Meet Quincy Malik

We recently connected with Quincy Malik and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Quincy, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

It has not always been easy being the only one in the room who looks like me. It is something I am still learning how to navigate with each new experience. Over time, I have learned to lead with presence, empathy, and observation. I focus on building real connections and staying grounded in my purpose, even when the room feels unfamiliar.

I have found that success is not about changing who I am, but about trusting that who I am is enough. Listening more than speaking at times, staying curious, and letting my work reflect the care I bring into every interaction has carried me farther than trying to fit into a mold ever could. I remind myself often that what makes me different is not something to shrink, it is something to protect.

The truth is, feeling like the black sheep can be lonely sometimes, but it can also be a quiet kind of power. It teaches you to know yourself deeply, to move with intention, and to find your people by being true to who you are. It shows you how to keep going even when the path feels unclear, and how to create the kind of spaces you once needed yourself. That mindset has made me more intuitive, more creative, and more committed to building spaces where others can feel seen, valued, and safe to be themselves too.

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 am a wedding photographer based in Denver, Colorado, focusing on documentary style photography that feels real, natural, and personal. This year has been a big one for me because I finally launched my brand fully as myself. It has been a long time coming, but stepping into my identity as a queer creative and building a space that feels welcoming and community-focused has made the work feel even more meaningful. I am leaning back into my fashion roots for inspiration this year too, really taking time to craft my eye and vision when it comes to weddings and portraits.

The newest piece of my creative journey has been learning / implementing film photography. I started using my grandpa’s old film camera and added a few more to the collection along the way. Honestly, the first rolls were rough, but it has been so much fun stepping into a new medium and seeing my work in a different way. Film feels like the missing piece I have been searching for, and it has made me slow down, be more intentional, and stay open to imperfection. I am excited for everything that is still ahead, and I am just grateful to finally be showing up as my full self in this work.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

One of the biggest things that shaped my journey has been taking time to really learn my craft. I spent hours watching videos, doing workshops, and checking out books from the public library. Not everyone has the same access to resources, and for me, books became some of the best teachers. Another part of my growth was learning how to run a business. It gave me the space to grow something real, something that could last and support the kind of work I want to do. Podcasts and audiobooks also became a huge part of that learning, opening my eyes to marketing, website development, and brand identity.

One of the biggest things that kept me moving forward was staying determined. Even when money was not coming in, I kept showing up, finding ways to learn and grow without waiting for someone to tell me what to do next. Staying resilient meant figuring out how to expand my skills, push my creativity, and keep building something real, even when things felt slow. I trusted that every step, even the small ones, was leading somewhere.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

I get overwhelmed a lot more than people might think. It is really easy for me to overthink or let the pressure pile up. The biggest things that help are setting clear boundaries with myself. I make sure to take two full days off every week where I do not work at all, not even respond to emails. Those days are just for my husband, my pup, my plants, and myself. If stepping back impacts my business a little, that is something I am willing to live with because the time to recharge matters more.

One day a week, I also stay completely off social media. Some weeks it is harder than others, but it helps me unplug, stay grounded, and keep my mind from getting pulled into doubt or comparison. These small resets do not fix everything, but they always make me excited to come back to my work with a clear head and new energy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.quincymalikphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quincymalik/

Image Credits

Quincy Malik Photography