Today we’d like to introduce you to Makayla Cochran.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Makayla. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Growing up, I’ve always been a creative individual which sparked my interest in art and fashion initially. I began my journey as a creative as soon as I could pick up a pencil for the first time to draw on just about anything. As I got older, I branched out and started to find more interests in fashion like makeup and styling. This is where I felt that I would be the most successful. Although, I knew I had an act for photography and editing. At this point, I was 15 and had about 7 different interests that I wanted to tackle throughout my lifetime. Therefore, I decided to take each one on at different points up to this point. While I knew I had all these interests, I knew deep down that I wanted to work for myself and not work for someone else… it seemed boring to me. At 17, I bought my first DSLR camera for no reason at all besides one trip to NYC which is where I took photography seriously throughout the time I was there. I didn’t touch my camera for a year after that one trip and somehow I lost my spark for chasing anything. I felt unmotivated which I knew I had to change myself… if not myself, who would? Early 2019, I took a huge leap of faith and completely left the scene and life I was living in before to focus on myself and what I felt truly mattered. I started my brand MKYLA as a representation of myself and my many talents including art, fashion, and photography. With the start of my personal brand, I preach my message “create to inspire” which represents a goal for myself for the rest of my life. I want to create to inspire people so they have the courage to create for themselves… whether it’s a new life, a new house, or a new painting. Now, I have worked on my photography skills to work with other freelancers, music artists or anyone that needs photo content. I feel that working for yourself is a part of the passage to freedom.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
With anyone who wants to create something from scratch, it’s never completely smooth. What I battled with first was laziness and the fear of failure, which are two things that destroy dreams. Therefore, dragging myself out of my comfort zone and the life I was in before to create what i have so far has taken more than I imagined. I feel that many people can relate to feeling trapped in a space when they know there is so much more the world has to offer. Feeling unmotivated is normal, especially in a creative realm, but continuing to push myself harder to improve my skills and work with people that wanted to work with me was a challenge. Another main struggle would have to be is knowing the right people. Connections are everything, so connecting with others via mutual friends or social media is crucial. With freelancing and being your own marketing team, being social isn’t a choice, which was somewhat hard for me at first.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about MKYLA – what should we know?
I started my business MKYLA to create a name for myself in the creative world. My three main passions are photography, art, and fashion which is why I created MKYLA to inspire others to go after their passions and create as well. I taught myself everything I know today (I actually hated art class in school due to lack of individual creativity). I’ve created MKYLA into a personal brand that represents myself and what I do. By having multiple interests, I’m able to wear multiple hats based on which of my services are needed. For example, I am a photographer and do multiple types of photo shoots. At the same time, I create large living room-sized painted canvases for clients. I feel that what sets me apart is the number of things I am skillful at.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’ve had many people throughout this freelance/creative process that I’ve had in my head for quite some time. My utmost supporters are my parents. They constantly are there when I need them for help, business advice, or even logo preferences. Other supporters/clients/co-workers are very much appreciated and they know who they are.
Pricing:
- canvases vary in price depending on color use, size and content.
- $150 per hour photoshoot, max 40 pictures edited, turn around time is a couple of days
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mkylaa.com
- Phone: 770-596-3167
- Email: mcochran025@gmail.com
- Instagram: m.k.y.l.a
Image Credit:
Caitriana Evanson, Robbie Howe, BIGBABYGUCCI, and Isaiah Brooks
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