Today we’d like to introduce you to Madeleine Mayi.
Madeleine, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a bit bad at talking about myself so here’s the gist: I have been working as a musician for 10 years now, but I have always loved being surrounded by art and artists of all different mediums. In 2020 we were all stuck inside, and it became clear that if we wanted to feel in community we had to make a creative and intentional effort to make that happen. Not only that, but with all the hurt and pain in the world it takes a communal effort to make a difference. I started an online raffle in 2020, which recently has turned into a live art show series all centered around raising money, being around art and meeting lovely people. :’) it’s called Help Your Friends.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Well, as mentioned in the last answer- Help Your Friends (the name of my series) was started in 2020. 2020 was not cute for any of us really, so that definitely counts as a struggle. As a musician and artist myself there is always struggle involved in the pursuit of creating something worth publishing, and I think that’s prepped me well to be in a place now where I am largely responsible for the success of an event. Personal struggle includes times of burnout, times of insecurity etc, but those times have always resulted in a new learned way to take care of myself. I’m not sure if “smooth roads” exist lol.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Help Your Friends specializes in throwing intimate community events for the sake of raising money for causes we care about. I think what makes this series special is that it’s a collaboration between the audience and myself from beginning to end. While I act as the curator of these events, the audience selects where they want our money to be going. The goal is to throw large scale art shows, and free community events.
I am most proud of the way the energy at these events is always wholesome and lighthearted, despite the fact that at the core of it we are dealing with series issues out in the world. It truly feels like friends helping friends.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Friendship! Friendship is magic ~
Stay tuned for more events!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.mayi/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/help_your_friends_
Image Credits
Emilie Ren, Jessi Mason
