We’re looking forward to introducing you to Makena Schmidt. Check out our conversation below.
Makena, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’m ready to enter a new stage of my life, one where I grow and trust more than I ever have before. When I first landed my full-time job at a media production company in North Carolina, it wasn’t something I had planned or expected. Coming from a strong photography background, I had no idea what to expect regarding the new tools, new workflows, and new creative ways of thinking. It was intimidating to put myself in a space where I had so little experience, but that fear became part of the calling. This is where life led me, and it’s where I’m meant to be growing now.
Instead of allowing my fear to hold me back, I’ve chosen to embrace the fear. I’m showing up as an eager learner, soaking up every opportunity I can, asking endless questions, and allowing myself to be a novice again. I am incredibly thankful to the people who have taken me under their wings, shared insights with me, and who have had so much faith in my potential to spend their time and energy helping me grow.
This new season has inspired me to lean into my discomfort, trust the process, and develop in ways that I had not previously imagined.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, my name is Makena, and I am the creator of Makena Rose Photography. About one to two years ago, I had the opportunity to have my work featured on Bold Journey, an experience that helped build my confidence and reaffirm my creative direction. Since then, I have continued to expand my professional connections and deepen my involvement in visual storytelling.
Now, I am an alumna of SCAD, where I earned a degree in photography. My work takes a visual storytelling and documentary-driven approach, focusing on highlighting people, places, and purpose.
I am currently in the final stages of completing a Master’s degree in Public Relations, which has strengthened my understanding of branding and strategic storytelling. Overall, I am in a period of significant creative and professional growth, combining creativity, education, and hands-on experience to produce meaningful work.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
One version of me that served its purpose and must now be released is the part that relied on restaurant work as a fallback. Before stepping into my current position with a production company, I worked three different restaurant jobs simultaneously.
Waitressing was second nature; it was fun, familiar and provided me with an avenue to earn money while meeting people. The restaurant culture where I grew up (the beach) created the essence of my life every summer, as well as all throughout summertime, with tourists flooding in on vacation. When I was not sure about money, I knew that I could always pick up a waitressing job. Believe it or not, having three restaurant jobs enabled me to work with other amazing people (both coworkers and guests) and gave me the financial security to pay every dollar of my remaining student loan balance and graduate with no debt at all.
In addition, I made an important connection during that time who helped lead me to a true powerhouse who runs this town, and now happens to be my boss. That version of me did exactly what it needed to do. It supported me, protected me, and opened doors. Now, I can release it with gratitude and fully focus my energy on building the passions and career I’ve been working toward all along.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
To my younger self, I would say that chasing after perfection is a waste of time. Every step that I take along this journey will be in alignment with me, so I should relax, be myself and enjoy every moment of life. These are all things that I need to remind myself of often.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, mostly. The public version of me is definitely real, but it doesn’t include the behind-the-scenes moments. For example, like dancing in the kitchen while cooking dinner as if I’m headlining a sold-out concert. That version usually stays offstage.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
I’m always tap dancing to work. I’m at a huge milestone in both my life and my career, and I’m incredibly grateful to be where I am right now. I’m learning, growing, and being challenged in ways that continue to open doors I never could have imagined (especially coming straight out of college).
This journey, especially this past year, has unlocked more opportunities than I ever expected, and that excitement hasn’t worn off. Honestly, you’ll have to check back in with me in another two years and see where life has taken me next. I’m excited to continue building with intention and seeing how this chapter shapes what comes next.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://makenaschmidtphotography.zenfoliosite.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makenaschmidt.photography/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makena-schmidt-5b7124238
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@makenaschmidt.photography/videos
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