Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikayla Hunt.
Mikayla, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My mother started teaching me how to read at a very young age – which helped blossom my love for words. My teachers would pull me back after class and point me to these giant words to see if I could read them. The only one I’ve ever missed was “anaconda” and it haunts me to this very day, haha. Around age 16, I had this huge idea in my head to create something that wouldn’t only inspire my love for words and people, but the joy I have in inspiring others. So, I did. At that time, I was living at home and living off my parents, so I was scraping up whatever I could find to buy my domain and keep my website up. At the same time, I was writing for the school paper where I had my first celebrity interview. Maria Howell, a small character in one of the Hunger Games movies. After I reached out to her, I remember she sent me her FaceTime and I conducted the interview right there in the middle of my living room on my moms iPad. It wasn’t long after that when I grasped the concept of making money from this passion for words and stories I had discovered. And I’ve never looked back since.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely been a rough road. Look at it this way – as I grew, PopGabble grew alongside me. Whatever I went through, so did it. I know it sounds silly, but I’ve always treasured the consistent things in my life. At one point, I forgot to make a payment, and my site was wiped off the internet in its entirety. I thought it was the end of the world. Everything I had been through, and experienced was gone forever. But after a three-month slump, I slowly started building it back up. And I have to say, it’s never looked better. My advice to my boss ladies – DO IT. There’s going to be so many reasons not to, and so many people doubting you. But you have full control. YOU know your passions and you know your strengths. As long as you keep God in front of you and don’t let your passions distract you from Him, you can do anything you put your mind to. WOMEN ARE SO STRONG.
Please tell us about PopGabble.
I’m an editor and chief for PopGabble and I also do freelance for magazines and other publications. Although, being the social media director for Mckeely Creative is my main source of income.
I’m definitely most proud of how true I’ve stayed to myself. How wrapped up I could be, but continue to focus on spiritual things, as well as making time for my friends and family. What sets me apart from others, is my genuine passion for words. It’s never about making a buck.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
JW.org is my go-to website. I’m always on there or on their free app JW Library. They just share so much encouragement, that when I log on in the mornings, the rest of my day seems to fly by. I also love to read this blog goodtomicha.com, for tips on influencing and connecting with other influencers!
Contact Info:
- Website: PopGabble.com
- Email: mikayla@popgabble.com
- Instagram: @_mikaylahunt_
- Twitter: @mikaylaahunt
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
