We were lucky to catch up with Paper Michaaye recently and have shared our conversation below.
Paper, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I developed my confidence and self-esteem by not comparing myself to other people’s success. I learned that we all experience growth differently, at different times. My confidence is there because I only compare myself to my old self. By doing this I get to acknowledge and measure my growth based on my own experiences. Besides all of that, my mother and father made sure that I KNEW how special I was since an early age, so I have never forgotten it.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I like to call myself a “One Stop, Shop” or a “Jackie of all Trades”. I am a renaissance woman, and I do whatever I put my mind to. I have been in the arts for a while starting out as a performer, while studying graphic design, which lead me to Creative Direction! I direct photoshoots, campaign rollouts, and promotional videos. Whilst engaging in these projects, I find myself wearing many hats and they all fit because I have lived many lives in the world of art. The most exciting part of it all is being a part of each step of the process as it unfolds, and watching it be executed in the way I envisioned it to be- plus seeing the reactions of those I was hired by! When it comes to my ideas and my projects, I always aim to do things that I have never witnessed be done. My ultimate goal is to always be different, and I do not care if it makes me an outcast… that’s what is so special about being in your own lane, it’s yours! My next independent project will be one for the culture! I am looking forward to the outcome of that in the coming months.
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?
My area of knowledge in Graphic Design, Fashion, and Photography were the most impactful in where life has led me on my journey. I have just always had an eye for what works, or what doesn’t. These skills are very useful in storytelling, especially in the types of work I do, which is why I think I am so capable of executing creative ideas, whether I am modeling or the brains behind the operation. For people who have the desire to develop these skills, my advice to you would be to always practice on it! Passion projects, and independent projects are where you make a lot of self discovery. You don’t have to wait to be hired professionally to work on your craft.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When feeling overwhelmed, the only consistent thing I do is have alone time. What I decide to with that alone time may vary, but I usually vent about it, then sit in silence which may lead to a nap lol. Nothing can bother me when I’m sleep! I also like to do solo dates at a nice restaurant, it just resets everything. I have to take a little break when things get crazy.
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