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Malacka Reed
Born and raised in Baltimore City, Malacka Reed overcame insurmountable adversity to rise to success as a businesswomen, motivational speaker and author. One of two children, Malac...view moreBorn and raised in Baltimore City, Malacka Reed overcame insurmountable adversity to rise to success as a businesswomen, motivational speaker and author. One of two children, Malacka was raised in a housing project and faced staggering difficulties from a very early age. Drugs, violence and poverty surrounded Malacka everyday, as well as the pressures to grow up rather quickly because she became a mother at the young age of 15. With the support of her mother, Malacka was determined to not be a victim and commit to changing the course of her journey.Malacka’s creative interests began at the age of 13, when she decided she wanted to have her own cosmetic line one day. There was always an internal fire and energy Malacka possessed that always drew people in. She used this energy and connection in speaking and reading competitions throughout the city. Bringing home awards and first place ribbons only solidified Malacka’s confidence as a bonafide speaker. She loved the feeling she felt, when moving a crowd with her words and the ability to connect to each and every person in the audience. This would be a feeling that would never go away.Becoming a mother at a young age only fueled Malacka’s motivation to provide for herself and her child. Some of the routes taken were not always positive and Malacka openly talks about “selling her soul” for money and material things, as well as being raped at the age of 14. “I was a lost and broken person and did not know who I was,” says Malacka. For three years, Malacka lived a life she is not proud of BUT credits her past to the person she is today. “I had to go through what I went through to become the person I am today,” Malacka continues. Malacka does not regret being a young mother and views her three children as the reason her life has changed for the better.After coping with the negativity in her life and coming clean, someone gave Malacka a valuable word of advice to live by. Malacka was told, “You can overcome anything from abuse, insecurities, hateful rumors...get to know your higher self and let your light guide you through your storms.”Through the storm, Malacka came out on the other side and began to write a book about her life. She knew her story would motivate others with similar backgrounds and obstacles to see the light through the darkness. Malacka also began doing research on developing her cosmetic line and becoming an entrepreneur.As the C.E.O. of Skai Ryan Cosmetics, named after her third child, Malacka fulfilled her passion of becoming a makeup artist. Malacka discussed her love for makeup and said, “Makeup has always been my passion...I always said that if I could wake up every day and make women look and feel beautiful, it would be food for my soul.”As the makeup line expanded and her company became more successful, Malacka focused more on writing her first book. The words began to flow on the pages effortlessly then tragedy struck. Malacka’s mother passed away in November 2012. Malacka instantly lost her focus and motivation to write anything. After six months, Malacka heard her mother’s voice speak to her and told her to write through the pain and those were the words that gave Malacka the courage to write again. At that very moment, she knew she had to complete the book.Writing her first book as the author of “I’m Ready For My Close Up,” Malacka reveals in- depth details about her life and the obstacles that tagged along. Malacka hides no secrets from her readers and lets you into her past without any regrets. “ Believe it or not, I never looked at writing as a passion...Reading was my first love...But after writing my first book, I found that writing is more like a gift as opposed to a passion.” Growing up in Baltimore never influenced Malacka’s writing style. However, what influences Malacka’s style is the way she speaks. “I write the only way I know how and converse with my readers as if I’m having a personal conversation with them...”These personal conversations with readers definitely struck a chord because “I’m Ready For My Close Up” sold out in 20 MINUTES on Amazon.com and several media outlets, including Ebony Magazine, Bleu Magazine and NexxLegacy Radio are buzzing about this tell-all book.In addition to promoting her book, Malacka speaks regularly at high schools in Baltimore City, as well as the Boys & Girls Club, festivals, motivational speaking tours and concerts. During Malacka’s encouraging speeches, she discusses her struggles as a teen, personal insecurities and learning to stay positive. Her objective is to help others understand how to handle life tribulations. Malacka believes “the way battles are defeated is what makes you a warrior.” Malacka targets young women, children and men and offers advice in trying to achieve their dreams. In one of her speeches, found on www.MalackaReed.com, Malacka says, “Your mess is your message, so don’t get discouraged about the mishaps and misfortunes in your lives. Don’t question the storm our creator has asked you to walk through to get to greatness.” Malacka wants girls and women to “find their why” and says, “your why is the reason why you don’t quit...why you must keep going and why you must move all mountains out of your way.”Malacka views herself as a role model because her everyday focus is to motivate and empower women, children and men of all ages, whom she refers to as her Buddaflies. Malacka uses her “social media outlets, YouTube motivational speeches, life coaching and mentoring to uplift and inspire. Every morning, Malacka posts her MakUp Minute on her Instagram and Twitter pages (@MalackaReed1) and the underlining theme is to Spread Your Wings and Fly. Malacka has influenced thousands of people though her genuine and energetic speeches and uplifting words of inspiration. With thousands of admirers, Malacka knows she is being watched every day, but says, “I pay close attention to my behavior and I actually like it because every day I am becoming a better person.”view less