Malik Jaffer was born as a sixth generation Kenyan in Nairobi to parents of East Indian decent and migrated to San Diego, California in 1969. As inspiration for his paintings and photography, Malik draws on his travel and work experience in nearly 50 countries on all continents except Antarctica. With more than 20 years of experience in business, banking, orthopedics, public health and international development, Malik has been working to improve HIV and AIDS programs in South Africa since 2006. Since 2008, Malik has been practicing the healing work of reiki. All reiki and chakra paintings are reiki charged and surrounded by positive healing energy. Malik completed his undergraduate degree in Health Science with an emphasis in Community Health Education from San Diego State University and completed a Masters Degree in Public Health from the Boston University School of Public Health. He has worked in the private sector, military and civil society where he believes community empowerment lies at the foundation for true growth in developing countries.