We were lucky to catch up with Mikayla Edgeworth Moody recently and have shared our conversation below.
Mikayla , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
As I reflect on my life, I realize that risk and I are good friends. I’ve always been someone who isn’t afraid to step out of my comfort zone. I embrace adventure, curiosity, and new experiences. One memorable moment that significantly shaped my journey was when I decided to move to Houston, Texas. Let me set the scene for you. It’s 2019, and I just moved back home after a previous move to Los Angeles. That was my first time taking a big step upon graduating college and leaving my hometown to chase my dreams of working in the film industry as a producer and director. Unfortunately, my dreams were short-lived, and I eventually had to make the difficult decision to return home. You can imagine the devastation and embarrassment I felt when I had to tell my friends and family that I was moving back for good. I felt like a complete failure and was lost about my next steps and where my life was headed. However, I soon settled back home and landed a great job as a Production Coordinator for a well-known media company, still working in my chosen career field. I would say my time back home was purposeful, and I was able to continue pursuing my career. But deep down, I knew there was more to my story, and it didn’t involve living at home in Maryland.
After spending some weeks in Houston, I absolutely fell in love with the city. My contract with my job was ending, and I knew this was a window of opportunity for me to start over. However, fear and worry quickly entered my mind. You could say I felt that playing it safe would be the smarter move, especially since I had previously tried taking a risk and ended up back where I started. Deep down, though, I knew I wouldn’t be happy. Despite having amazing support at home, I realized that it would act as a crutch for my full development into the person I wanted to become. I believed the biggest risk was taking action again after already experiencing “failure”. After much prayer, I finally received the confirmation I needed to move forward. I packed my Toyota Camry with just the essentials and drove from Maryland to Houston. To this day, that was the best decision I ever made. What I didn’t know at the time was that this choice would catapult me into the woman I am today, and my life quickly evolved for the better. I married my high school sweetheart, we welcomed our first child into the world, and we recently became homeowners. I learned the importance of resilience and not giving up on myself, even when my original plans don’t work out. It’s essential to keep moving forward because you only experience failure when you stop trying. Everything else is just a lesson and a chapter in your ever-evolving story, so continue to build it.
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 like to say I am a full-fledged creative who can easily switch between different roles and avenues. I practically grew up in the arts. I was that theater kid who loved every aspect of putting on a production, from the creative development to lighting and choreography. You name it; I’ve had my hands in every part. My journey began when my mom signed me up for a performing arts program in elementary school, which ignited my passion for the arts, and I’ve only continued to grow from there. After earning my degree in Media Production and Film, I decided to pursue my career in TV/ Film Production as a producer, director, and creative director. At the time, photography seemed like an easy, tangible thing to do while I was pursuing the position I wanted. I viewed it as an opportunity to develop the skills I’ve learned in school and get my name out there; it ended up taking a path of its own. Seven years later, my business,
Through M.E Lens, has evolved significantly from that post-grad period when I was just trying to figure things out.
Through M.E. Lens, elevate brands and businesses through compelling storytelling and strategic planning. Our goal is to alleviate the stresses associated with building and maintaining a brand. We cater to service providers, entrepreneurs, and business owners, ranging from startups to seasoned professionals. We provide a range of services, including brand photography and videography, social media support, brand development, and educational workshops. Our workshops focus on teaching business owners how to develop their business structures and implement strategic social branding to generate leads and convert followers into sales.
My business has significantly evolved over the years. I believe it is essential to make necessary changes to better serve and address the problems faced by business owners today. I recognize the importance of social media and understand how crucial it is to establish a strong brand presence. Through M.E. Lens offers the support you need as a busy owner who may not have the time to be hands-on. You give us the vision. We clarify the vision and provide clear, actionable steps to help you execute.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Rest is not an option; it is an essential part of the process of growth and development. I found this lesson difficult to accept at first, but I truly experienced it recently when I stepped away from my business for two years. Although the timing wasn’t ideal, it was necessary. During this time, I became a mother, which gave me significant perspective and clarity about the direction of my business and my identity as a business owner. I prioritized my personal development, which is vital for where I am heading.
We often equate busyness with productivity, but moving without a clear direction or purpose can lead to walking in circles and feeling lost. It’s important to take the time to sit, inhale, celebrate your wins, and be present with your family and loved ones. Sometimes, we need to step outside the rat race for a moment and truly live. This is what the past two years have meant to me. As I prepare for my return in 2026, I can confidently say that I have gained a deeper understanding of myself and as an owner. I am clear on what I bring to the table and what I provide to this market. I am returning more confident than ever, with renewed focus and excitement to serve.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
What drives me is simple: serving others, stewarding my gifts, and moving with integrity and light. I have always understood that my talents and gifts are not truly mine; they were graciously given to me by God, and I have a responsibility to use them wisely. My mission is clear: to serve others and remind them of the amazing talents and gifts bestowed upon them. Your visions and ideas matter and were given to you for a reason. I want to help bring those visions to fruition while spreading positivity and light. My goal is to uplift and support beyond business, to be a special encounter that ignites a spark in people to keep going. Because I too know the journey it takes to follow your dreams and carry out vision.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @throughmelens | @mikayla.edgeworth
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikaylaedgeworth
