We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Makayla Larson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Makayla below.
Makayla, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Choosing to want to pursue an entertainment career was a hectic journey. I had absolutely zero support in the beginning and my mind was just full of “what if’s”, “what if I don’t make it”, the embarrassment of pursuing your passion, and just being let down with negative comments from peers is insane. That in itself is taking a risk, you never know how it’ll all play out. Fortunately I’ve been working super hard and having this all really take off, I’ve never been happier with how things are playing out. My future is bright with this and I just have to keep working at it. I was destined for something big, and the whole world is going to know my name. Risks make you stronger. Being an entertainer, you are risking your privacy, your friends, absolutely everything changes once you jump into this career field, it is a big step. I’ve lost so many friends, had to really revamp my circle and surround myself with people who I can relate too, and people who can also motivate me.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I began in this industry with going to a modeling school to help perfect my walk and have my own signature style. From there, I started out with doing photo shoots, collaborating with other creators, all working hard to make it as well. I just kept going, walking in indie fashion shows local to me, still shooting non stop, my goal in the end was to be a name, make a name for myself, which I still am in the process of doing. I started keeping up with the gym, eating more healthier, getting my mental straight because you really have to keep those all in line when your pursuing modeling. It seems easy but this is not an easy job. I also about 5 months into modeling introduced some acting gigs into my schedule, short films and little reel videos for Facebook and Instagram. I’ve been in series for IMDB, and film fests. I now charge for my shoots , and do very limited collaborations. I model anything from lingerie to fashion. I’ve walked in Las Vegas swim week, and LA fashion shows. Next year I really want to go to a New York show. And get myself on the billboard in Times Square and be there next to it to take a photo. I am most proud of myself, truly. Before modeling, I was very depressed, stuck between a career field, I was a nail tech before this and didn’t find joy in it. Had to switch gears, I was very heartbroken from personal things, and was going through a very severe eating disorder at the time, smoking and drinking as well. I needed to really just find a passion. And I’m glad I pushed past all the things I was fighting and pursued one of my dreams. I will forever thank myself.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
One book that I really used throughout my healing journey when I was going through my eating disorder, was “life without Ed” by Jenni Schaefer. I understand this is not modeling related or anything but this book changed my sick mind. I went to therapy for my issue, and met a counselor in which I forgot her name but I will forever cherish my interactions with her. She helped me really tap into a healthier mindset. Although it took a while, I’ve really worked on my mental and my brain is somewhat more of a safe space. To where I can work on my modeling and acting/ pursue an entertainment career with a better healed brain. By thinking of my eating disorder as a unique personality separate from my own, I was able to break up completely with it.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding thing is definitely all the opportunities I’ve gotten whilst pursuing what I love. The people I’ve met along the way, I’m so glad I’ve found my passion and all these big and little opportunities give me faith to keep going. Eventually I want to model for big brands such as Versace; Dior; and Chanel.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cosmeticswithmakay.wixsite.com/makaylamechelle
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/makaylamechelle?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makayla.larson.395?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makayla-larson-b76a4b270?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: TikTok: @makaylamechelle333
Image Credits
@sophialeonphotography @randramoreproductions @intrinsic_imagery