Conversations with the Inspiring Makiah Green

Today we’d like to introduce you to Makiah Green.

Makiah, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up, my father always brought his camera everywhere we went. Through him, I’ve been able to connect to the place I was born (Okinawa, Japan), reminisce on past sports events, and celebrations that have occurred over the years. His relationship with his camera encouraged me to pick up one as well. Instead of getting into photography, I got into videography. I would record random moments with my childhood friends, track meets, and then I eventually got into documenting my life. This became an essential part of my YouTube journey when I decided to move from the state of Maryland to Arizona. I did it in the name of love; I thought of moving across the country to live with my then boyfriend would be a great storyline. We didn’t work out but after that, I decided to join the military. I knew I was ready to live on my own, the military seemed like the quickest way to leave the nest for good. As I prepared to join, I began documenting my life again – a new chapter. Viewers became very interested in my military processing experience because of the obstacles I faced. They became even more interested when I finally swore in and became a United States Air Force member. After making multiple videos about the military for new Airman, I decided to switch up my content. I’ve always had a personality and now it was the time to show it – some of my viewers knew that since my “Vine” app days. Transitioning from informational videos to entertainment videos came naturally to me. I still include military related videos from time to time but now, I just respond to military based questions via e-mail. Doing entertaining videos has allowed me to reach 7,400 subscribers. One day, I hope to have 100,000 subscribers. I know continuing to be myself and consistently uploading will do the trick!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s never been a smooth road for me but that just makes me value everything I’ve accomplished and obtained even more. Through heartbreak, denials, and missed opportunities, I have grown to view any obstacle that comes my way as a motivator. My biggest break up really hurt me because the relationship was the only thing I knew I wanted at the time. I wasn’t committed to anything else; I was too indecisive to commit to anything. That break up forced me to start putting all my energy into myself – instead of someone else. It also reminded me to push myself to become more focused overall. I realized I needed to start setting goals and zoning into my interest. As mentioned, my military process has been somewhat rough. From lost paperwork to my recruiter leaving the country for vacation and not telling me – it’s been a wild ride. Since then, I’ve been promoted six months earlier than expected. I also have another promotion opportunity coming up soon! I’d advise young women to put themselves first. Make yourself a priority and everything else will follow close behind – relationships, opportunities, and more!

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I like to tell people I have two fields of work. In the Air Force, I’m an Aircraft Armament Systems member. Then there’s YouTube. As a “Weapons” troop, I work on the weapons systems of F-16s. On YouTube, I’m an entertainer. My main career is pretty physical. We lift, we work outside in the elements, we work in tight spaces at times, the nature of the job definitely varies. As a YouTuber, I usually focus on pushing out content and networking with other creators. I am proud of how well I’ve been able to balance both. My friends always question me about my time management. I believe making time for what I want sets me apart from others. I don’t make excuses and I’m never one to complain.

For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
I feel as though women are well-suited for any position they put their minds to. I’m not one to put people in a box, including myself. With the right mindset, anything can be accomplished. Dedication and hard work have never stirred anyone wrong.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.youtube.com/user/kiah43
• Email: makiah.g13@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiah_thedoll/
• Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/kiah_thedoll

  Image Credit:
KG Shots, That Boi Good Photo, Makiah Green

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