An Inspired Chat with Makayla Miller of Midtown

Makayla Miller shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Makayla, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
This is a really great question. I believe I’m always walking a path. One of my favorite sayings is “God orders my steps, I just walk in them”, and I feel like I resonate with it so much. I truly believe God is with me with every step I take along this journey called life, but at the same time I sometimes find myself looking up wondering how I got here and where I am going. So yes I do think I’m wandering, but wandering on a path already paved for me. Just finding my footing.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Makayla, but I’m widely known as Kay. I’m a freelance photographer by day and a production assistant for a local news station by night. What makes my day to day interesting is that I have the best of both worlds working in corporate America while having a business of my own. Right now I’m working on rebranding my business KaySnapped Photography and taking it in a new direction. I’m also pursuing my masters as well as learning Spanish and sign language in my spare time.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
The person that saw me clearly before I could completely see myself is my dad. When I was younger I remember him telling how strong I am and truly pouring into me and what I’m capable of. I’m so thankful to have had that kind of relationship with him and reassurance growing because it’s what fueled how I carry myself today.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh absolutely. Trying to advance within my career has been more challenging than I expected and working to level up all while running a business can be daunting and at times discouraging. I was at a point where I was willing to leave the industry and just get a regular 9-5 sitting at someone’s desk no matter how much I knew I would hate it. But one day a friend of mine poured into me and told me how much I give them hope because I never gave up on the dream. That completely changed my perspective and encouraged me to keep going because it’s bigger than me.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I think this is a loaded question because public to me is anywhere outside my home, and public is an umbrella of a term. When I’m in public I could be at work, outside with my friends, on a date, doing a photoshoot or solo in my own world. And though I’m the same Makayla and my authentic self in all scenarios, I know I put on a different face for each of them. I think we all do unconsciously this. But whatever Makayla I am in any situation is the real me

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I think I feel most at peace when I’m doing throngs that feed my soul. Like when I’m editing a shoot, music playing and I’m locked in watching my art come to life. Or when I’m sitting in the sauna at the gym reading my book because that’s my one moment of peace and quiet for the day. And oddly enough when I’m doing my makeup and I’m not in a rush. I think the things that bring me the most peace are moments when I can slow down and take a pause. I’m someone that is always on the go or working or trying to get to the next thing, so those moments of pause are my most peaceful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kaysnapped.com/
• Instagram: KaySnapped
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/millermakayla/

Image Credits
Personal photo taken by Trenton Steele