We had the good fortune of connecting with Makayla Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Makayla, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Over time, my balance has changed tremendously. When I originally started by business I was a college student, so my schedule was always the same and pretty flexible. Now that I have graduated and I now have a full time job, balancing my photography business with my job is a bit more difficult but I manage. I think having to balance my full time job with my own business as well as a social life is actually beneficial in the long run. It forces me to be very organized in all aspects of my life and that results in always being on my A-game.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what I am most proud of the progression I see in my work as well myself as an artist. I’m really excited about the projects I have in store in the coming months and seeing where my work will take me next. I got to where I am today by being persistent and never giving up on myself. It was far from easy, but I think every artist has those moments where they are discouraged. I think the best way to overcome the adversity both in the world and within yourself is to remember why you started in the first place, and to remember how what you do makes you feel on the inside. What I’ve learned along the way is that while I can be my biggest fan, I can also be my biggest downfall. Staying in my own lane is what will get me to where I want to be, not comparing myself to others. I think what I want the world to know about my brand is that where I am now is only the beginning.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well I was born and raised in and around Atlanta, Georgia, so we would first go to a nice brunch spot in the city. Then maybe visit a couple hotspots like Little Five Points and go take pictures around Piedmont Park. Grab some lunch at this really good Ramen bar in Ponce City Market and then a good movie because who doesn’t love a good movie? I think a good night cap would be a girl’s night in with wine and pizza and our favorite snacks to just catch up and enjoy each other’s company.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a shoutout to my high school Audio Video and Technology teacher Mr. Rooks. He gave me so much freedom to really explore in that class and it really jumpstarted my desire to fully pursue photography. I also want to give a shoutout to Jarrod and Nandi from The Juice Live. They were the first people in college to really see the potential in me in college. They really helped get me outside of my shell and I’ll always appreciate them for that. And last but not least my parents! They are the ones that pick me up when I’m down and keep pushing me to never stop. I don’t know where I’d be without them.
Website: kaysnapped.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaysnapped/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/millermakayla/
Twitter: twitter.com/kaysnapped/