Meet MalaniKai Massey

Today we’d like to introduce you to MalaniKai Massey.

Thanks for sharing your story with us MalaniKai. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started as a child in a small town in upstate New York with a dream of working in radio and entertainment in a major market. I was able to study my craft in college on a full basketball scholarship. Since then, I have been working hard in media and entertainment. Mainly I work in radio as an on-air personality. I’ve also stayed with sports by coaching and mentoring boy’s basketball. When I’m not on the radio or mentoring/coaching…I’m auditioning for television and movie speaking roles and going on set as a background or featured artist.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been smooth in the sense that regardless of how many doors slammed shut and still do, I know who I am and what I have to offer so I stay the course. The struggles are most mentally. When those closed doors slam or there are no return calls from auditions, and/or radio gigs don’t come fast enough after one is over…..I have to constantly remind myself that everything happens when it’s supposed to happen. Sometimes closed doors were for my benefit. I can see that in hindsight and always strive to keep that at the forefront of my brain.

There are jobs/gigs I know I was qualified for and someone may have gotten it because they knew the right people. There were opportunities that almost happened and then suddenly did not. There were moments of being homeless….living in my car and the premature death of my sister.

When I first started coaching boy’s prep basketball it was rare to see a female coaching those caliber of players. I’m talking high Division I college players and some would go on to play pro ball. There were tons of obstacles with sexim that I had to perserve through in regards to the sports world. I could go on and on and on,

Also, my family owns a bakery so I am still involved in marketing our products in the Southeast.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
The few people that know me (LOL) know me for my work as an on-air personality, mainly a radio talk show host, who sparks engaging and provocative conversation. I’m always trying to get people to go behind the headlines and look at current issues from other angles. I don’t try to be provocative with my opinions….I guess I just am.

The other few people know me as one of the best prep school boy’s basketball coaches on the planet and one of the greatest high school basketball players of all time. Shout-out to Redemption Christian Academy where I both played and coach. (Did I mention RCA is family owned? My father founded it in 1979?) Others know me for my work with Goodway Bakery, home of the world’s best rum cakes. One of the most important things I do is volunteer with a the non-profit Hope thru Soap. Every Saturday they have a block party downtown Atlanta for the homeless and anyone struggling with life, which includes mobile showers, food, music, clothes, etc. Nothing else I do is more important than giving back to those in need especially because I was once in that position. I get so much fulfillment helping others who can’t do anything for me. (I changed this paragraph as well)

What sets me apart? Interesting question I’m not sure how to answer. I believe we were all created unique and special. What sets us all apart from each other is our unique DNA and then what we decide to do with our gifts, talents, and time. We all have the same 24 hours. Those who succeed are those who take advantage of time and aren’t getting ready when opportunity knocks. They’re already ready.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
To me, success is not money, fame or fortune. Successful people have identified their purpose and calling and are operating in that sphere, not leaving room for any regret. Success is far from materialism. It’s the wealthy people of the world who have a high suicide rate. They have all the materialism money can buy, but never identified their true purpose and calling. If materialism was an authentic sign of success as many would want us to believe…..the socio-economic class of those killing themselves would be different.

The results of authentic success is marked by intangibles money cannot buy: peace, joy, love, happiness.