a much needed introduction

august 02, 2024

hi.

i’ve been so scared to introduce myself here, to explain what i’m doing here, to give a narrative to it. i’ve been scared to start and to fulfill an expectation that i’ve had of myself but have been ignoring. i love to write, and like many others here, i’ve been doing it all my life. but the truth is, that starting this substack and opening up this space, means something. it feels like accepting the person i’ve always known myself to be. and it feels like belief in myself to lay claim to the dreams i already know have come true for myself.

my name is makhela-inez and i’m a writer, editor, and podcaster. my favorite color is evergreen and i’m in love with rainy days and playing video games. two years ago i quit my full time job teaching first grade and now i’m living. these days i’m trying new recipes, going to therapy, reading books only to set them down unfinished, and driving myself to the beach. my quirk is that i hate uppercase letters (you can imagine that my grammarly is going crazy right now). i couldn’t tell you why i don’t like them but i will warn you that you won’t see them used here. smile.

the last book i read was happy place by emily henry and i ugly cried when i finished. i’m a graduate student finishing a degree in creative writing and i’m doing so to live out my jo march dreams. i’m passionate about recognizing my feelings and showing up as the best version of myself in my friendships, and i heavily believe in a free palestine.

it’s 4am as i write this and i’m relieved that i remember how. relieved that a dam broke somewhere in my mind and i’m able to get this down before my fear and ego filter it all out. i’m grateful to be here, happy to lean into this medium again that has always been a comfort and confidant.

this substack, is freedom and rebellion for me. the embodiment and manifestation of remembering who i am and doing what i love. i plan to giggle and cry and be immensely proud of myself for getting this far and for showing up. you’ll find, poetry, stories, and essays here as well as my podcast. which, has been rebranded from “my mind’s playground” to “refined ink.”

it is my absolute pleasure to be back writing and recording not just for the podcast again but doing so here, thank you for having me, and welcome back.

m.