the resilience of the experiences that have shaped me.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities that have been most impactful on my journey are resilience, consistency, and confidence.
Resilience has carried me through more than most people see. I’ve faced many obstacles behind the scenes, moments that could have made me stop creating but I never did. Being resilient has allowed me to keep going under pressure and taught me how to work through challenges without letting them block my creativity. I’ve learned how to make the hard things feel easier, how to move through struggle without letting it dim my light, and how to protect my creative experience no matter what challenge is thrown my way.
Consistency is everything. I believe you should always be creating no matter how it looks or how you feel. Even the pieces I consider “bad” or unfinished have taught me something. They’re part of the journey. As long as you’re creating regularly, your skill will grow, and so will your confidence. Perfection isn’t the goal, progress is.
Confidence, to me, doesn’t have to be super loud. It’s a deep belief in yourself, a strong knowing of who you are. Be confident in your work, finish the paintings, share your art, apply to the opportunities. Don’t fear how your work might be perceived. Don’t explain it away or apologize for it. Stand on what you create and know it’s valid. Even if you want to improve, let that come from love, not insecurity. Sometimes, confidence is just having the audacity to try and that’s enough.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
Honestly, I think we should live every day like we only have a decade left or like tomorrow isn’t promised. This question reminded me of that. If I only had ten years left, I would pour everything I have into my art, using it as a way to tell stories, connect with people, and leave something meaningful behind. I’d travel to experience different cultures, and build community with other creatives around the world. I’d make time for love, for joy, and for softness. I’d dedicate myself to learning more by doing things like reading, studying, and expanding my mind. I’d spend intentional time with family and friends, creating memories we’d all remember forever. More than anything, I would live authentically. Be fully me on my own terms, with no holding back. I’d push myself to my fullest potential every day, learning new skills, picking up new hobbies, and making it my mission to become the best version of myself in every way. I would work on creating art that carries real messages, work that’s strong enough to reflect who I am and what I believe in. I’d aim to inspire others, especially girls who look like me and come from similar backgrounds, to be the kind of representation that proves anything is possible, no matter what cards you’re dealt. I would do everything in the purpose of longevity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.malikahtamirah.com
- Instagram: @malikahtamirah
- Linkedin: Malikah Tamirah
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