Meet Our Model: Malaika

Who Malaika Hollist

@malaika_hollist

Full Mood Podcast

IMDB


What


What is your 9-5? I am a Content Video Editor at Ashley Furniture 
 
What is your passion? I’m passionate about people and creating in the hopes it helps us understand each other more. So whether I’m acting, dancing, or watching a film, I’m passionate about learning more about the human experience. 
 
What made you want to start your podcast? I wanted to start a podcast because I feel like one thing that really troubles me about our society is how little time we take to understand each other. After the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement in the summer of 2020, I felt the need to use my voice in a more positive way. I also feel like I’ve grown up and finally see the value in myself and what I can bring to the table. That is the first step in doing anything is just giving it a try. So that’s what I did with my podcast.


What motivates you every day? 
My family, my friends, and the goals I want to reach in the future. I’m also motivated by the simple fact that opportunity is right in front of me. Not everyone is lucky enough to be in that position. All I have to do is take it, so I’m attempting to do just that.

What’s inspiring you at the moment? Creating. I’ve been acting for a few years and over the last year got an agent. This has allowed me to get more auditions than ever before. I’m inspired by the opportunities to be in projects and I’m just planning to keep working hard until something sticks!

 

When


When did you get your first bra? I was 11 or 12. I think they called them “training bras” and it was literally a tiny cotton sports bra. 

When did you first feel comfortable in your own skin? I think I felt comfortable at a young age. In my teens I felt content in my body and missed those common teen years of struggling for reasons I’m still not sure. For me as I got to college that’s when I became less comfortable. Now I have to say I’m still working on it, but most days I feel pretty good just the way I am.

 

Where


Where are you from? I’m born and raised in Tampa, Florida but my African parents grew up in Freetown, Sierra Leone. So i’m from here but also raised with a large African culture influence. 

Where is the best place you’ve ever visited? Freetown, Sierra Leone. This is a small beautiful country on the coast of  West Africa. Mountainous hills, ocean, and happy and giving people. Most don’t have much but they are never above lending a helping hand. My trips there have made me a better person in ways I can’t explain.

Where do you want to go that you’ve never been? California, Japan, Australia and so many more.
Where do you go to find yourself? Hiking somewhere walking aimlessly between the trees.

 

Why


Why are you excited about Wherewithal? I’ve never had much luck with bras. I have scoliosis so sometimes finding the right comfortable bra is a little difficult, especially strapless so I’m excited to have something I know is going to look AND feel good.

 

How


How do you decompress after a long day? Watch a show, or play my guitar and sing.

How do you spend your free time? I like to exercise, dance, play with my dogs or just watch a new show or film.