Beyond the Runway: An Interview with Makayla Mechelle Larson
By ALEXIA
Photo by @creative_visual_images
Makayla Mechelle Larson is an up and coming model, actress, and influencer in the Phoenix area. When it comes to modeling, there’s just about no limit on what she is able to model. Makayla made a mention that she is willing to model anything from fashion to lingerie and has been quite busy recently as she was featured in a series for IMDB, featured in Las Vegas Fashion Week, Los Angeles fashion shows and so much more. When questioned about what she loves about her surrounding fashion community, she mentions: “I love the modeling, entertainment field because we all really understand each other. When I first started I had no support, the only support I had was the people I met when I first began. So, the support system we can all provide for each other is important”. Makayla can also be found at the gym working on bettering herself, or giving children an example to look up to as a nanny.
Makayla first began her modeling journey by attending a modeling school as she perfected her signature walk and worked on poses and facial expressions. She says, “It seems easy but this is not an easy job,” she also makes mention of being featured in things like E! News, Canvas Rebel and New York Weekly. Makayla recalls her favorite project, “Probably modeling for Dixxon, it was my first “big” gig and my pictures were put on their website advertising their swimsuits.” Makayla doesn’t know when she first felt she was an artist, stating it came so naturally to her. She does recall, “I knew I was an artist/model when posing came so naturally to me. My walk visibly got better and my schedule was filled with gigs, from non paid, TFP, and collaborations, to actual paid work. I am now just trying to get to the top, and elevate.”
Photo by @cnsphoto
While modeling comes with its own pros, there are certainly challenges. One of her biggest challenges is comparing herself to others in the industry. She comments, “I know this industry is tough, and if your mindset is based on your insecurities, you're not going to do well. Everyone is different, different looks, different hair, people in general have their own beauty. And I had to learn that not everyone is looking for your specific look. It’s not that you're bad. I’m just really trying to push my insecurities away. I’m very confident in myself now. Ever since I started modeling my confidence has definitely skyrocketed.”
Because modeling became such an empowering way for Makayla to build her confidence, she believes art can change the world. “Art in different forms can change the world; we have music, actresses, actors, modeling (of course), and artists. Everyone loves to be entertained. People use these [art forms] to be distracted from the world around them, art calms people and puts them at ease,” she shares. When explaining her strengths as an artist, Makayla says her poses and facial expressions allow her to stand out as a model. When discussing how art can influence the world, Makayla believes it helps creatives be more motivated and informs them that they are not alone.
Photo by @ferrataiv
While you can catch her either on the runway or working on her artistic journey, we wanted to know what fans can expect next from Makayla. She says: “I’ll be walking in fashion shows, more photo shoots, I’ll be in New York next year, with a billboard. She says, “My biggest artistic inspiration is supermodel of the year, Bella Hadid. I’ve always admired watching her walk down the runway for Victoria’s secret and from there she really just took off. I can’t wait to get there one day. She is everything I admire in a model.” Makayla’s determination and drive makes her a model to keep on your radar. Watch her as she soars through her fascinating artist journey. She has already done so much in just a year. We can not wait to see where her passion for modeling takes her next. There is absolutely no doubt that beyond the runway, Makayla’s career will continue to flourish and advance.
Edited by KBR on January 10, 2025
