mlikine
The Spaces We Occupy
Growing up, I attended primarily PWIs. In middle school, we were assigned a project to analyze ads and figure out the emotions they were selling. I chose an ad from a Pantene campaign, but when I presented it in class, my teacher plucked the paper from my hands and said, “Those ads aren’t meant for girls with your hair texture.”
I’ve since built a career in marketing and advertising—a field I love but one still dominated by white voices. Despite this, I’ve carved out my place and recently started bringing my photography into the industry.
This image represents “the spaces I occupy” because my work is about capturing the beauty, joy, and vibrancy of Black women in a way that feels authentic and affirming. I strive to collaborate with brands that uplift diverse communities, ensuring more people see themselves reflected in commercial imagery. This photo, from a campaign with a local makeup artist, celebrates Black beauty on its own terms.
The Spaces We Occupy
Growing up, I attended primarily PWIs. In middle school, we were assigned a project to analyze ads and figure out the emotions they were selling. I chose an ad from a Pantene campaign, but when I presented it in class, my teacher plucked the paper from my hands and said, “Those ads aren’t meant for girls with your hair texture.”
I’ve since built a career in marketing and advertising—a field I love but one still dominated by white voices. Despite this, I’ve carved out my place and recently started bringing my photography into the industry.
This image represents “the spaces I occupy” because my work is about capturing the beauty, joy, and vibrancy of Black women in a way that feels authentic and affirming. I strive to collaborate with brands that uplift diverse communities, ensuring more people see themselves reflected in commercial imagery. This photo, from a campaign with a local makeup artist, celebrates Black beauty on its own terms.