Daily Inspiration: Meet MaKayla Washington

Today we’d like to introduce you to MaKayla Washington.  

Hi MaKayla, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My big breakthrough started in college. I went off to college at The University of North Texas in 2016. My Freshman and Sophomore year was a year of me understanding how college life works. I released my first single titled, “I’m That Girl,” during this time. Mind you, I’ve been singing all my life. I was in the band in the 6th grade all the way up to my junior year in college playing the clarinet. I also played the bassoon and had private lessons for the piano. I’ve been taught by some of the greats in my eyes. A lady by the name of Dr. Nicholson was a private music instructor located in Fort Worth, Texas. I received my piano lessons and did a piano recital under her supervision around the age of 12. She has since passed, but her teachings have stuck with me still to this day. I started recording in professional studios by the age of 18. My first professional studio that I recorded in was called AOE Recording Studios.

During my junior year of college, I had an experience where I realized what I wanted and what I was capable of. I started working on my image and working out. I started to take writing music seriously. I started to network with other people that were models, musicians, and artists. During my junior year, I released some more music, walked in my first runway show as a model, and I created a modeling organization at The University of North Texas called “POSE.” During my senior year, I did another runway show, and I released my first EP titled “Serenity.” Serenity showcased a point in my life where I was low, but I found myself getting out of that low point through my faith.

I soon graduated from college with a major in Business-Entrepreneurship and a minor in Music. I’m blessed, and I’m working on new projects. I’ve started a career in Finance, and I’m starting my very own business. I have my license to officiate weddings in the state of Texas. My wedding officiant business will be coming soon. I will be releasing the name of the business and services that I will offer this year. I’m also releasing my second EP titled “No Filter” soon. This next chapter of my life is called “No Filter.” We live in a society where everyone is surrounded by filters and social media. A lot of times you can lose your true self by trying to keep up with others. Social media is full of personas and a lot of it is all a facade. I’m entering this new chapter with God and my loved ones in my corner.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Any goal that you are striving for is going to require time, consistency, and dedication. It hasn’t been a smooth road, but I’ve been enjoying the ride. Some struggles that I’ve faced were the time commitments that went into creating a music project, and creating a team while in school to establish my modeling organization. You’re also going to have people who tell you no, and that makes me grind harder. Obstacles are always going to come your way. Good things will come your way through perseverance.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The work that I produce and put out is what I’m most proud of. I sing from the heart, and I make sure I put my all into any project. My very first single that I released showed my innocence, and it also showed how I was still trying to find my voice. Year after year, my vocals started to mature and each record got better with time. I’m not trying to sound like everyone else. I’m not trying to make music that sounds good for a minute. I’m making music that will possibly last a lifetime. When you put your all into the music, the audience will feel it. Music is in my blood, and I mean that literally. I grew up singing with my grandmother, joining the choir, playing instruments, and being mesmerized by other talented musicians. I take my craft seriously and I’m hoping to touch another soul out there.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
If I’m being honest, I’ve never really believed in luck. For this question, I can say that I’ve been blessed. I believe everything happens for a reason. Through my ambition and drive, I’ve met some incredible people. Some stories that have helped me along the way pertain to some of the greats in the music world. Toni Braxton is a singer that amazes me. Her catalog is everything, and her story is also inspiring. I heard that she was recognized and discovered at a gas station. A gentleman recognized her and approached her at the station. He offered to help produce her and she accepted. After that initial offer, look at her now…a legend. Another great music legend is Biggie. The Notorious B.I.G. began rapping at a young age. He performed on the streets of New York and eventually made a demo tape that created a lot of buzz before the start of his career. I can go on and on about some more greats like Mary J. Blige, Tupac, Aretha Franklin, and more. My personal favorite is Tupac because his music always touched me, and his story is inspiring. He persevered through a lot of trials and tribulations, and he made a difference in the world. The point is, these things were bound to happen. They were in the right place at the right time. Some see it as luck (and that’s understandable), but I see it as blessings. They were focused on their true calling, and through hard-work people that helped launch their careers came knocking at their door. With this in mind, I can say that my ambition and drive has helped me meet a ton of incredible people. It starts with me and the rest follows.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://makayla.pb.gallery/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsme_makayla/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/itsme_makayla
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHe5URVYLOJpq8_VTOi7Wiw
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/makaylasmusic
• Other: https://linktr.ee/itsmemakayla 

Image Credits
Maiya Michelle
Adriana Medina
Jazmyn Ray
Monte Vae