Ragin Abdul-Malik, Ms. Georgia Global Continental 2020 & Founder Of Radiant Faces Talks About The Project That She's Been Called To Do
Interviewed By Maryan Aiken
“Mothering my children to the best of my ability has always been my top priority. I understand that I am raising the future of our country and our world, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly.”
Ragin Abdul-Malik
Ms. Georgia Global Continental 2020
Freelance Make-Up Artist for 17 years
Founder of Radiant Faces Non-Profit Organization- circa 2017
Creator of ‘Radiant Faces Beauty & Self-Love Show’
Radiant Faces LLC
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Social Media Handles Facebook. Instagram. LinkedIn- @radiantragin, Ragin Abdul-Malik
Charity Involvement- Radiant Faces Non-profit, Dress for Success Atlanta, AIDS Walk ATL- Participant/Fundraiser for 4 years, Children Helping Children Foundation
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Hi Ragin, your story is pretty compelling and you have an incredible “Queen” that has truly inspired you. Tell us more about her.
I will forever be inspired by my Grandmother, Martha Queen Gary. With ‘Queen’ being her middle name, she was the epitome of a queen as she was a strong southern-born and raised Matriarch. My grandmother was a great pillar in our family and in the community. Although she passed away when I was a freshman in high school, she was instrumental in my upbringing since I was a baby. Over the years, I learned a great deal about true humanitarianism just by observing how many people could depend on her for support, encouragement, and oftentimes for just a home-cooked meal.
How do you balance your professional career, motherhood and competing for a title as Ms. Georgia Global Continental this year? What have you sacrificed (both personally and professionally) at each stage of your career?
It can be challenging at times to find balance in motherhood, my professional career and in my reign as Ms. Georgia Global Continental 2020, so I have to be intentional about putting my efforts towards the areas that I want to see flourish. I also have to prioritize all areas to know where I want to focus my energies. Mothering my children to the best of my ability has always been my top priority. I understand that I am raising the future of our country and our world, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly. Another great way that I find balance, is by minimizing distractions that will impede on my time so that I can focus on areas that will enhance my life. I also have found balance by integrating my common interests. Through this integration, I have combined my passion for showing women how to embrace their inner and outer beauty and women’s empowerment with my Makeup Artistry business, my non-profit organization, RADIANT FACES and by representing Georgia as Ms. Georgia Global Continental 2020.
As a young mother of 4 children, I sacrificed giving myself the attention and time to rejuvenate that I needed, in order to give optimum care to my children. Now that my children are older, I have become fascinated with the restoration of myself with self-care and ultimately self-love. Now I have time for me! I wouldn’t necessarily say that I sacrificed anything in any stages of my career because I believe in God’s timing, and if it is meant for you it will find its way back to you. It’s never too late to be who you want to be!
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A few things that we should know about you?
I am a Spiritual person, my relationship with God is everything to me. I know without a shadow of a doubt that if it weren’t for my relationship with Him, I wouldn’t be alive today. I have learned through building my faith to allow God to direct my life and there is no way that I can fail! One of my favorite scriptures is, “Trust in the Lord, with all thine heart; and lean not to your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
I have used my spiritual journey to inspire others to build their own relationship with our Creator. I am a daredevil and extremely adventurous. I love being high in the air and Yes, I have a need for speed! I have enjoyed impersonating Michael Jackson since I was a young child. My performance has gotten a lot better over time!
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What fuels your drive?
I am fueled by my desire to exceed the expectations of my 4 children. I want them to be able to look up to me as someone that they can rely on that will always be in their corner to cheer them on. I am also fueled by my desire to help bring women out of their internal pain & suffering. I use my own personal story to empower women to find true authenticity in themselves and to embrace the power of transformation!
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What exciting project are you working on & what is it about?
About 3 years ago, I was experiencing deep internal pain and was in prayer when God spoke to me and told me to write a book. But I was in so much fear that I said I was mistaking, that it wasn't God. For the next year or so, I heard the same thing from perfect strangers on the street and people that had no idea that God had already spoken that to me. After about 5 people said the same thing, I couldn’t run any further. It was my confirmation. I was not mistaken, it was true. Although I had no clue what I was supposed to be writing about, I started to write. I have been writing this book now for the last 1 ½ years of my life, with only a few more chapters more to complete. Needless to say, what I had been writing in the beginning got thrown on the editing room floor once the real story emerged. Over time, with the help of a writing coach, it became clear, my book would be a narrative of my life and of my God-given transformation. Although I am nearing the end of this passion project, I am careful to give the same enthusiasm and heartfelt intent that I had a year ago when I completely submerged myself into my writing. My journey is one of tremendous healing, the evolution of embracing my differences and allowing God to transform me into a person that He could use as a vessel. I believe that my story of metamorphosis which parallels the life of a caterpillar evolving into a butterfly, will inspire the reader to embrace their own journey and sprout wings to fly!
