The first thing I thought when I saw Mulu was, “Wow, look at those shimmery eyes.”

If you’re wondering, I’ve actually never met Mulu in person…

My mom sent me a picture of her one day to show me how cool her eye makeup was while they were at work together, and indeed her makeup was fabulous.

So fabulous that I felt like I could feel her energy through the picture.

I could feel Mulu’s warmth, her charisma, and her passion…

Simply by seeing one picture of her.

And as soon as I messaged her and began getting to know her…

My suspicions were correct.

She is just as bubbly and kind and cool as I thought she would be.

Isn’t that the best?

When your expectations of someone are actually exceeded?

Trust me, it is the best.

And thankfully for you and me, she happily agreed to answer these questions for us so we can not only admire her beauty…

But get a look at her beautiful brain as well.

Aren’t we so lucky?

Let’s meet Mulu.

What’s your name, where were you born, and where did you grow up?

My name is Mulu Baye, I was born and raised in Aurora, Colorado.

Does your name have an origin? Or, what’s the story behind your name?

Yes, my name means full in Amharic. My mom wanted to name me that because I was the last child in the family, so after me the family was full/complete. 

What’s something you wish people knew about you?

That I’m meant to be adored, not perceived!

Where’s your favorite place in the world?

A clear watered beach, just so you can see if anything is tryna swim up on you in the water. Or New York City, because there’s always something to do. 

Where do you feel most alive? Most welcome? Most yourself?

On a beach; in a Black queer space; Or in the midst of a crowd because it reminds me of my insignificant significance in this world. All of these spaces remind me that I am just one piece apart of an entire puzzle. 

Describe yourself to me in 5 words. 

Best thing next to heaven. 

Describe humanity to me in 3 words. 

A beautiful nightmare. (Beyonce don’t sue me pls)

What’s something you’re scared to say, but want to?

Shut the fuCK UP! To an annoying or nasty man, but I’ve never fought someone before so I don’t know if I can. 

Tell me about something that you love. 

I love those little moments in life that make a good life. Like those inside jokes you have with specific friends or family. Laughing so hard your stomach hurts. Tasting the first sip of some fire ass tea I just made. Remembering the first time I heard a song that ended up being one of my favorites. Thrifting, ofc <333 

What’s something sweet that you love?

Seeing angel numbers & anything with dark chocolate or coconut in it. 

Tell me a story of a moment in your life that makes you happy. 

I went on a senior trip to the Dominican Republic when I graduated from college. It was my first trip out of the country by myself, and one night we pulled an all-nighter on the beach and saw the sunrise while swimming. It was amazing. It felt like one of those moments you feel like you’re finally getting what you deserve. Or finally feeling the beauty of life after a difficult time. 

Tell me a story of a moment in your life where you were scared, what happened and what did you do? 

In my senior year of college last year, around graduation time, I found out I might not be able to graduate. I was freaking the fuck out because I had already made all my graduation plans and my family was already supposed to fly out, not to mention I worked my ass off all year smh. So I was super scared that everything was going to come crashing down. I swear every damn thought was a prayer, but luckily due to all those prayers sent up and the support from the people in my program I was able to graduate. 

Tell me something that you never thought would happen to you. 

All this trauma, damn! 

What’s something you want?

The ability to believe good things don’t always come at a price. 

What did you dream of when you were a kid? Do you still dream about it? 

Bringing myself out of my circumstances and living free to do as I please. And yes, everyday!! 

Who do you admire and why?

I really look up to Issa Rae. In the least creepiest way I can say, I love that lady!!!! Issa Rae says jump and I’m learning how to fly, okay? Everything she does is embedded in uplifting, accrediting, and giving back to black culture, which is the work I’m heavily interested in doing. Also, after already being a fan I found out she was an African American history major, which I had just switched my major to at the time, and that just affirmed me and the path I was on. Especially since a lot of people view that major as purposeless.

If you could change anything, what would you change? 

I would end suffering in the world, which is mostly rooted in oppression. 

If you could go back in time and relive your life, would you? If not, why not? Also, do you wish you lived your life differently? 

I think when I was younger I would’ve said yes to reliving my life, because I believed that a second chance would lead me down a better path. But I think growing up is the slow realization that life turns out exactly the way it’s meant to for you, if you’re intentional. 

Tell me something you miss.

I miss Ethiopia, and I miss those days when I was younger coming home from school and spending hours watching Kyle music videos instead of doing homework. 

What’s a risk you decided not to take? 

I decided not to pursue college in New York over DC, and it led me to exactly where I need to be today to prepare me for my next stage in life. 

What do you dream about? 

I dream about a lot of random people, who I’ve never seen, and I’m always like who the fuck was that when I wake up lol. 

What’s a risk you decided to take and what happened because of it?

Deciding to go out of state for college, despite it not working out many times at first. It really broadened my own mind and experiences. And it changed the way I view myself and how I view the world and my place in it. 

If you could do something again for the first time, what would that be? 

Listen to the beautiful loser album by Kyle again. Or go to New York.

What do you love learning about?

I love learning about world history, religion, and Black history. 

If you could have a special talent or superpower, what would it be?

I would be like Medusa and just turn people who inconvenience me into stone.

If you could change any law or rule, what would it be?

I would outlaw capitalism and imperialism.

Tell me something you’re glad isn’t in your life anymore. 

Shitty friends!

What are 3 things you wish you had an endless supply of?

Time, youth, and faith.

What’s your favorite quote or words to live by?

“Don’t worry bout a b*tch who never been in your place, always move in silence never question your fate” (shoutout mother Rico) or “The more that I see, the more that I know, I don’t know anything at all” (and shoutout mother Jhene) 

What do you love most about the world? 

Laughing over similar experiences with someone/people you never met before. And nature <3

Tell me about something that changed your life forever. 

My birth chart and my unlearning oppressive social conditioning. 

If today was your last day on earth, what would you want to say?

Keep going <333

Pretty cool, was I right?

Love,

Anastasiya

P.S. If you’d like to obsess about Mulu online, here’s how you can do so:

Pinterest – @onlytrustnegus