Today we’d like to introduce you to MaKayla Washington.
Thanks for sharing your story with us MaKayla. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every step. I’ve always wanted to be a model, but during my earlier years in college, I wasn’t confident in myself. I never would’ve thought that I would be the founder of a modeling organization at the University of North Texas. In 2016, I graduated from Western Hills High School and went on to pursue my Business-Entrepreneurship degree with a minor in Music at the University of North Texas. I was a part of the University Band as a clarinetist and UNT’s gospel choir called Voices of Praise. My freshman year was spent adjusting to being on my own. I’m the only child so that didn’t take long. My sophomore year picked up with me joining lots of organizations on campus. I joined one called Women in Business, and it taught me about leadership, success, and perseverance. In Women in Business, I’ve met so many talented and conscientious individuals. I also started volunteering almost every weekend at a food pantry so I could give back to the community. My junior year was where I made an effort to find my identity. I wanted to know who I was and what I was called to do. Around this time I didn’t like my physical appearance, and I wasn’t doing well mentally. I set out to release my debut single the same year and it was called, “I’m That Girl”. I was 19, and I wanted to create music that represented me. The song is about a girl who is striving for success, and the main lyrics are, “so much success, no I’m not about to stress.” For the single cover, I did a photoshoot and enjoyed the creation process.
After the debut release of my single, I entered into a relationship, and later on, I would find out that it was toxic and unhealthy. While I was in my relationship, I began working on my appearance, going to the gym, and eating right weekly. I had great parents and friends that supported me on my lifestyle journey to better my health. I started doing more photoshoots around the Fort Worth and Dallas area. These photoshoots helped me build my confidence, and I wanted each shoot to be meaningful. Modeling is more than taking cute pictures, there’s a lot of preparation and conveying of messages that goes into it. Each shot has a story that the model must give to the viewer.
Towards the end of that year, I took the wrong path. My relationship was sinking, and I was going down with it. I saw the red flags but I ignored them. In 2019, I came to the realization that I was in an abusive relationship. At first, it was manipulation, and verbal abuse, then it grew to me having mental breakdowns, and towards the end of the relationship, it was physical. I was at my lowest when I thought about committing suicide in the car one night. I wasn’t myself, and the MaKayla I know would never give her life up over someone who’s manipulative. I lost myself and my dignity, but I fought my way out of the darkness. I have so much to live for and I’ve always wanted to help others get through tough times. During this time, I stopped creating my own music because I was distracted.
This summer, I realized that I was a brand new me, and I liked it. The new MaKayla was focused, determined, and ready for the future. I lost up to 30 pounds, and I gained confidence in return. I started getting more modeling gigs because I networked and stepped out of my comfort zone to create. I was proud of myself, but deep down, I knew I had to leave my relationship because it was holding me back, and there was no support or love there. My real supporters never talked down on my craft, joked about my inspirations, or left me in the wind when I needed support. My family and friends were always there and I thank them for that. At the start of my Senior year, I was helping my aunts run their wine company called Blount Wine Therapy. They made me the project manager for their company. I help them keep their social media up-to-date and promote their products from time-to-time. I also started making music again at this time, and I plan on releasing my debut EP soon. The EP will discuss what I faced in my relationship, and how I moved forward. Early on in the semester, I had a moment to myself to reflect, and at this moment I thought, “I’m an entrepreneur but I have not created anything to help the UNT campus.” Entrepreneurs solve problems and give back. The problem at UNT was that there are so many creative models, photographers, stylists, and makeup artists, but they don’t have an organization catering to their needs. This is where I came up with POSE.
POSE is a modeling organization for UNT students. This organization helps models of all types collaborate with photographers, stylists, and makeup artists to create content. When I entered the modeling world I was shy, because I thought I wasn’t tall enough. Also, at that time, I wasn’t comfortable in my own skin. I want to help others get over their fear of feeling like they’re not good enough. You are more than enough and always work hard to shine. God has helped me overcome my obstacles. Even when I was at my lowest, I prayed and I got through it. When you take care of yourself and stay focused anything is possible. With POSE, I hope to create an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable to be themselves and to create the best content they can. Meetings will be bi-weekly and we plan on having guest speakers from the industry come out, two workshops, a social, and fundraiser. Our first meeting will be held towards the beginning of next semester at the University of North Texas. Thank you for the support, and thank you to my parents for motivating and inspiring me.
Has it been a smooth road?
Most dreams come at a heavy price. I sacrificed a lot to get where I am today. At four in the morning the average person is sleeping, but not me. On a Friday night, most people will find themselves among friends or at the club, but I, unfortunately, don’t have time for that right now. There are only so many hours in a day, and most of my hours go to work. I’ll more than likely be up working on something of value early in the morning, or on a Friday night. As a college student, there are lots of obstacles that you’ll face. Getting this organization started seemed like another homework task of mine. I fight the urge to procrastinate, and I make sure I’m giving my all. Setting up an organization requires preparation, time, and commitment. I had to create a constitution, contracts, rules, fundraising ideas, and more. The process of getting the organization registered was tedious, and it took patience on my part. I’m currently working on getting shirts made, finances, and campus recruitment. We’re still new so I expect challenges to keep coming my way, but I know I can overcome any obstacle. Getting this organization started required team effort. My friend who is also the vice president of the organization has been a huge help. Our advisor is also helping and giving us great feedback as we continue to build POSE.
We’d love to hear more about your organization.
POSE is a modeling organization at the University of North Texas. This modeling organization caters to models of all types, photographers, stylists, and makeup artists. We aim to create an inspiring atmosphere where everyone can create amazing work. When I entered the modeling industry, I initially didn’t know where to start. I didn’t have connections to the industry so I went out of my way to network and collaborate. POSE helps creatives in the modeling and fashion industry get connected. You will learn more about the industry, and you will get a chance to work with other creatives. We will bring in people from the industry to speak to UNT creatives. We also plan on having workshops, a social, fundraiser, and modeling opportunities made available to dedicated members. We are different because we don’t set a limit on representation among models or with our creativity. We showcase a learning and fun environment for all.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I believe DFW metroplex is a great place for our organization. Specifically, at UNT, there is so much talent unseen. All you have to do is take a stroll on the UNT campus, and you’ll see what I’m talking about. The same goes for major cities like Dallas and Fort Worth. The talent is unreal. Some of my best work was taken in those cities. For someone starting out these are great locations. Network and use what’s available to you. Don’t take major cities like Dallas and Fort Worth for granted.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://makayla.pb.gallery/
- Email: untpose@gmail.com
- Instagram: @itsme_makayla @unt_pose
- Twitter: @itsme_makayla @untpose
Image Credit:
Kristianna Davied, Simone Marie, Adriana Medina
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