In Conversation With Mahaneela and Sade
Neela
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Mahaneela. I’m a multi-faceted artist with a focus on photography and film. I also run COZY with Sade, and am 1/8th of In Bloom!
What has been the highlight of your creative journey so far?
I’d say the highlight so far was creating a music video in Jamaica just recently. It was an amazing feeling for my work to take me there and to also work with a local crew. It was self produced by Sade and me, so it’s something I am super proud of.
How did you first get into photography and film?
My grandfather was actually an artist and photographer, so I have always had his influence even though when I was younger I didn’t really realise it. As I grow older I realise that I have always been taking pictures and making movies and films. I’m completely self-taught and have been doing it seriously for about 7 years now.
For someone who does so much, how do you balance the variety of projects which you’re involved in?
Everything I do feeds into something else I do. So if it’s my artist I’m managing I might also be involved in directing a music video or if I’m consulting for someone I might photograph them for their press images. It’s easy to keep the balance while working in this way because everything naturally aligns, but I also think having a creative partner allows for balance as you are not just working on everything alone.
What are some of your goals for the next few years?
I really want to do something that can sustainably help people in Ghana and India, both places that I am from.
How did you two meet and what inspired you to start working together?
We met through a friend who was also in the music industry. It was a chance meeting, to be honest, at Shoreditch house. Ever since then we just got closer and closer to the point of now living and working together! It was all just a natural progression, as Sade and I come from similar backgrounds professionally and would always share ideas as friends. Eventually, it just made sense to actually work on a business together.
Sade
Who are you and what do you do?
I am Sade Lawson and I do a lot of different things! I run two companies (Cozy Global and InBloom) I am a marketing consultant, model, DJ and manage an amazing DJ called Lil C!
Cozy Global - started with Neela as a magazine and I came in when we started to do events together. Over the years the company developed and today it runs as a fully functioning music consultancy company. We do a range of things from marketing consultants, curating events, artist activations, DJ’ing and much more.
InBloom - Set up by 8 women of colour all working in different fields in the creative sector. What started as a friendship group turned into a creative agency working on commercial projects for brands including Converse, Adidas and Nike.
What has been the highlight of your creative journey so far?
That is such a hard question! I really think it’s where I am right now. Being able to freelance and do what I love is definitely a place I have always aspired to be.
I directed my first music video last year which was pretty cool and set me up to work on some really exciting jobs afterward!
Being able to try new job roles means I am constantly learning and the goalposts of highlights change on a daily basis. Travelling with work is definitely a highlight as I have been able to see some beautiful countries and cultures.
When did your love for fashion and music start?
My family is musical so I always knew I wanted to work in the music industry. I was always pushed to play instruments and sing. I finally decided I wanted to be behind the scenes and work really closely with artists to help bring their ideas to life! I grew up in different countries but knew I’d go back to London to work because I believed I’d get the best opportunities there. So as soon as I finished school, I looked up courses to study. Being in London I got to really explore fashion which I’d never really done before. It was amazing to be able to intertwine music and fashion so closely with the jobs that I do.
How did your modelling career and Nike Campaign come about?
I started modelling in Scotland when I was scouted at 14. I had a really great relationship with my agency so had a great experience doing some really interesting shows across the UK. When I moved to London, I really wanted to focus on building a career in music so was only doing shoots for fun or through friends. As InBloom grew I was doing more work with established brands but to be honest the Nike campaign came out of the blue. I got an email from Nike saying they were interested in booking me. I didn’t have an agent at the time, and I think it must have been through seeing my profile on Instagram (I now have representation which is exciting!)
What are some of your goals for the next few years?
Goals for next year! To continue to be able to pick the projects and artists I’m working with. The ULTIMATE DREAM would be to work with Rihanna *laughs* (one can hope). But really it is to push the artists I am working with like The Code & Kaleem Taylor. To grow our businesses and be able to employ people. To travel with work even more and to bring opportunities to other young aspiring creatives.
How important is female collaboration in today’s society?
I think it’s very important! I have learnt SO much from working with other women but also, it’s a really enjoyable experience. I have been lucky to have a support system as the creative industry can be notoriously difficult for women in a male-dominated industry. I believe that in every industry you have to work towards creating equal opportunities and making sure everyone’s voice is heard.
