Today we’d like to introduce you to Malinda Ratliff.
Malinda, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in Baltimore, MD, where I spent the first quarter century of my life. During my high school years, I studied theatre and vocal arts, but life took a sharp turn when I became a single mother at the ripe age of 19.
My artistic pursuits took a back seat as I spent the next 15 years working a typical office 9-5 job to support myself and my daughter. Although I stayed very interested in the arts, I didn’t devote much time for myself to create anything.
In 2005, my mother moved to South Florida and after a lovely “winter” visit to the Sunshine State, I decided I would do the same. Three weeks later, after giving my notice to job and landlord, I was ready to start all over again.
Stripped of my old identity, a fresh slate and new beginning were the key ingredients I needed to reinvent myself. I knew deep down that I was destined to be more than a receptionist.
South Florida was not only much warmer, but it also aligned me with some of the most talented and creative people I’ve come to know and love. Being surrounded by so much inspiration led me to want to discover my own creative gifts that could be shared with the world.
First, I spent some years producing, directing, and performing in vaudeville/burlesque shows. This outlet allowed me to nourish my theatrical side and it was quite the confidence booster too! What inspired me during this chapter was being able to put myself out there and be completely vulnerable, which oftentimes inspired other people to want to join in the fun. Many of our performers were audience members first!
After a strong 5-year tenure, I retired the troupe and decided to move on to my next big creative endeavor as a dance party curator. I have always been a fan of the underground electronic music scene and have met a lot of people in the network over the years. Matter of fact, most of my friendships were born on the dance floor.
In 2016, I joined forces with one of my first friends made in South Florida to curate a weekly community event that would bring people together to enjoy music, dancing, visual arts, and socializing in an inclusive, multi-cultural environment. This party, known as Into the Garden, has become a staple in my life, a sacred space for gathering with some of the most free-spirited souls I’ve had the pleasure to meet. Many nights will include live performances alongside the DJ’s and we often invite craft artisans and artists to exhibit their work, I like to think it is a culmination of all the arts together as one. The three year anniversary is approaching, with over 100 events curated to date.!
Over the years, behind the scenes, in the time in between projects and work, (yes, I do have a full-time job too!), I have been dabbling in photography and videography. I’ve discovered a newfound joy behind the lens, one that pulls me right into the focus of the moment. My perspectives have shown me that I am drawn to the small details in life, the simple pleasures. I was recently invited to exhibit my work in a solo show during the month of July at Harold’s Coffee Shop, which is where I hosted my vaudeville/burlesque shows years ago. Talk about full circle!
As I step into this new chapter of my creative journey, I am feeling vulnerable yet excited. Expressing myself in a mainly 2D platform is a big step from the shows and parties, and yet I feel more compelled than ever to do so.
I realize that my journey is rather diverse, but there is a theme among all my creative pursuits; the desire to inspire – be it through music, dance, art or theatre. Inspiration through action.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The most challenging part for me has been staying inspired. It is easy to doubt yourself or your body of work. It is easy to compare yourself to others. It is easy to tell yourself you are not capable or worthy. For me, the difficulty and the beauty have been in keeping it moving forward. Not becoming too complacent or routine. When things start to feel like they are just being regurgitated, I know it’s time to shake it up and try something new. I’ll give it my all, but once I feel like it has served its purpose, I feel at peace with walking away.
I’m still learning to accept that inspiration cannot be forced into fruition. It must come from within. It must be raw and ready to reveal itself.
MalindAwesome – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I create completely immersive artistic experiences and am most known for my ability to pull it all together in an extravagant fashion. There are a lot of small details that make up the whole, and I’m able to hone in on the little picture while keeping the big one in mind.
What sets me apart from others is my unique perspective and presentation of my creative works. While I use traditional media to capture my artistic creations, I present them in a non-traditional light.
For example, I was recently invited to participate in a themed art show at Howley’s Restaurant in West Palm Beach. Using various media to capture the story such as a drone offered creative vantage points. I worked with a costume designer and stylist to help bring the vision of a tiki doll who came to life – to life! A narrative accompanied each of the photos, telling more and more details of the doll’s adventures.
The series of photographs were each accompanied by a written narrative, however, the experience did not stop there. I invited the model to join the art show in character so that patrons could engage with her during a live Q&A about her journey. A handful of willing participants sat with the model for a series of entertaining and thought-provoking questions. It was a completely immersive art experience, not just a photo exhibit.
Tell us about your childhood, what were you like growing up?
I was and have always been a showgirl, dressing up was one of my favorite pastimes. My first attempt to plan a big event happened when I was nine years old. I also remember getting together with friends to make music videos, learning the choreography, designing the looks and singing our hearts out.
In school, I was a bit of an overachiever, it was important for me to excel in everything I did. My teachers would probably describe me as someone with a lot of potentials if only I could figure out what to do with it. I also became a teacher’s assistant for several of my superiors.
A natural born leader, I was the co-captain of the high school cheerleading squad, I directed and produced my first theatrical production at age 17, was on our school’s Physics Olympics team, and was the voice of our morning announcements.
In my 40 years on this planet, I have never lost that drive – or the creativity of my childhood.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.MalindAwesome.com
- Phone: 561-412-6301
- Email: malindawesome333@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/malindawesome
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/malindawesome/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/malindawesome
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/intothegardenparty/
Image Credit:
Richard Marous Photography (the photo of me performing on stage), Jason Bowman – Icon Photography (photo of crowd dancing)
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