Introducing Makiah Malan Sebastian

Let’s start with your roots: Tell us a bit about your background and who you are outside of work. I am a 90’s kind born in Kentucky who relocated to Cincinnati for high school. Writing has always been the way I feel spiritually connected and how I make the world make sense. I love to read, write, and lately have been exploring new mediums of expression including art, movement, and stillness. 

How did your journey in this field begin? What creative or healing disciplines have shaped your path so far? I began first as a person who for as long as I can remember have enjoyed bringing the light out of other people. Helping people recognize and embrace their power has always brought me immense joy. Professionally, I began as a Poet and through aligned opportunities I became a Teaching Artist. Leading writing workshops for underserved youth. That inspired me to dive deeper into the impact I could reach if I were to expand into art and bring this idea into schools. I began working independently through contracts with local nonprofit programs and have happily been on this path ever since. 

What specifically drew you to The Well? Have you attended our programs or worked with us in any capacity before? My first introduction to The Well was through a facilitation opportunity for the Mindful Moments Virtual Gathering to lead the mindfulness portion. After connecting with Patrick and entering the space at The Well, I knew it was a place I would love to spend my time. 

What excites you most about stepping into this next chapter? I am most excited to have the opportunity to serve a community with an overflow of untapped potential. To also bring my gifts, strengths, and vision into The Well to help continue to foster learning at the intersections of arts and wellness. 

Whether it’s a play, painting, film, album, or any other creation—what piece of art are you most enjoying currently? I would have to say the fiction collection authored by Patrice Caldwell entitled “A Phoenix First Must Burn”. It is a collection of sci-fi stories all authored by black women or other women of color with themes rooted in hope, faith, and resilience. The stories in the book are powerful but what has inspired me the most was the origin behind the book. The author, Patrice Caldwell, grew up loving sci-fi and noticed a lack of representation of black and brown people in the sci-fi space. The idea that she decided to create a new space rather than critiquing or complaining about the current state, she decided to create something new. I love that idea. 

Makiah Malan is a poet, author, teaching artist, wellness facilitator, and creative who believes words, expression, and connection have the power to heal. Blending creativity with real-life reflections, she shares content that sparks thought, laughter, and growth. 

You can contact Makiah at Makiah@TheWell.World for more information about the My True SELF curriculum, Workshops (Schools, Workplaces, Communities), and other arts & wellness collaborations.