Daily Inspiration: Meet Mikayla Lewis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikayla Lewis.

Hi Mikayla, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Born and raised in Kansas, storytelling (through music, television, newspaper, film + digital media) has been my passion since childhood. While earning a B.S. degree in Broadcast Journalism & Communications from Fort Hays State University, I interned in two departments with Country Music Television (CMT Nashville 2009-10).
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Upon graduation in December 2011, I began my news career as a multimedia journalist at KSN News (KSNW) in Wichita, KS, and returned to Music City to work for Fox 17 News (WZTV) from May 2013 to August 2018.

As a reporter who did their own shooting, editing, and on-air reporting, I was honored to receive multiple awards from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters and a Regional Murrow Award. Also, I’ve been featured nationally on CNN. I covered everything from natural disasters and mass shootings to entertainment and general assignment news.

In 2016, I started Be Reel Co. The freelance multimedia company provides video production, editing, and photography services for businesses, groups, individuals, artists + brands. In that same year, I started work on my first documentary film, Mary Martin: Music Maven (currently still in production).
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After leaving the news, I somehow got back into music. I wrote my first song at 5-years-old and pursued music through college, playing live, acoustic gigs in bars and coffee shops (and even the Bluebird for open mic night).

Now, I shoot and edit a local, indie music series called ZTV (in its second season with ZÜG productions doing audio) and I am producing my debut, self-titled album with ZÜG as well. I just got back into performing live and will be playing my first live show with ZÜG on the bill and as my backing band on July 3rd, 2022 at The 5 Spot (Nashville, TN) 6-8 pm.

Writing and performing have always been a passion of mine and it helps me to process the many emotions and waves of life.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has had its ups and downs. As a black woman, I’ve faced discrimination and prejudice over the years, especially with equal pay, but am glad to see things shifting finally.

In 2015, I became the survivor of a domestic violence situation at the hands of an ex-partner. He was convicted after a lengthy court process and it opened my eyes in many ways to the justice system and why many people never bother reporting domestic abuse and pressing charges.

The experience made me stronger on the other side. I became a crime victims advocate, speaking on behalf of Tennessee Voices for a Victims in prisons to men and women about my experience and escape from the dangerous situation I was in.

The city also had me host/moderate several crime victims events throughout the years as well, including A Season to Remember and See You At The Bridge, and Metro Nashville events.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a singer-songwriter with three singles out currently + available everywhere you get music. My next single from my upcoming debut album is, “Aquí” and will be out in the coming weeks.

Work-wise: I specialize in freelance video production, editing + photography for groups and individuals (mainly working with local indie artists on music-related projects at the moment).

I love working with local artists to bring their music videos, photos, or whatever creative endeavor/vision they have, to life. I find if I love what I do, then it doesn’t feel like work and it keeps the passion alive and projects thrive as a result.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
An attitude of gratitude + Authenticity makes all the difference as well, because people can smell BS a mile away. It evolves, but I have learned to express myself authentically and creatively, thankfully.

Do your best. No more, no less- that’s what I live by. Plus, have as much balanced, fun as you can while on the journey!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.mikaylalewis.com/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/the.mikayla.lewis/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMikaylaLewis
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCNJWhfBA7lPFOnDLIpj2O1g
• Other: https://linktr.ee/MikaylaLewis