Meet Michaela “Mikki” McKenzie

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michaela “Mikki” McKenzie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Michaela “Mikki” , thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

In a world where comparison is definitely the killer of joy & burnout is definitely a real thing- it’s sooo important to simply remember your “why”. Who do you do your work for ? Who are you aiming to inspire? Why did you start this journey? Staying grounded in your purpose along with remembering the origin of your passions is key to forever fostering and cultivating your ever growing creativity!

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?

Hello all!

My name is Michaela “Mikki” McKenzie. I am a creative artist and content creator hailing from the historic capital city of Montgomery, AL. I am in love with all things art! My main mediums are dance, theatre, writing, filmmaking, modeling, and directing. Throughout my artistic journey I’ve gotten the chance to study under the Wideman Davis Dance Company as a mentee and artistic fellowship recipient & have even danced with many known artists at the World Games Opening Ceremony in 2022. I have a catalogue of three original books which are currently available on Amazon. Feel free to check out Chocolate Hearts: A Collection of Short Stories About Black Love”, “Not You Reading My Diary!: A Book of Black Girl Emotions In Rhyme” , and “The Fae & The Pharaoh”: A Black Fairytale”. My artistic works, whether on the page, screen, or stage, are crafted to tell black stories and place melaninated characters in situations that emulate black joy and go beyond the mundane or sometimes traumatic narratives of every day life.

My mission is to inspire every young dreamer, particularly those with little brown faces, fostering motivation even if their dreams extend beyond the realm of the arts. My dedication is for the “brown babies,” and I am committed to being a continual source of inspiration for the masses.

If you would like to follow my journey, my socials are listed below!

My Lifestyle Content Creation Instagram: @mikki.bellla

My Artistic Account: @michaelamikkimckenzie

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?

1)I Know What I Want.

First, you have to decide if you really want whatever you’re going after. If you were to wake up one day and were told that you would never be allowed to do this one thing again…would you feel sad or empty? I know if my art forms were taken away from me I wouldn’t be able to function. God crafted my artistry intricately into my personality. It’s a part of who I am. If you don’t feel that way about your “passion” then it’s not really for you and it’s time to much re-evaluating.

2)FIGHT.

Second, you have to be willing to fight for what you want. I’ve had people talk down my passions. I have been treated like I was unworthy of certain things and like a piece of pure untalented trash- but I know my worth. I know who I am. Keep fighting for what you love & work hard. Everything else will fall into place.

3)What Do You Do When You’re Not Okay?

Thirdly, you must have a way to take care of your mind when trouble comes. The Bible says, “To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Required.” When you are called to do something trials are sure to come your way and you need to have a way to take care of your mind, spirit, and body when these things happen. For me, I rely on things like my faith, meditation, stretching, journaling, creating, and working out to bring me back to a calm and collected state of mind when my world is rocky. It is IMPERATIVE that you take care of your mental health. You are the only person that you have to live with for the rest of your life….why would you not make efforts to make sure that you’re good when you feel yourself backing into a hole? Yes, LIFE GETS HARD- but it’s super important to do things to aid the waves of life from taking you over. I pray the readers heal from whatever turmoil is covering their hearts and minds. I’m sending so many blessings and virtual hugs your way <3!

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?

My support system….no one ever has to do anything for you. I am forever grateful to every soul that has encouraged me, given me advice, hugged me while I cried, prayed for me, or even bought a ticket to my shows. I wouldn’t be where I am today without God & those that truly support me.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Michaela “Mikki” McKenzie (@michaelamikkimckenzie)

J.L. Isaac ( @jazmyneilaac on Instagram)

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