We had the good fortune of connecting with Malerie Waite and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Malerie, what are you inspired by?
I’m inspired by my father who created who and owns his own construction company framing houses for a living. He even did so while raising 4 kids and making memories to last us a lifetime. His drive and capabilities will never cease to amaze me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a freelance model set apart by how expressive my face is, particularly my eyes. Wearing an emotion doesn’t come so naturally to everyone. I’m most proud of being selected for a model call by a local photography studio. The challenges, financial in nature, I was able to overcome by prioritizing a strict budget. Along the way I’ve realized it’s best to provide your own version of whatever you may be producing, rather than being derivative; this is so because what you are what you bring to the table, and you are second to none!
I want the world to know what I do is for my niece and nephew on behalf of my deceased sister.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Eat- Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern, Vaderi Chocolate Factory
Drink- Willard Rooftop Bar, The Merchant, La Terezza
Visit -Museum of Art, WRAL azalea garden, Raleigh Night Market
Hang out -Jaguar Bolera, Neuse River Greenway Trail, William B. Umstead State Park
The museum of art is by far what you need to see most in Raleigh!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This shout out goes to my mother Amy for always telling me to be myself. Whatever way things may become, there’s still no one I’d rather be. To keeping it real!

Website: https://www.facebook.com/share/18M7wkdPWi/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runthatbackhoe?igsh=ZnIyOWNodWdza3N4&utm_source=qr

Twitter: https://x.com/runthatbackhoe?s=21&t=DPoqBXEtcc6vaIv2nZCseg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18M7wkdPWi/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@runthatbackhoe?si=tjIRCTXnKRW8R8Qm

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@runthatbackhoe?_t=ZT-8uKBeau6UI6&_r=1

Image Credits
CARYL LAWSON

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutNorthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.