Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Makayla Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Makayla, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I’ve been a photographer in the DFW area for over seven years, and what’s kept me grounded and resilient throughout this journey is knowing that I’m always a student, there’s always something new to learn. I’ve learned to clap for myself in the wins and reflect on the challenges without labeling them as losses. Every experience, whether smooth or messy, has helped shape me into a stronger creative and businesswoman. Resilience for me looks like embracing the learning process, staying humble, and giving myself grace as I grow.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m MK, a Visual Brand Strategist and Photographer based in Dallas-Fort Worth. I help entrepreneurs, creatives, and companies tell their brand stories through powerful, intentional imagery. Over the last seven years, I’ve built PicturemeMk Photography into more than just a photography business, it’s become a creative partner for brands looking to elevate their visual presence and connect with their audience in a meaningful way.
What makes my work special is how personal it is. I don’t just take pictures, I help people see themselves and their brand clearly, confidently, and creatively. Whether it’s a branding session, corporate shoot, or special project, I’m deeply invested in making sure the final product feels aligned with who they are and where they’re going.
Right now, I’m especially excited about a few new things in motion. I’ve launched a multi-tiered branding photography package designed specifically for teams and growing businesses, including headshots, stock-style brand visuals, and content libraries they can use all year long. I also recently launched a program for photographers that focuses on teaching both creative and business skills, because I’m passionate about helping other creatives build something sustainable.
Another passion project of mine is Content Corner, a collaborative program designed to give creatives and brand ambassadors hands-on opportunities to build content, learn in real-time environments, and grow their own personal brands while contributing to client sessions and creative campaigns. It’s a space for mentorship, collaboration, and intentional content creation.
At the heart of it all, I’m focused on impact, helping people show up visually as their best selves, and doing it with strategy, intention, and heart.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three qualities that have had the most impact on my journey are adaptability, vision, and intentional relationship-building.
Adaptability has been crucial because the creative industry is always evolving, trends shift, client needs change, and technology moves fast. Being willing to pivot, learn new tools, and improve systems has helped me stay relevant and resilient. For those just starting out, my advice is: don’t get too attached to doing things one way. Stay open to growth, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Vision has also carried me through. From the beginning, I had a sense that I wasn’t just taking pictures. I was building something bigger. Having that internal “why” helped me stay focused during slow seasons and gave me the motivation to keep pushing. If you’re early in your journey, take time to dream beyond the current moment. Visualize where you want to be, and let that guide your decisions, even when the path isn’t clear yet.
Lastly, intentional relationship-building has been a game changer. The people I’ve connected with, clients, collaborators, fellow creatives, have not only supported my business but helped shape it. My advice? Show up with genuine energy. Be consistent, communicate well, and treat every relationship like it matters because it does.
No matter what stage you’re in, keep learning, stay grounded, and give yourself grace. Growth takes time, but if you stay rooted in purpose, it’s all worth it.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Honestly, the most impactful partner in my journey has been God. There have been seasons where things didn’t make sense on paper, times when I questioned my path, felt overlooked, or hit unexpected roadblocks… but God has always been the consistent foundation I could return to. Through prayer, reflection, and obedience (even when it stretched me), I’ve developed the patience, wisdom, and creativity I needed to grow. Every opportunity, lesson, and door that opened, even the ones I didn’t expect, was aligned in divine timing. My faith has taught me how to listen, how to rest when needed, and how to trust that what’s for me won’t miss me. It’s a daily partnership, and I truly believe that my business is not just something I built. It’s something God entrusted to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Picturememk.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/picturememk
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/picturememk
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themksmith/
Image Credits
Makayla Smith – PicturemeMk Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
