Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikayla McGee.
Mikayla, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been dancing my entire life, but put it to the side when I got heavily into the sales industry in college. After moving up the ladder a bit, I soon realized that corporate life may not have been exactly what I wanted. After struggling with the fear of falling on my face, I started Body Bronzer, a small mobile airbrush tanning company. I still had some clients from my tanning days, so I started those at night while I worked. The next year I decided I wanted to start dancing again. REALLY dancing. I started teaching a couple kids classes a week, and got certified in the Vixen Workout, a class I had become obsessed with while dancing in NYC. Fast forward 3 years and I have been out of the corporate world, and spend my days working with kids, and my nights helping women feel good about themselves! We have had over 200 #vixenarmyatl recruits, and won Best Dance Fitness Class in Atlanta 2017 by Atlanta Magazine.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely had its ups and downs. I think I have had as smooth a road as possible for the route and industries I have chosen. I have learned so much about myself and others. One of the biggest struggles for me was having the confidence to take the leap to actually go out on my own. A lot of people do not understand this lifestyle, especially in struggling times. I have been asked so many times when I am going to get a real job, or how long do I think my body will be able to dance like I do now? Making sure to have people in my corner who understood the vision I had for my life was essential. As somewhat of a perfectionist in business, anytime things went slightly wrong, I feared it was the end. However, over time I found that usually things are either REALLY good or REALLY slow, and have learned to use those slow times to BREATHE.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Vixen Workout / Body Bronzer LLC story. Tell us more about the business.
Body Bronzer Airbrush Tanning is my company. I specialize in event tanning and fitness contouring. My business is fully concierge; 24/7 appointments available, mobile service almost anywhere in Atlanta. With over 10 years in this industry, I have pretty much seen it all and can troubleshoot any tanning issues. I strive to make sure my clients look natural, but have a bronze glow that makes them feel fab! I love seeing a client’s initial reaction upon viewing their tan; they always feel and immediate confidence boost, which is most rewarding for me.
The Vixen Workout originated in Miami, but I brought it to Atlanta just over 2 years ago and am Phase 3 Certified Instructor. It is a dance fitness class that uses lighting, killer moves, amazing mixes, and an awesome community to give you what is sure to be your favorite version of cardio. With the Vixen Workout, my #vixenarmyatl classes are known not only for leaving you drenched in sweat (usually burning about 1k calories a class!), but our environment is one of the most uplifting and welcoming. My class not only focuses on your physical benefits of working out, but the mental aspects of a women feeling good about herself, feeling sassy, and having a safe, empowering space to let loose. I have had clients tell me so many different ways it helps their lives; that the class has made them come to love themselves more, being confident enough to speak up for themselves in professional settings, helping their intimate relationships, and even making them feel safer living alone. I never knew the impact a spray tan or a workout class could have until I witnessed it. I am so proud to have built a life around helping women look and feel their best in all areas of their life.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I think everyone has some good and bad luck, but I think mostly your “luck” has to do with how gutsy you are willing to be. I’ve definitely had bad luck. For instance, the 85 bridge! The studio I teach at was pretty much right under it which was bad luck!! But, I think you can help counteract bad luck by helping create your good luck. My best “luck” has been when I throw myself out there and be as real as possible. For example, I had always held off from contacting a certain venue to teach because I knew it would be too expensive to even ask. One day I felt curious and wanted to know just how expensive it would be. After hearing my proposal, they thought it would be great marketing for them and decided to not even charge me to let me teach there! That was one of my luckiest gigs! I think if you are passionate and believe in what you do, you can create great luck. Just don’t be scared to put yourself out there!
Pricing:
- Vixen Workout at Atlanta Dance and Music Academy 10 classes for $120; Single class is $15
- Interfusion Fitness New Clients 4/$40
- Single spray tan is $50, which includes mobile service to them!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alicemikayla.com
- Phone: 4043868813
- Email: mikaylamcgee404@gmail.com
- Instagram: @vixenarmyadma @mikaylam7
- Facebook: VixenWorkout ADMA
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.
