We recently connected with Maki Welton and have shared our conversation below.

Maki, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Since I was a kid, I’ve always carried a deep passion for acting. I wasn’t the type to get excited over roller coasters or carnival food. For me, the highlight of going to Universal Studios was the tram tour. I was obsessed with seeing behind the scenes, getting a glimpse of how magic was made, and imagining myself in that world one day. One of the most defining moments for me was seeing my mom on TV when I was three years old, it felt larger than life and incredibly personal at the same time. From then on, I knew I wanted to make people feel something through a screen.

When I got to college, I entered as a theater major. But I still remember the drive to my first day, my mom told me flat-out that I was basically going to school for nothing. That stuck with me. By the end of the semester, I changed my major to Communication Studies and eventually added Political Science, double majoring to set myself up for a more “secure” path. But after graduation, I came to a realization: the only voice I should truly follow is my own.

Throughout my journey, I’ve faced doubt from friends, family, and even myself at times. But all of that only fueled me more. It pushed me to work harder, stay grounded in my faith, and believe that my purpose is bigger than any fear or opinion. My goal has always been to make an impact and to inspire others to chase their version of success, not the one someone else imagines for them.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a content creator, on-camera personality, and rising talent in the entertainment industry with a background that bridges lifestyle storytelling, digital influence, and television production. Over the past six years, I’ve built a career creating relatable, heartfelt, and high-quality content that centers around family, relationships, and everyday moments. I believe my unique twist of humor, honesty, and realness resonates deeply with my audience.

I got my start in the industry behind the scenes, working as a CBS page. That experience taught me how TV magic is made, how to pitch strong ideas, and how to move with precision and professionalism in fast-paced environments. Eventually, that experience and my natural comfort in front of the camera pushed me to step into the spotlight and start creating content of my own.

Since then, I’ve worked with brands like Amazon, McDonald’s, El Pollo Loco, and Complex. My content has garnered over 52 million views across platforms, and in the last month alone, I’ve reached over 2.4 million in engagement on Instagram. I’ve built a loyal community across social media that keeps showing up because they connect with my authenticity and creative storytelling.

What sets me apart is my ability to make people feel something—whether it’s laughter, nostalgia, inspiration, or comfort. I believe that the most powerful content makes you feel like you’re part of something. That’s what I aim to do with everything I post: make my audience feel seen.

Right now, my work focuses heavily on lifestyle, relationships, and family-based storytelling. My girlfriend and I recently moved in together and have started building more content as a couple, sharing real glimpses of our life and love with our community. I’m also expanding into TV again, filming with popular reality shows like Basketball Wives, and developing ideas that merge entertainment and culture in fresh, funny, and impactful ways.

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come without cutting corners or trying to be someone I’m not. I’ve stayed true to my voice, and it’s created real opportunities and connections. I want fans, followers, and future collaborators to know that when you work with me, you’re not just getting a content creator or influencer, you’re getting a partner who’s invested in making meaningful, memorable work.

Whether it’s a 15-second skit, a branded partnership, or a larger campaign, I’m all about telling stories that matter. That’s the heart of my brand. That’s Maki Welton.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think what people tend to forget is that there’s so much more than meets the eye. Every encounter, every event, every post matters. What you see on your screen might look effortless, but behind the scenes, there’s strategy, intention, and often, a lot of unseen effort and emotional energy.

Being a creative isn’t just about talent. It’s about showing up, even when you’re not inspired. It’s about managing your own brand, learning algorithms, storytelling, editing, promoting, and networking. Above all, it’s about being consistent, TO AN EXTENT. That’s the one thing that separates people who make it from those who don’t.

Also, something I’ve learned and value deeply: collaborate with people who are working just as hard as you. Not just the biggest names, but the ones grinding behind the scenes, building something real. When you align with other creatives who are hungry and intentional, you grow together. You create energy that people can feel.

So yeah, what people see is the final product. But the journey? That’s layers of passion, pressure, persistence, and partnership.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Coming into this industry, especially being young and Black, I felt like I had to be everywhere, say yes to everything, and carry every opportunity on my back just to be seen. That mindset got me in some rooms, but it also burned me out. It made me feel like if I wasn’t constantly “on” or producing, I was falling behind.

The turning point was realizing that the real magic in my work. Whether it’s a TikTok skit, a campaign, or a reality TV moment, it comes from when I’m rested, centered, and aligned with my purpose. Now, I prioritize clarity over chaos. I don’t chase every trend. I create from a place of truth, and that shift has not only improved the quality of my content, but the quality of my life.

To anyone reading this who feels like they have to grind themselves down to make it, you do, but I promise the best version of your work will come when you start treating your peace like it’s part of the process.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makiwelton
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makiwelton/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@makiwelton
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@makiwelton