Today we’d like to introduce you to Makayla Louis.
Hi Makayla, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hello, my name is Makayla Louis professionally known as Stvwe. I have been modeling for a year now. Initially, when I started modeling in the summer of 2017 I took a model call for John Casablanca. I was asked to join and did for a while but in turn, left and went to do differently. I put it on the back burner due to other personal involvements.
Fast forward to 2021 Mother’s Day I took a photo shoot with a known photographer in my hometown Clarksville and it was a boudoir shoot. Completely out of my element something I thought to never do because I wasn’t comfortable due to prior involvements. I said fuck that shit imma do it and imma work it out. I took the shoot and boom!
Something happened inside me and I was like yeah I think I can do this and the rest is history lol. No, but I spoke with the photographer, I knew he had a modeling group and I asked to join just to see and maybe learn something.
Literally, we set up schedules and stuff, he told me about the power shoot he was planning and that was it.
The power shoot was a content day of cosplay ideas, boudoir ideas, Halloween ideas, you get the idea. From that shoot, I saw professionalism, time management, and the creative flow of energy. All in all, I got to network with other models, Jordy’s Angels, and got to understand each aspect of modeling that each had and how they went about business. It was just the beginning as the time came and the return of photos came I became interested in magazine publishing from a different photographer who was there during the power shoot. Roland Reed that man there I learned a great deal of what I know now about the industry from. He told us as a group about featuring our photos in his magazine Alt Bella Magazine. After that honesty I learn fast I got into the spiral media group on Instagram and Facebook trying to do my own research aka homework to bring opportunities in for myself. Yes, I’m worth a modeling group but I’m an independent model. I would look for casting calls, model calls, TFP photographers looking for models, etc but while doing that looking into the people who cast and checking legitimacy, I’m talking extensive research because you have gotta be careful.
I found magazine submissions and took my photos from the shoots I did and submitted. I did the groundwork, watching, nothing let things, learning the ins and outs. Yes, I’ve come into situations where photographers were shady, and just had a bad experience with them; but that’s a part of learning you going to make mistakes and mess up but you keep going because someone going to see that and be asking you rather you ask them. I kept making bookings for myself and in turn, grew into something I would’ve never imagined. Honestly, I’m a whole tomboy that knows how to dress when I feel the need to. As I will always choose comfort over beauty but that’s what makes me unique and beautiful. A model the stigma is to always be beautiful but omg that’s exhausting. I’m a model that defies all boundaries of an imaged model I want to and have been testing all boundaries. I love trying need ideas all the time my creativity is never stopping.
I did a previous podcast with The Model Connection and spoke about how I want to be the voice of every person who thought to be a model and got discouraged by another’s words or opinions that you can do it. With determination and good drive and passion, you can do it. You don’t have to be a certain type or look certain as long as you stay true and stay focused you can do it. Today I’ve walked in four fashion shows with five upcoming shows, I’ve been published in various online magazines and featured in portrait portfolios. I’ve really done a lot of podcasts coming soon and two lined-up shoots lining up.
I’m directing shoots now I’m over a secured location. I’m doing a lot but I’m nowhere near close to where I wanna be I don’t know where I wanna be but I wanna keep going. I’m growing every day with every aspect of life this modeling is an expression of my creative side mixing with my other sides. I’m an ambassador for two different fashion brands, Spence Cocky Gear and Bella Butterfly Fashion.
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?
I’ve had my bad experiences, yes but I look at them as lessons because I’ve learned from the experiences. From personal situations, I was facing with my ex-fiancé to personal insecurities, etc. Battling myself to see if I could even handle what I was walking into for this modeling journey.
I had a male over a group of models that offered a good deal and I took it, but in the end it wasn’t what I wanted nor expected. I’ve experienced perverted photographers, unprofessional models, etc. It’s just parts of the industry that come up but you have to know how to navigate through it. Stay focused is my biggest thing in all cases. Research research research!!!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve walked in four fashion shows:
• Red Light Silhouette Fashion Show
• Breaking Spring Fashion Show
• Color Palette Fashion Show by Macy’s
• Lingerie/ Swimsuit Fashion Show in SC
I’ve participated in a wedding expo by Happily Connected with Enchanted Bridal Boutique
I’ve been published in:
•Alt Bella Magazine
• Dear Arabella
• Legendary Magazine
•Memorable Moments Magazine
•Picture Patch Photography Magazine
•Shutterfly Magazine
•MAC magazine
-And more
I’ve been on The Model Connection Podcast. I’ve been in countless photo shoots. I’ve directed my first group photoshoot with my Jordy’s Angels models.
My fashion brand Spence Cocky Gear I’m an official Head of the brand, I’m an ambassador, model, and apart of the Skills/Content Team I’m elevating within this fashion brand that’s been awarded the Hottest Brand Of The Year of 2022 by the SEA AWARDS.
I’m so proud of everything I’ve done do I feel like I appreciate it the way I should and acknowledge it no because I still going. I’m still going yes I acknowledge everything I’m doing but I see it as a step to keep going.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I have my Instagram page @stvwe_ and I have a modeling page on Facebook Queen Stvwe.
I can be contacted here or by my email at [email protected] for bookings and events. I check every single thing every day always looking for more opportunities to learn and grow.
Pricing:
- My secured location in Clarksville TN is available for biking starting at $65 hourly.
- My modeling rate is $75 hourly for bookings.
- My promo code for SpenceCockyGear is STVWE for 10% off
- My promo code for Bella Butterfly Fashion is STVWE for 10% off
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @stvwe
- Facebook: Queen Stvwe
- Twitter: @stvwe_
Image Credits
SHEIN, Sh0plocal, SpenceCockyGear, Enchanted Bridal Boutique, Roland Reed (@rolandreed9310), Jordy Harris (@viewtiful_jo901), Shacorey Osborne (@ozzyyphotgraphyyy), @superamaphotography, and Maurice Chase (@chaseportaits)
