Life and Work with Malikka McDuffie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Malikka McDuffie.

Malikka, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always been infatuated with storytelling. Whether I was telling my own story or hearing someone else’s, finding the value in memories is something that has always stuck with me. Growing up my notebooks and I were joined at the hip. And in the many I possessed was stories of love and experiences I had yet to take part in. A few years later, I’d find myself tethered to my computer. My love for fan-fiction grew into an adoration for the entertainment industry and the creatives behind it. Determined to marry my love for writing, music, and digital together, I landed an internship with an entertainment boutique agency in my hometown of Baltimore, MD. The agency had a unique partnership with Atlantic Records and allowed for many of the label’s artists like Lupe Fiasco and Flo-Rida to visit the office for intimate fan-inspired listening sessions. From there I interned at Radio One, Inc. as the Digital Media Intern producing and curating written and visual content for four of the top radio stations in Maryland including my childhood favorite, 92Q Jams.

After graduating from Notre Dame of Maryland University, I moved to Los Angeles, CA, and my pursuit to tell stories on a global scale continued. I usually make the best lemonade out of the lemons life provides me with, so it came as second nature when I decided to try my hand at freelancing. While holding down a full-time position as an insurance adjuster I would pitch myself and any crazy idea I had at various outlets. I would reach out to artist representatives to acquire press access to events and to secure interviews. A lot of what I was doing was for free because I was adamant on building my portfolio. Then I started to get paid to write and that lit another fire within me. My network began to grow and I wanted to do more.

In 2015, I left a career that was on the verge of paying my six-figures to continue to drive this passion I continue to have today. I was determined to prove something to myself and lowkey make my Panamanian mother proud. Her starting a new life in a new country continues to propel me forward. I left a career I’d known for almost four years and immersed myself completely into the world of marketing.

I had learned so much in college and wanted to try my hand at just about everything. Public relations, talent relations, journalism, digital marketing; you name it and I wanted to experience it all. Through trial and error, I’ve helped leverage brand recognition within entertainment, hospitality, lifestyle and beauty sectors using various marketing tactics. I’ve penned over 100 articles for publications such as Billboard, REVOLT, VIBE Magazine, The Recording Academy and more.

My journey continues today in the world of social media marketing. It has allowed me to take those bigger than life stories and package them into digitally digestible moments. I’ve developed marketing strategies and produced viral content for companies like HBO, BET, Netflix, ABC, Amazon Prime Video. As my list of clients continues to grow, I’m learning to relish in sharing my accomplishments. It’s always been a little difficult to discuss these successes, giving myself a pat on the back isn’t always easy, but I’m learning every day to celebrate these victories no matter their size.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been an easy road. There was a time when I decided to try my hand at being a freelance writer full-time. I found it extremely hard to pay my bills. There’s no fun in chasing checks from clients and publications who’ve asked for the work you provided. It’s not easy thinking of stories to pitch and being ghosted by editors. It’s not fun seeing the stories you’ve pitched get taken by in-house staff after being told your story isn’t what the publication is looking. And it’s not easy being in an industry where connections are everything and you’re introverted ways sometimes can’t take attending events, lunches, dinners, etc. on a weekly basis to “save face.”

There are going to be plenty of days when you’re going to feel overwhelmed and underwhelmed all at the same time. You’re going to feel as if what you’re doing isn’t enough and that maybe, just maybe you should be doing something else. When I feel immense pressure, a lot of times I realize that I’ve brought it on myself seeing as though I’m my own worst critic. I go to my friends and family to bring me back down. I also pray A LOT. I look for people in my industry to follow and engage with on social platforms, I read articles written by journalists I admire and work on self-reaffirming. Realizing that everyone’s journey looks different and there’s no step-by-step guide to navigating any parts of this career pursuit is something that puts me at ease. Allowing yourself to feel every ounce of the process also helps.

Look to create something of your own outside of what these companies have already established. Often times the thing you create might not even be what they are looking for nor what you thought you wanted to do to continue their legacy. Sometimes the thing we create resides in a new hobby or through a conversation with a friend. I absolutely love having options and knowing that I can remove myself from unpleasant environments, create my own or even enter into those where I am celebrated makes this all worth it. I’d hope that this way of thinking helps to elevate someone else.

Please tell us about what you do.
I’m a marketing professional, specializing in storytelling through the social media lens. In addition to my marketing skills, I’m also a freelance writer. I’m most proud of the moments when people resonate with the content I’ve had a hand in producing. Seeing how that content is shared, how it resonates with audiences and provides awareness to various topics is something I’ve always been proud of. I always seek to inspire others but those moments truly inspire me.

I’ve always felt (and have been told) that my ability to create calming environments for people is what sets me apart from others. Whether I’m conducting an interview, spending time with family and friends, or working in a collaborative environment, my personal goal is to always make the people around me feel and be their most authentic selves.

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
I’m not an expert here. What I would say to do is to really focus on what it is you want to do. Once you’ve figured that out, then try to find people in those areas that continuously excelling in their roles and may be able and willing to give you pointers. Asking for someone to be your mentor won’t hurt either but be conscious of their time. People are busy and won’t be available every time you call. Having more than one mentor also helps because you’ll be able to acquire different experiences and advice from each of them.

Contact Info:

• Website: malikkamcduffie.contently.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/malikkamichelle
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/malikkamichelle

Image Credit:
First four photos (horizontal photo included) are shot by James Wilson

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