Daily Inspiration: Meet Mahaneela

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mahaneela

Hi Mahaneela, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hi, I’m Mahaneela, a self-taught storyteller who expresses my identity and the communities I come from, like Ghana, Jamaica, and India, through various artistic mediums, from Photography, Filmmaking to Creative Direction.

My journey began with the inspiration of my artist and photographer grandfather and wildlife conservationist grandmother, fostering a deep appreciation for art and storytelling. Growing up in a unique environment among elders, I learned the power of authentic stories and diverse experiences. My career evolved from creating an online magazine called COZY (now a creative studio) and working at record labels / managing artists, to photography and directing, always guided by my core values of authenticity, curiosity, and joy. My “creative spirit” drives me to infuse my authentic self into all my projects, challenging stereotypical misrepresentations of Black and Brown people and celebrating our beauty and strength in different ways; from music videos, to short films, documentaries or even global commercial campaigns.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. There have been lots of late nights and sacrifices along the way. I kept a full-time job while pursuing my creative interests for many years, which made balancing everything a constant challenge. It required a lot of strategy, and as one of the only people of color in many workspaces, I’ve had to advocate for artists like myself a lot. This advocacy is a weight because navigating spaces that were not made for us involves overcoming systemic barriers, biases, and a lack of representation. Bringing others into the fold and creating new opportunities is challenging, but it’s part of what I consider my purpose.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a multidisciplinary artist, I specialize in storytelling through various mediums, including photography, directing, and creative direction. My work often explores the identities and experiences of communities from Ghana, Jamaica, India, and beyond. I’m known for high fashion photography, documenting underrepresented communities, and directing impactful commercials.

What sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity, curiosity, and joy in all my projects. I’m driven by a desire to change the historical misrepresentation of Black and Brown people and to celebrate our beauty and strength. I’m most proud of my ability to create meaningful connections and bring others into the fold, advocating for artists like myself and creating new opportunities for underrepresented voices. My unique upbringing, diverse cultural background, and dedication to uplifting marginalized communities infuse my work with a distinctive and powerful perspective.

You may have seen some of my work, from global international Nike campaigns to capturing and working with some of the largest stars, from FKA twigs, to Megan Thee Stallion, Wizkid and more.

What’s next?
In the future, I’m looking forward to writing my feature film and working on more exciting projects with artists I love! One project I’m particularly excited about is an album I creative directed for an artist known as Sans Soucis. I can’t wait for the world to see their greatness and experience the amazing work we’ve created together. Additionally, I’m always seeking new opportunities to tell authentic stories and uplift marginalized voices through my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mahaneela.com
• Instagram: https://mahaneela.jpg
• Twitter: foxyneela

Image Credits
Mahaneela