Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikaela Smith.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey as a creative has been quite the unexpected adventure – I never imagined that I would one day walk in a show for NYFW, I would help plan a fashion show, I would photograph the secretary of education, I would be an executive producer for a documentary, or I would have people ask me for modelling/photography advice.

Many of these experiences are honestly still catching up to me. I am proud (and shocked) with what I’ve been able to explore, the network I’ve been able to connect with, the things I now advocate for, and accomplished.

Ironically, when I was younger, my mother actually opted out of having my sister and me model as babies due to concerns about the stress involved. Although I have no memory of this decline, I find it interesting that as an introverted and observant child I gravitated towards writing, drawing, and reading which transcended into documenting my surroundings, captivated by colours, capturing family memories through photography – – I eventually found my own way into modelling.

It just goes to show that my creative career is an ever evolving journey of starting, stopping, and trying new things.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
What road is ever smooth? To say the least, it has not been a smooth road. I have been critiqued and made fun of for posting “into the void” since the social media boom. I have been called “a lot” or “extra” by strangers. As the first in my family to pursue a career in the arts, I initially faced a lack of connections and guidance. However, my determination to learn and grow has led me to a supportive community filled with models, photographers, and designers who share a commitment to diversity and inclusivity. This journey of starting and stopping has refined my intuition and eased my ego. While the modelling industry has made strides toward inclusivity, I don’t fit the traditional mould. My unique perspective and body type present additional hurdles, but they also drive me to advocate for authenticity and representation in the creative fields. It’s tough work and there are a lot of bumps along the way, but my community is really putting the “humanness” into the creative fields.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a freelance model, photographer, event coordinator, and stylist, I proudly encompass a wide range of creative roles and hats. As a model, I am focusing on bridal, commercial, and branding work, as well as runway and swimwear. I affectionately refer to myself as a C.H.A.M.P.—a Coordinator, Human, Advocate, Model, and Photographer.

What I’m most proud of is creating inclusive spaces for fellow creatives who reflect diverse identities and experiences. The last few years, I have primarily focused on finding my way as a model, and creating spaces for fellow models who look and feel like me. As a photographer, I have taken a bit of a hiatus, but occasionally do portraits, co-shoot events, or help take fresh digitals for fellow models at a discounted rate.

I may not become a world known model or photographer, but I take pride in being known as a passionate advocate within the communities I engage with. I strive to be authentic and open-minded, and I’m dedicated to helping others recognize their rights and build their true selves in an ever-evolving industry, no matter what outfit I am wearing, who I am wearing.

I foresee it happening within the year if not sooner, that I will be assisting new and fellow models with knowing their rights and building their authentic selves so they can continue the work of diversifying the modelling world.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The Covid-19 pandemic was a time of introspection and growth for me. Picking up my camera in 2021 and entering the modelling world in 2022 allowed me to express myself creatively after a period of uncertainty. During 2020, I focused on self-education, particularly in makeup, and learned to embrace the different versions of myself. While growth and change can be challenging, I rediscovered the importance of resilience and authenticity in my journey. I also have learned to not take myself so seriously and the work that I want to do be doing should be fun!

Pricing:

• Makeup Modelling: $50/hr (min 1.5 hrs) or $60 for 1 hr
• Standard Modelling: $75/hr (min 1.5 hrs) or $80 for 1 hr
• Swim/Boudoir: $150+/hr (min 2 hrs)
• Styled Shoots: $400/day (min)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mxmikaela.wixsite.com/mxedsignals/model
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/mxmikaela
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikaelalismith/
• Other: https://dot.cards/mxmikaela

Image Credits
@neatshinyowl @graphichi @illysava @kenkreator @sdg_photo57 @mikaelaliphotography @megapixelsmedia @esnelldesign @kittylintonphotography @integrityline @crunchwrap.awr