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

Makayla, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Being that I’m a Passionate creative I believe that I invite other passionate projects into my life. The most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is honestly when the client and or creative shares their passion for whatever we are creating. I’ve done hair for the elderly , disabled , celebrity and day to day people and out of them all its fulfilling and meaningful when you’re able to make that person happy . not who can pay the most but show their appreciation by seeing your passion connected to the purpose of that specific connection.

As for creative projects I’ve worked on so many that has true purpose and meaning it just feels like I was supposed to be apart of it and share my light .

Makayla, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

From young I was always creative and a problem solver. doing hair runs in my family so that came naturally but I knew that I wanted I different trajectory from what I seen or was used to. being in high school always petitioning to do someones hair in the locker room from working at NYU hospital doing nurses hair in the locker room , I realized this is something that I seriously need to sow into. my grandmother shares with me that her eldest sister was the same, always petitioning to do someone’s hair and encouraged my mother and aunts to attend hair school so they can work in her salon. knowing that now it just seems way more connected. I attended hair school as well but my solitude practice and experience expanded my craft and creativity. A few years after hair school I had the opportunity to work alongside Creative directors , artist , stylist , designers and apprentice for them not knowing it would expand me not just as a hairstylist but a creative artist!. Currently in 2025 I’ve been able to chisel away the hairstylist box ands just simply be a creative . Now I make music which also runs in my family and thats been so fulfilling to my artistry , my artist name is Oriea Reign. I’m Launching my clothing brand this spring/summer Xochitl pronounced (so chill) a lifestyle brand from shoes clothes to accessories . I’m a creative director and putting together sets for music videos / and redefining my hair brand sense of spyce not just for hair but overall beauty with a Spicy edge !
Building a discipline required for each trade isn’t easy because at times we run towards what we seen or used to but its a daily reminder to embrace the new and glean towards your craft daily. honestly I forget at times all I can do until I feel unfulfilled and realize why!
The problems I solve for my clients is boosting their confidence by letting them know they are truly one of a kind, I love to see their full sense of self come to life and to see that expressed in their hair ,clothes and music they listen to and not seeing anyone else on them but them. and I know they feel that too !
what sets me apart is my Care, my passion and my unique design to cater to women. I love to truly connect with my clients because its gives me a better sense on how to serve them and thats honestly a blessing.
I’m most proud of the projects that encourage me to grow out my comfort zone. to expand in all that im doing I didn’t think I would see it in my 20s , maybe my 40s but didn’t think It can all happen now. tapping into that balance so I’m not overwhelmed.
Most of all I want people to know not To define me by hair, I’m just your favorite homegirl that can do hair and will get you feeling your best which is why I do what I do . but I am a flower child that keeps on growing and sowing into all I’m purposed for . when it comes to doing hair . making clothes and making music I want people to feel a sense of them by connecting with me . entering a portal of good vibes and sharing light and love . that is my true essence . sense of spyce is more my edgier side . music is my more vulnerable side , clothing is my expressive state . different alterations of me to share :)

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

After attending hair school I was fully booked with clients day in and day out. I worked relentlessly trying to achieve this unknown goal that got me to places but not fulfilling ones. in 2021 I made the choice to leave working in the salon to work on myself because I didn’t like how That amount of work was making me become someone I didn’t like. I moved to La and in that place I felt like I can do more of what I wanted . things that made me happy and told myself that is what I would lean more into . overall that made me being a better person and better at my craft. changing my routines I had to create new habits and remind myself to not slip into the mundane or the rat race but go at my own pace. From working 7 days a week in a salon to a free flow life of booking photoshoots , music videos , tv Gigs and creative projects felt more meaningful to my purpose . yes I viewed the past as ideal when things got hard but reminded myself I’m currently in the motions and in the process of embracing the new into my life contingent on the right attitude. With that being said I started working at a salon in LA but was in and out I would only work 2-3 months at a time and freelanced full-time again . that same feeling keeps reappearing every time I go back ,reminding me to continually pivot away from the old . JAN 2025 I opened up a suite in Ny my hometown thinking that was the right move. things went great @ 1st but then I ended up losing the suite due to self ambition and where I thought I should be as being a hairstylist for 8yrs . I was disappointed but humbled and then exalted by knowing that again it was misalignment. the shop/salon scene isn’t for me. its a current direction that im still pivoting from embracing the new and not the familiar.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

What can best support artists in this creative ecosystem is shifting away from popularity votes . I feel as though a lot of work spaces can give off this caste system that x’s out great talent and care. People normally go with what they know but in this progressive world doing the same things wont bring different results it begins to lack luster .embracing the next generation meant for this time not saying those that are there need to be exiled but expand the team. chipping away egos. Bigger than society because society follows the trajectory of most companies , influencers and the popular vote. I’m urging all unions, creative agencies , company photographers ,casting directors to embrace things you haven’t seen . by giving new people a chance. not gatekeeping but leaving it open even for those who don’t fit the traditional mold.

My brand Sense of Spyce is not only a hair artistry. but a creative portal to have access to hairstylist . makeup artist , directors, photographers , stylist from all ranges . true inclusivity amongst all based on talent and great character ! to bring access not just to the popular vote.

the world , this society , the people need to feel seen by the care behind the scenes.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Senseofspyce
• Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/orieareign?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacl_j5bN4qjb_wRKc6CNPp4LOERB6Ue-o896_yVgrFtQkwlxPgpBXZbhJbBrw_aem_F40sxxRKQVCbpn8Z1FgbsQ
• Youtube: Orieareign
• Soundcloud: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss08u5AaJfs&pp=ygUTb3JpZWEgcmVpZ24gb3JpZ2FtaQ%3D%3D