We’re looking forward to introducing you to Niyia Mack. Check out our conversation below.
Niyia, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Ooh, I love this question.
-Long car rides with the windows down
-A good performance at the theater
-Intentional daydreaming
-Dancing
-A really nice cup of tea
-Deep conversation with my dearest friends
-Traveling
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Niyia Mack, a creative consultant and founder of Unusual Creative. My career spans over 15 years producing award-winning theater and themed experiences, most recently working with Meow Wolf to launch their first interactive app. Currently, I’m a contractor with the City of Santa Fe’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency supporting the implementation stage of The Midtown Campus Redevelopment Area Plan.
My company, Unusual Creative, is a Santa Fe-based consultancy that offers project management and creative strategy services for arts organizations, educators, and creative businesses. Specializing in creative production and project planning, our clients rely on us to bring their vision to life by bridging the gap between imagination and implementation.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I’m shedding the need to always (over) explain myself and be understood, which I’ve realized takes up more energy than its worth most times. Releasing the need to always explain myself and justify my opinion has allowed me to let go of relationships with people that were always committed to misunderstanding me, regardless the explanation.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Stay weird. Life opened up when I realized my super power is being my authentic self in any room.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I believe in the power of chosen family and community. There’s something magical about meeting strangers who turn into dear friends that I don’t think should ever be taken for granted. It’s one of the last cool things about being human in my opinion.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
These days? Peace is any time I’m hugging my daughter or when I’m on a vacation with no itinerary.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theunusualcreative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunusualcreative/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnusualCreative
Image Credits
Lis Christy, Niyia Mack, and Sharla Russell
