Q: ink…cosmetics - When did you know you were going to be a recording artist?
A: Carolyn Malachi - “I knew I would be a recording artist during my junior year of college, 2005. Dr. Kevin Williams, my favorite professor at Shepherd University, unlocked my musical imagination during a sound design course. I began producing and fitting years of lyrics and emotion into the music I was starting to produce. It was an exhilarating revelation, learning that I could fashion dope experiences - that are cathartic for me and for others - with my own two hands, ears, and eyes. Creative intelligence is a beautiful, empowering thing. I'm glad to have been encouraged to explore my own.”
Q: ink…cosmetics - Who was your inspiration?
A: Carolyn Malachi – “I have several musical inspirations, but my dad is my greatest inspiration. I don't know that I would have the type of resolve and determination without my father's influence. When the going gets tough, he reminds me that I am tougher than whatever is going on. When I achieve a milestone, he tells me that I really haven't done anything yet and that I need to keep pushing forward. I knew that Orion was going to be successful because my daddy loved it before it was perfect; before it was polished.”
Q: ink…cosmetics - What was the inspiration behind your latest record?
A: Carolyn Malachi – “Lions, Fires & Squares is an exercise in dream casting. Even though I'm an independent artist, I wanted to be able to compete and solidify my presence in the industry with this record. In a way, the concept was very free and aloof from any idea other than augmenting the quality of production, writing, and arrangement. Working with top notch producers and engineers like James McKinney, Scott Jacoby, and Kevin Jackson freed me up to write with greater confidence. I knew my musical ideas would be honored and explored. They are great creative partners.”
Q: ink…cosmetics - Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A: Carolyn Malachi – “Within five years, I expect the Carolyn Malachi brand to be a household name. I want to be like Target and Whole Foods - a one-stop shop for everything that feeds the mind, body, and soul. When people hear my name, I want them to remember that they're not alone, and that they have a champion out here. Sometimes, that's all the encouragement you need to move forward.”
Q: ink…cosmetics - Best advice for new artists are?
A: Carolyn Malachi – “Surround yourself with people who can brighten the dark corners of your mind. You can only learn if your teachers are smarter than you.”
Q: ink…cosmetics - Your new photos by Leonard Poteat and styled fashions by Ayanna Scott are breathtaking! In the beauty department what would you say is your favorite must have beauty product?
A: Carolyn Malachi – “Water is my favorite beauty product. I drink a gallon of water a day to stay hydrated and to fight acne.”
Q: ink…cosmetics - ink...cosmetics Celebrity Makeup Artist/Creative Director Anna Castillo cultivated a bird like eye for your latest shoot. Which is now your new signature makeup look. What does this signify?
Hair for Keira Malachi: Sue T. Lawhorn & Cindy Soung -
W Salon VA
A: Carolyn Malachi – “We can get so caught up in our challenges that we forget to look at the beauty and possibility of our dreams. The song that gets me through the toughest times is Lizz Wright's "Open Your Eyes, You Can Fly". She says "Never be afraid to love. Never be afraid to just be...Have the courage to be free." So, I love the bird eye, and I view it as a symbol of letting go of fear and letting my dreams take flight. It was very important for me that my little sister participated in this photo shoot because her dream is to become a model. I enjoy helping my friends and family's visions come to fruition. That, in itself, is a dream come true.”
Q: ink…cosmetics - Are you a lipstick or lip gloss girl?
A: Carolyn Malachi – “Gloss atop a matte lipstick! At any given time, there are at least three tubes of gloss rolling around at the bottom of my bag.”
Q: ink…cosmetics - How would you define your beauty style?
A: Carolyn Malachi – “My style is striking, chic, and eclectic. I rock my Chic Caesar because it's stylish, bold, and easy to maintain. You have to be a certain kind of woman with a certain kind of confidence to wear this hairstyle properly. It's only fitting that my fashion choices follow suit.”
Q: ink…cosmetics - What project do you have coming up in the next few months?
A: Carolyn Malachi – “I am very excited about releasing the Carolyn Malachi app with a special musical gift for you, you, and you! Thank you,
INK Cosmetics! <3”