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Books you've enjoyed and what's the takeaway from that book?
The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer is one of my all-time favorite books. I have given this book to so many of my family and friends. I love how this book opens up your subconscious to bring you closer to your own self-discovery and it also enlightens the reader with new ways of thinking and handling everyday circumstances.
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What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
I believe to be successful in all areas of your life you have to find a healthy balance. Although having a career is important you should also spend time in meditation, prayer and getting to know yourself. Oftentimes we as women, put everyone else in front of ourselves and our own needs. I believe that by also making yourself a priority through self-care and self-love, it will help you to meet your highest potential. I also believe that when you are authentic to who you are, your passions in life will align with your God-given purpose.
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What is one thing you know now about women and work you wish you had known earlier in your career?
One thing that I now know about women that I wish I had learned sooner is: Transparency is key. When women and people in general know that you have had the same struggles as them, they feel less judged and more supported. Instead of always looking picture perfect or that you have it all together. It’s better to say, “I have had difficult moments as well, but I still get up every day with a smile on my face with one question in my mind, how can I bring joy into this world today?” When women know that you are not just another pretty face, but that you are human just like them and you care about their growth, they will gravitate towards you.
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The Dior Mavens are stylishly captivating. She is a fashionista in her own right. She exudes confidence & beauty and she fully celebrates the moment of who she is now in her chosen field. She is a ground breaker, a catalyst and an influencer. She is an entrepreneur, a business leader and she is recognized for her business engagements, sense of style, community & philanthropic involvement.
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Apple or Samsung why?
I am an Apple Girl, for sure! I would have to say my children engulfed me into the Apple world! We are a true Apple Family. The synchronization to all Apple devices is seamless and uncomplicated. My favorite iPhone capabilities are Facetime and Airdrop. I am an avid picture taker of all things in my life, my children, the beauty of nature, my gorgeous clients, and other various interests. My phone currently has 94,000 photos in the Recent album. My iCloud has 2 terabytes of storage which can hold up to 500,000 photos. I love how I can keep snapping photos and never have to worry about running out of storage! It’s safe to say, I definitely drank the “Apple” Juice. I am an Apple Lover for life!
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5 Favorite skin care products & fragrance by Dior that you enjoy using?
Airflash- This foundation in an aerosol can, you spray on a brush or directly onto your skin. I love the flawless airbrushed finish. They have various shades for all skin complexions.
Forever Concealer- This concealer has a matte finish and is long-wearing. I have a different shade for the winter and one for when I tan in the summertime.
Dream Skin- OMG! This is a new favorite for me, my skin is silky smooth after only one application then I am ready to apply my make-up for the day!
Power Red Lip- Rouge Dior760- “Favorite” in Velvet- Its creamy velvet finish is moisturizing and the beautiful red makes teeth look whiter and it makes my smile pop!
One Essential Eye Serum- I love this detoxifying serum that boosts my eyes youthful-looking radiance. I use once in the morning and again at night, you can add this amazing product to any skincare regimen.
Sauvage- This is my favorite Fragrance by Dior Beauty. Although Sauvage has masculine notes such as pepper and bergamot, I love the base notes of lavender, vetiver, and patchouli. It’s something quite extraordinary about a woman that wears masculine fragrances.
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What do you do for fun?
I love to listen to music and dance! It truly frees my soul and gives me a mental and physical release! I also love to travel to search for adventure and create new experiences. When I need some “local adventure,” I just go visit the Beltline in the Fourth Ward area of Atlanta to ride scooters or bikes and of course to hear some great live music!
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
I wish to leave behind a legacy that empowers generations to come by helping to heal the brokenness of my generation today. By helping women find the true purpose inside of them and encouraging them to be the person that God created them to be! Through self-healing and metamorphosis, a trickledown effect will take place to all that witness their transformation and also to the future leaders of the world, our children!
What’s next for you?
Motivational Speaking and Book Signing Tours
Listening To SPOTIFY. I Belong To You. Lenny Kravitz.
Photography
Tammy Von Nordheim
@tammymcgarityphoto
Makeup: J. Taylor
@j.taylor_mua
Hair: Chioma Veal
@amochiaangels