Malak’s inspiring journey: From motherhood to the cockpit to building her own makeup brand

Since childhood, airplanes and makeup have been an integral part of her world. Pursuing a career in aviation had always been her dream, and joining Mega Maldives as a cabin crew member brought her one step closer to that ambition. The experience deepened her passion for the aviation industry. After years of study and perseverance, she has finally turned her childhood dream into reality.

Today, she is a responsible mother who fulfils the demanding duties of a co-pilot. Alongside these responsibilities, she has also launched her own makeup brand. These are the highlights of the long journey towards fulfilling the dreams of 31-year-old Mariyam Malak Adam.

Coloring the dreams of becoming a pilot despite many challenges

Despite the numerous challenges she encountered, she eventually made her dream of completing pilot training a reality.

Taking control of an aeroplane and navigating it herself had always been her aspiration. However, the turbulence Malak encountered along the way was considerable. Nevertheless, she faced each obstacle with determination and resilience.

Her decision to pursue this ambition gained further momentum when she joined Mega Maldives as a cabin crew member 13 years ago. Working there strengthened her interest in aviation and encouraged her to take the next step towards becoming a pilot. Malak spent two years with the airline.

She subsequently embarked on her lengthy journey towards becoming a pilot at Addu Flying School. However, the large number of students meant that opportunities to fly were limited, making it difficult for her to gain the necessary practical experience.

During her time there, she developed a romantic relationship with someone she met at the school, and the couple married within three months. In 2016, Malak and her husband moved to Sri Lanka, where she resumed her training at Open Skies School. However, she encountered similar difficulties and was once again compelled to transfer to another institution.

Not long after joining the new school, Malak became pregnant with her first child, forcing her to suspend her training. As flying during pregnancy was not recommended by doctors, she continued studying at home until she gave birth and recovered. She also sat her examinations during this period. Approximately a year and a half later, she returned to school and resumed her training.

Her journey was dealt another major blow by the terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka in 2019. Amid the ensuing turmoil, the Sri Lankan government imposed a ban on flights for foreign students, forcing Malak to put her dream of becoming a pilot on hold.

When conditions improved, she returned to Sri Lanka, hopeful that she could finally complete her training. However, the country's economic crisis created further obstacles. Frequent power outages and the worsening economic situation once again deprived her of opportunities to fly.

The subsequent COVID-19 pandemic presented yet another setback. Malak said she was unable to fly for two years during this period.

After seven years of navigating numerous challenges, she finally completed her pilot training. She subsequently returned to the Maldives in 2024.

From cabin crew member to co-pilot in a year

In the Maldives, where employment opportunities are limited, Malak faced another challenge in securing a position as a pilot. Despite having completed her training, she initially joined Manta Air as a seaplane cabin crew member, securing the job six months after returning to the Maldives.

Malak said Manta Air offered her the opportunity to progress to a pilot position after approximately a year.

She welcomed the opportunity, as it allowed her to familiarise herself with aircraft operations and other aspects of the job. She subsequently became Manta Air's first female pilot cadet.

Her achievements brought further excitement when she was nominated for Inspiring Travel Asia. Malak views the nomination as another indication of the progress she has made. The results of the awards have yet to be announced.

"Then I was very happy. I always want to inspire other people," Malak said, recalling how she felt at the time.

After years of perseverance, her long-held dream finally became a reality last December. She is now working as a co-pilot at Manta Air.

As Malak explained, the job involves far more than flying an aircraft. Responsibilities also include tasks such as loading and unloading luggage and refuelling.

Malak works for 70 consecutive days without an extended break, with two days off each week during that period. Upon completing the 70-day work cycle, she receives a 21-day break.

Her eight-year-old daughter, Kylie Moga, has also grown accustomed to her mother's demanding work schedule.

"Kylie is also actually very understanding. Knowing that Malak will have to do overnight trips and such. Kylie also knows that this is my job," Malak explained.

As a single mother, she must also manage her daughter's schooling, basketball activities, and other daily needs. Despite these responsibilities, her determination remains unwavering. Whenever she has free time, she devotes herself to ensuring that her daughter receives the care and attention she needs.

Malak noted that her mother and other family members provide tremendous support in looking after her daughter whenever she is away on work trips.

According to Malak, her mother has been the driving force behind the progress she has made throughout her life.

"Even in moments when my self-confidence wavered, the one who believed in me the most was my mother. In every success, my mother's role of encouragement will be very significant."

Balancing a career as a co-pilot with a venture into makeup

Malak had long harbored ambitions of establishing her own business.

She initially wanted to start with lipstick, but the idea developed further when she took on the responsibilities of being a single mother, she said. From that point onwards, she began researching and developing her own brand. She also visited several factories abroad to explain her vision for the products.

"I wanted to make something long-lasting, vegan, transfer-proof, that could be used every day."

She spent two to three months testing the products to ensure they met her expectations. Before introducing them to the market, she tried the lipstick herself and asked other family members to test it as well. She wanted to ensure the product was of a quality she could confidently offer to customers.

Driven by this determination, she launched her makeup brand, Lustre by Malak, on September 1 last year, introducing two lipstick shades to the market.

The products are more than ordinary lipsticks. Each shade is associated with a member of Malak's family and carries a personal story, giving the brand a distinctive identity.

Malak said her family had provided tremendous support throughout every stage of establishing her makeup brand.

One of the lipsticks is named after her daughter, Kylie. Malak wanted her first product to hold a special meaning for both mother and daughter.

Her daughter remains at the centre of everything she does. Malak said becoming a mother gave her a level of courage and determination she had not previously possessed. For that reason, she dedicated the brand's first product to her daughter.

The lipstick brought Kylie immense happiness.

"She was very happy because a product was released under her name. She will also tell everyone that there is a lipstick under her name," Malak explained with a broad smile.

Although the product has been on the market for only a short time, Malak said she has yet to receive any negative feedback.

Customers can purchase Lustre by Malak products by sending a message to the brand's Instagram page. Malak currently manages both orders and deliveries herself, handling deliveries on her day off, Sunday.

Looking ahead, she hopes to introduce more high-quality cosmetic products to the market.

The additional lipstick shades she is currently preparing to launch are also inspired by different members of her family. Each shade carries its own personal significance and reflects a meaningful connection to her loved ones.

The makeup brand also represents a deeper message. It symbolizes the personal growth she has experienced through motherhood, the challenges she has overcome independently, and the life she continues to build for herself and her daughter.

Malak believes women can achieve anything they set their minds to and that they do not necessarily have to depend on others to fulfil their ambitions.

Through her journey, she demonstrates that women can pursue their careers, raise children, and work towards other personal goals at the same time. What matters most, she believes, is having the courage to begin and the determination to persevere.