Meet Makayla Cordova

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Makayla Cordova. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Makayla below.

Makayla, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Ever since I can remember, I have been immersed in the world of fashion. Nicknamed the “fashionista” of my family, my favorite part of the day as a child was waking up in the morning and picking out my outfit. However, once I entered middle and high school, getting dressed soon became the most dreaded part of my day. Although my love for fashion and styling never diminished throughout my teenage years, I started becoming more hyper aware of my surroundings – and not in a good way. At such a vulnerable stage in my life, I was constantly worried about what my classmates thought of me, specifically how I looked and what I was wearing. All I wanted was to fit in with my peers, and in an attempt to fulfill this need I lost myself and my creative flair. What I once loved and looked forward to at the beginning of each day became a dreadful chore I fought to complete. Throughout my teenage years, I was consistently late to school in the morning because I would break down in front of the mirror, hating what I saw staring back at me. However, what I hated wasn’t actually the clothing itself. Instead, what I hated was the idea that I was about to wear this outfit to school in front of 800 of my peers, each with their own opinions and judgements. During this time, I was so afraid of how others would perceive me based on what I wore on my body that it destroyed me inside and I lost my passion for fashion. Nevertheless, when I arrived at SCAD last year, I gained a newfound perspective on self-expression. Being surrounded by creatives in such an artistic environment, I realized that it really didn’t matter what others thought of me as long as I was confident in myself. In addition to this fresh understanding, I also gained my purpose as an artist. Self-expression and uniqueness should be celebrated and embraced with confidence, which is how I want wearers to feel when they are in my designs. As a canvas for individuality, every design tells your specific story. Therefore, my purpose as a creative is to instill unapologetic authenticity in others through fashion, regardless of how onlookers may perceive you.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

With a focus in Fashion Marketing and Management as well as Fashion Design, I am very passionate about all things style. Ultimately, I want to make a positive impact on others through my work, which is what I find most thrilling about my profession. When it comes to fashion, the canvas is a blank page. It is more than just clothing; fashion is a form of self-expression that should be used to inspire and uplift. I aim to design for those who want to break free from the ordinary and showcase their true selves in a way that feels authentic and intentional. You are the creator of your own style, and I want to convey this message through my creations and stylistic choices. In regard to my secondary passion for social media, I believe that these types of platforms are the perfect stage for showcasing innovative fashion trends and making style more accessible, interactive, and inclusive than ever before. With the integration between social media and fashion, I see the unique opportunity to connect creative expression with a global audience.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Throughout my journey as an artist, I would say that the most impactful quality I have gained is consistency. My last two years of high school when I decided I wanted to pursue a real career in the fashion industry, I struggled with learning the ropes and getting into a groove. Using a sewing machine was a foreign task to me and the process of making technical flats had never even crossed my brain. There were many moments during this journey that I felt like giving up on my fashion dream for good. However, if I had not stayed consistent and pushed through these initial hurdles, I would not be where I am today. Similarly, one piece of advice I have for others looking to embark on their own artistic adventure is to embrace learning. Being in an environment surrounded by so many talented creatives, it is hard to venture out of your comfort zone and work on new projects that you may not succeed at. Although it may be discouraging at first, having a positive mental attitude and committing yourself to learning new things is the only way to triumph over your struggles. Lastly and most importantly, developing a strong personal brand is how you will excel within the industry. In the crowded world of social media, finding and refining what makes you stand out is crucial. Whether it’s your particular take on fashion, your storytelling ability, or the way you engage with your community, develop a brand that is instantly recognizable and authentic to you.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents have done for me throughout my journey as an artist is the unwavering support they have given me in following my dreams. By allowing me to pursue my passion for fashion and creativity without trying to steer me in a more conventional direction, they gave me the freedom to explore and grow on my own terms. Their belief in my potential not only provided me with the confidence to take risks but also created a foundation of trust that empowered me to fully immerse myself in my artistic journey. Their support has been a constant source of motivation, allowing me to believe in my path and persevere through challenges.

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