Life and Work with McKenzie Ellis

Today we’d like to introduce you to McKenzie Ellis.

McKenzie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My story starts in 2014 when I became a mom! I had my son when I was 21 years old & being a young mom, I just never really felt like I had a place. I was the only one of my friends who had a baby, I wasn’t going out like everyone else, I was at home with my baby & working! Working was the hardest part! I hated having to leave my son every day but I couldn’t find something that made it easy to work from home with him. Fast forward to July 2018, we welcomed our daughter into the world. I tried to go back to work but something was missing. I knew I needed to find something I could do from home. I tried an at home business but I didn’t feel like I was apart of anything. I just felt stuck! At the beginning of this year, one of my best friends joined a company that gave her the freedom to own her own online boutique on her schedule! I knew that this was my answer. In February of this year, I started Maverick the Collection with Kenzie Ellis.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road but are they ever really smooth? Most of my life, I’ve struggled with an eating disorder and depression/anxiety. None of those things are fun or easy to deal with but they’ve given me the motivation to become more. I didn’t want my struggles to define who I am! The only advice I could give younger women is: don’t let other people & their opinions define who you are or your life! No matter where you are in your life or what you are doing, there are always going to be people who don’t agree with you or who don’t like you, it’s OK. Just stay focused on YOU & use those people as motivation!

Please tell us about Maverick the Collection.
Being apart of Maverick is so unique and fun! I specialize in styling and love helping my customers pick their new favorite styles. I love the freedom Maverick has given me to meet new people & connect with women who love fashion.

As far as being proud, I’m proud of starting out with a small company and watching it grow. I’m proud that I’m part of a company that is helping build women’s confidence through clothing! I’m part of a company, more like a family, full of women from all over the country, who constantly build each other up. It’s amazing to finally feel like I belong and am doing what I’m supposed to be doing.

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
My advice for networking in general is, don’t let your fears stop you! Don’t be afraid to ask questions or talk to someone you normally wouldn’t talk too. Put yourself out there & advocate for yourself always.

The thing that’s worked well for me is just not letting my fears stop me from doing something. I have awful social anxiety but this business has helped me overcome so much of that.

Be consistent. Even on the days, you don’t feel like showing up, still show up! Share your struggles on your bad days & share your victories on your best days.

Contact Info:

• Website: kenzieellis.maverickthecollection.com
• Email: maviekenzieellis@gmail.com
• Instagram: maverick_kenzie.ellis
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/MaverickTheCollectionKenzieEllis/

Image Credit:
Ciera Kay Photography

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