We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ma’kala Lee. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ma’kala below.

Ma’kala, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

“The way you do anything is the way you do everything!” This quote, whose source I unfortunately can’t recall, has deeply resonated with me and perfectly encapsulates my current approach to life. I am grateful to whoever articulated this powerful idea.

I believe it’s essential to strive for excellence consistently in all areas. By fostering a discipline rooted in integrity and character, these qualities naturally permeate every aspect of your life. Whether in professional endeavors or personal interactions, the dedication to doing your best in even the smallest tasks builds a strong foundation for overall success and fulfillment. This holistic approach ensures that excellence becomes a habit, influencing everything you do and ultimately shaping the person you become.

Ma’kala, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My passion for visual storytelling began in my childhood, I spent a significant amount of time at my Great Grandmother’s house as a child. As a bit of a maximalist, there isn’t bare wall in her home. Each wall is adorned with a gallery of photos of multiple generations of our family. But, it didn’t stop there- she also has cases of photos, albums, newspaper clippings, etc…. It’s her way of documenting our family history. As a child, I often found myself rumbling through her photos for hours on end. Some of my fondest memories are of her lively reenactments of the stories behind each photo.

This early love for capturing moments in photographs stuck with me. I was always equipped with a camera as a child, often a Kodak disposable. I naturally assumed the role as the family photographer. However, it wasn’t until later in life, when I sought a sense of “significance,” that I realized I could pursue photography professionally. Through trial and error, I discovered my lifelong passion for visual storytelling, which was deeply influenced by my Great Grandmother and a cherished family photo that I consider my heirloom.

In my work, I bring this love for storytelling to every project, crafting clear, impactful, and creative concepts. What sets me apart from other creatives is my professionalism, efficiency, collaboration, and adeptness in organization, resourcefulness, and communication. I strive to exceed the expectations of everyone who trusts me with their projects.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Referrals and word-of-mouth are my best sources of new clients. I prioritize connecting with my clients on a meaningful level and delivering services we can both be proud of. This commitment often leads to clients hiring me for multiple projects and referring me to others. It’s always a true honor to receive a call or email from a referral.

Currently, I am working on a social media marketing initiative to attract more clients. However, as a boutique firm, I limit the number of clients we take on to ensure my team can provide a dedicated and personalized experience for each project.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

My business was initially funded by my corporate career. Gradually, I invested in the necessary equipment to start operating successfully. Once I established my LLC, I was able to secure business credit and additional funding. A particularly helpful resource for learning about available support for small businesses was the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which assists with nearly every aspect of building a business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://makalalee.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themakalalee/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themakalalee/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@themakalalee

Image Credits
Makala Lee Photography Kaye McCoy Whitney Gamble