Today we’d like to introduce you to Makayla Foster.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In November of 2015, a sophomore at Texas Southern University, I decided that I was tired of feeling like I was allowing myself to stay in the same place, both physically and mentally. I wanted to do more, even if it was something simple, and “more,” at the time, meant writing. On November 4th, I created my first free blog through WordPress and started writing my heart out to whoever would listen.
At the time, I didn’t think my voice was loud enough, online, for my presence to be felt and a lasting impression to be made. The burning desire to create something I could’ve benefited from as a young teen was searing its way through my daily routine. Eventually, this free blog blew up within my Facebook friend group and manifested its way into a self-hosted college blog by February of 2016. One month later, as I’m discovering the depths of what’s possible as a blogger, I decided to cut my hair. Not just two snips, oh no. I did the ultimate “big chop,” and filmed the entire experience for my, still new, YouTube channel. By the summer of 2016, nearing Junior year in college, I had surpassed 1K subscribers on YouTube, 20K views on my Big Chop video, writing for a monthly audience of 5K, and working with brands to bring reviews and micro-influencer content to my socials.
Although numbers have doubled and tripled leading up to 2020, I am still just as in love with creating content online as I was in 2016. Now, with a new full-time job working for my dream institution and an added ambitious goal of launching a new podcast, the stress has become a badge of honor that my gratitude is strong enough to keep at bay.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The journey to my “now” has been the most tumultuous telenovela to date. Not only was I a typical shy/sensitive college student reinventing herself within the streets of 3rd Ward, Houston, but I was too ambitious for my resources (at the time). I’ve always wanted more, within reason, and have continuously worked to surpass goals that were uncharted territory within my immediate family and friend group.
With that said, life became difficult without a roadmap. I started caring about numbers and money, right when YouTube dropped the new partnership requirements that I, unfortunately, no longer qualified for. That financial focus killed my creative drive, and I realized what real “burnout” was capable of. I was unmotivated, and the stress of college life weighed heavier. Then, on May 11th, 2018, I was officially the quintessential unemployed college graduate, moving in with family because of a lack of funds. I spent six months job-hunting and eight months working a part-time job, until recently. That specific journey humbled every cell in my body, and the daily doubt only subsided once I accepted an offer to work with the University of Texas at Austin six weeks ago.
Although there’s a tank of advice housed in the depths of my long term memory, all I know to say is to ‘refuse the negative its oxygen.’ Refuse to focus on something you know is the murderer of your dreams, and refuse to stop creating, as long as it’s something that makes you happy. Refuse everything that halts progress, because progress is action, and action is what drives our daily lives. Keep moving, and be that attitude-ridden “#boss” that refuses to tell herself/himself “no.” I dare you (as I dare myself).
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about TheMakaylaLynn – what should we know?
There’s an itch to claim to be an “influencer,” but that would be a lie. I have not worked with a brand/company in months and decided that my future would be very calculated when it came to “influencing” people. I want to teach and expose myself for the sake of bringing people together. I am a writer. I am a blogger. I am a creator that shares her words and resources for the betterment of other creative minds.
That, to me, is what I’m known for. At the moment, I am a college and lifestyle blogger that speaks heavily on mental and physical health. I have slowly become a minimalist and holistic young woman, and want to share this new journey of mine with those who desire the same path. Alongside this adopted journey, I still cater to college students, and incoming students, especially now as an Admissions Counselor for the top institution in the state of Texas (#andioop).
Similarly, my YouTube channel houses plenty of natural hair-related videos, alongside lifestyle-based “chats,” and will continue to do so even if growth is slow and painful. Blogging is what I love, and knowing that I love to “volunteer as tribute” for another girl’s comfort helps me understand that I deserve my corner of the internet. I am not perched in a penthouse and hiring assistants to edit or market my “brand,” and I may not have millions to like a picture or recognize me in Target one afternoon, but I have myself and those that care for me. That said, what I can offer, as a result, is myself as someone to care for others. If this yields some success that aligns with other’s definitions, so be it. Right now, I feel successful doing “this” and don’t plan on stopping.
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
As a child, I was always more mature than those around me. My friends were basking in their innocence, or so I thought (#tea), but I was thinking and doing things that teenagers were exploring before I reached double digits.
To me, my maturity could’ve been an indicator as to why I love sharing my life with others, in a way that “exposes” me more-so than puts me in a “limelight.” I feel as though I’ve done more than I should have done in my short 23 years of life, and want to share those experiences with others who may find themselves in similar situations. We need to help one another out, more than we are currently, and can’t do so with the “private life” lifestyle that many claims are superior.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.themakaylalynn.com
- Email: themakaylalynn@outlook.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/themakaylalynn
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/themakaylalynn
- Other: YouTube.com/makaylalynnonyoutube
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