Life & Work with MaKayla Raye

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

Hi MaKayla, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started content creation on YouTube back in 2011. I was only 11 years old and found YouTube a fun, creative outlet. I made beauty and fashion videos (What’s in my purse, makeup tutorials, Lookbooks, etc.).

I honestly just enjoyed being on camera and editing; the entire process was just exciting to me. I wasn’t as consistent with my channel until 2020, the same year I started my jewelry business (Lovely Lu). I began documenting my journey as an entrepreneur, and my audience grew quickly.

I loved sharing my advice with others about starting a business. It was also a great way to build brand awareness and community for my line. Before, I did YouTube as a hobby and never imagined I’d be able to get paid for making content I love. A year later, I was able to monetize my channel and start working with brands as a creative. Now here we are in 2022. I’m continuing to grow my channel and other social platforms. I’ve worked with more brands and have opportunities approaching me weekly!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a smooth road?
This hasn’t been a smooth road for me. I think the biggest struggle I’ve dealt with more recently is a comparison and getting into my head that maybe my content isn’t good enough or I’m not growing fast enough. As I said, I’ve been doing this since I was 11, yet I kept going because it’s something I’m passionate about and have been all this time. I’m just now starting to see my efforts pay off, and I know if I keep pushing through the struggles, I’ll be where I want and more.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an entrepreneur and content creator. I specialize in fashion, business, and lifestyle content. On my social media accounts, I share a lot of moments in my life, my love for fashion, and productive/motivational content. My YouTube channel documents more of my life as a business owner. I have my jewelry line Lovely Lu, and I use YouTube to share business tips. I also have a podcast called Her Mōtive for female creatives/entrepreneurs that discusses self-care, mindset, productivity, and more. I believe what sets me apart is that majority of my audience is someone who is like me. A 20-something-year-old female, trying to grow a brand, someone multi-passionate, a woman of color, and just trying to navigate life. I try to be real and open with my audience about the struggles of entrepreneurship, trying new things, and going after what feels right. I try to be relatable, and while doing so, I love a good aesthetic and creating content pleasing to the eye.

What’s next?
Now I’m just trying to grow my business and continue doing things that feel right to me. I’m slowly creating more personal content on my YouTube channel so my audience connects with me more personally.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makayla.rayye/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMJVAmt_CxhE44aqlRnSFPg
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@makayla.rayye?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc